DANDENONG
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
Tuesday, 9 January, 2024
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YEAR IN REVIEW INSIDE: A LOOK BACK AT WHAT NEWS IN 2023 PAGE x PAGE MADE x
SPORT
12496498-DL22-21
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Community focus By Sahar Foladi We have left behind the difficult years of lockdown behind as we head into 2024, however, the ripple effects of covid are still felt today. As families, individuals and the entire community slowly recover even now let’s not forget the extraordinary organisations that constantly contribute to the positive growth of the community. The Kindness community helps to feed almost 10,000 people in Greater Dandenong as demands for meal services increase dramatically in response to cost of living pressures among many. In fact, they were founded in 2020 in response to covid-19, which saw them cook and deliver meals to the emergency hotels and within a few months they expanded to street meal service. However, the cost-of-living pressures coupled with the soaring interest rates and grocery bills are only a few of the setbacks forcing families into the “breaking point.” At times like this, it’s only befitting to have Kindness Community as our People of the Year 2023. The recognition also goes out to each volunteer, as well as the organisation overall, making up a dedicated team of 25. The team provides weekly drop-in meal service on Tuesdays at Hemmings Park where everyone is welcomed. They also deliver packed food to local homeless hostels and boarding houses. Founder and director of the Kindness Community, Danielle Ashley said 2023 has been the biggest year for them. “We increased our food quantities exponentially thanks to building new partnerships with local food rescue organisations. “We have grown our service offerings, improved client referrals, volunteer numbers and support for clients at our weekly service,” she said. “We have developed new relationships with council and local businesses, and strengthened relationships with our clients, by continuing to
LORETTA LYNN PATSY CLINE CONWAY TWITTY
Christmas Lunch organised by the Kindness community to support those doing it toughest on the day. provide reliable support every week.” Christmas lunch with the community was organised where 100 people attended the event and took with them food hampers. At a time where majority organisations are closed down on Christmas day Ms Ashley said they decided to host lunch as they found many do the “toughest on that day.” “We expected the demand to grow by 20 to 30 per cent over the holidays but every week is different. “The lunch was great, we had beautiful conversations.” City of Greater Dandenong mayor, Lana Formoso was also present to offer a hand at the
turnout of 100 attendees. “We’re not just feeding people, the key point is about loneliness and isolation,” Ms Ashley said. “We help people to reconnect with the community, we’re here to listen, share stories, sit down ,have conversations, have a laugh and play good music. “It’s an experience not just, have a meal and off you go, some services are transactional like that but we’re about connection. “People build relationships in this community, some even bring along their friends so it’s like a family. Continued page 2
Picture: SUPPLIED
2023 PEOPLE OF THE YEAR
“THE BEST COUNTRY MUSIC THEATRE SHOW IN AUSTRALIA”
A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO LORETTA LYNN & FRIENDS THROUGH MEGA-HITS & STORIES
FRIDAY, 2ND FEBRUARY DRUM THEATRE - DANDENONG 12661109-JC02-24
WWW.COALMINERSDAUGHTER.COM.AU - 8571 1666