Residents invited to celebrate at a free community festive meal event

The City of Greater Bendigo has provided $33,608 in grants to support local groups to hold free community festive meal events or provide food relief hampers in December.

Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the festive meal events are aimed at supporting local community connections and inclusion during the festive season.

“This year the City increased the maximum grant from up to $1,000 to $2,000 to reflect the significant rising cost of food involved in hosting these events,” Cr Metcalf said.

“This has resulted in the City providing funding totalling $33,608 to 21 local groups for community meal events and the provision of food relief hampers in the lead up to Christmas.

“This year the City received more than double the applications we received last year. This significant increase in applications mirrors growing social isolation and food security challenges that are being observed across our community by many organisations.

“The grants have made it possible for a range of small, local events to be held across Greater Bendigo rather than one large event taking place in central Bendigo.  It also responds to an identified whole-of-municipality gap in food relief at this time of the year.

“The community festive meal events are always well attended and are aimed at helping people meet others in their community and learn more about the work of local groups.

“We are really pleased so many local groups are again hosting events this year as we know that having opportunities to connect with others is really important for community wellbeing. The events give local groups a chance to showcase their great work and how others can get involved and they also provide opportunities for residents to connect at this special time of the year.

“Events like these would not be possible without the support of volunteers. Many of these events are also being supported by the generosity of local businesses, reminding us that it’s important to buy local and support small business whenever we can.

“Anyone can attend these free events taking place in December and I hope lots of people will take up the opportunity to join in.”

The following organisations are hosting events in December and interested people should contact the event organiser if they would like to attend for catering purposes:

• St Kilian's Parish
• Meals at the Bridge Lifeline Inc.
• Eaglehawk Community House Inc.
• Sedgwick Hall
• Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services
• Kangaroo Flat Community House Inc.
• Bendigo Baptist Church
• Anglican Parish of Eaglehawk
• A Reasonable Christianity
• Madcow Cafe (for the homeless)
• Heathcote Food Share Inc.
• The Salvation Army