Author: Sandra Cavallo

In celebration of Matt’s Place Chelsea’s 15th birthday, we got chatting to guest Angelo.

How long have you been coming to Matt’s Place Chelsea?  On and off for about 12-18 months.

Why did you start coming to Matt’s Place? I was looking for a sense of community. I connected with Bruce at St Chad’s Church at the market.

How has Matt’s Place made a difference in your life? Matt’s Place has the recipe right – good food, people and essence.  Getting out of the house makes a difference. We don’t see our neighbours anymore. We’re all looking at our phones. We don’t talk to each other now.  When I come to Matt’s Place I get to talk to people. It’s like the way we used to see our neighbours. When people have a meal together we don’t see our differences.

At this year’s International Women’s Day event, we enjoyed a fantastic celebration of women’s achievements and delved into strategies for fostering greater inclusion.

Federal Member for Goldstein, Zoe Daniels, joined an inspiring panel of speakers, including Microsoft’s Bev Simpson, Dr. Julie McClellan from the Happy Baby Clinic and Kate Reeves from Impact for Women.

Each of these dynamic speakers offered unique insights and experiences aimed at female empowerment.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues, bad news can dominate the news.

But even when times are tough, there are still good stories worth celebrating.

Matt’s Place community meals program is ensuring those in the community who are struggling, don’t have to do it alone.

In 2023, we served nearly 21,500 meals at Chelsea and Cheltenham and attendance jumped by 35 per cent from the previous year.

We handed out 756 hampers – a 25 per cent spike.

But what the statistics don’t show are the countless hours of conversations, points of connection, friendships forged, and tears shed by participants who finally feel listened to and supported.

All this is possible thanks to the incredible team of volunteers who contributed over 14,000 hours of their time – an increase of 42 per cent.

This year, we are open to new collaborations and possibilities to strengthen community connections and ensure these good news stories continue.

 

Bayside Community Care general manager, Sandra Cavallo, has received a top gong for her service to the community.

Sandra was awarded The Paul Harris Fellow award by Rotary International, in recognition of  “tangible and significant assistance” to the local community through the work of Bayside Community Care.

The Paul Harris Fellowship Award was established by Rotary International to acknowledge individuals who exemplify exceptional service in the spirit of the organisation’s founder.

“This award reflects not just my efforts but all those who have contributed to the work of Bayside Community Care,” Sandra said.

“We have had a tremendous impact on the community over three decades, and our deep desire is to continue to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.”

Find out more about the Paul Harris Fellow Award, here.

It was great to launch Hair Aid haircuts at Matt’s Place, Chelsea in August.

Thanks to the extraordinary work of the HAIR AID International Project volunteer professionals, patrons enjoyed a fresh cut and five-star service.

A new haircut provides dignity and respect for those in need, empowering them to take positive steps forward.

Hair Aid Community Cuts coordinates hairdressers to volunteer in their local communities.

DEMAND for a thriving Bayside community meals program will continue to be met after a Melbourne public transport operator signed up to support Matt’s Place.

Kinetic, which operates a third of Melbourne’s bus network, is now a major sponsor of Bayside Community Care’s twice-weekly meal program.

General manager Sandra Cavallo said the support from Kinetic is a key step to ensuring Matt’s Place continues to help those in need.

“We are seeing the impact of rising housing costs, rental shortages and increasing financial pressures,” Ms Cavallo said.

“Homelessness is becoming a reality for some individuals who are unable to make ends meet, while families are going without the essentials needed to stay happy and healthy.

“Partnering with Kinetic will ensure we continue to meet these needs.”

Matt’s Place has seen a 51 percent increase in attendance in the June quarter compared to the same time last year.

Demand for food relief hampers also spiked at 60 percent for the March quarter.

Kinetic is the first private sector partner for Matt’s Place.

Kinetic regional manager VIC/TAS/NSW Graham Smith said supporting the program was an important way to help make a difference.

“We are here to improve the livelihoods of the communities we serve and that goes beyond just delivering bus services. It also extends to supporting programs like Matt’s Place that are creating a real and positive impact in local communities.

“Through the partnership, we’ll support people who may be doing it tough and the incredible work of an army of volunteers who are making a difference one meal at a time.”

Kinetic is Australasia’s largest bus operator with a network of 5000 buses and a team of more than 7,300 people operating urban, regional, and school, charter and corporate and aviation services including SkyBus.

Bayside Community Care relies on government grants, church donations, and community group support to continue.  Find out more here.

WHEN Gladys Lim first arrived in Australia from Singapore almost four decades ago she had never felt more alone.

 “I didn’t know anybody,” Ms Lim said. “There was not a single person in my life who I could call a friend.”

Aged just 33, the Chinese-born Singaporean found herself in an unhappy relationship and was unable to work or socialise. 

“I remember my son told me one day I hadn’t spoken to anybody for over a year,” Ms Lim said.  

“I think I was trying to protect myself. “When you are unhappy and you don’t know anybody or where to turn, I guess that is what can happen.” 

In more recent years, Ms Lim said she had discovered how maintaining a small network of friends was key to ensuring her life had purpose. 

Ms Lim is a regular at the free weekly meals offered through community program Matt’s Place at the Melbourne bayside suburbs of Cheltenham and Chelsea.  

The initiative was first established by the Kingston Interchurch Council after a local need was identified.    It is now managed by Bayside Community Care, the benevolent arm of Melbourne’s Bayside Church. 

General manager Sandra Cavallo said the service provided an opportunity for people to come together.  

“I think we can sometimes underestimate the value of social connection,” she said.  

“Matt’s Place is more than somewhere to come for a free meal.  

“It’s a welcoming environment where people of all circumstances can meet and mingle. 

“At a time when social isolation is a real issue across our communities, granting people a chance to come together has never been more important.” 

Last year Matt’s Place volunteers served up 17,000 meals to more than 6200 people in need. 

A food bank also provides weekly staples so clients never leave empty-handed. 

Ms Lim said the service had been a tangible support for her when she needed it most. 

“I speak up more these days,” Ms Lim said. 

“I have learned that people are not mind readers and you have to verbalise the things you need. 

“Of course, that can take time. 

“But services like Matt’s Place provide a space where you know somebody will be there to listen. 

“If I feel bad, I will tell people. If I need support, I will ask for it. 

“That’s something I have finally learned to do. 

“I come here for the free meal which is fabulous but then I like talking with my friends.”

Ms Lim said she always reserved at least two seats at a table each week for the people whose friendships she valued most.  

“Every week, I find another reason to smile,” she said. 

“I didn’t come here expecting to make such fabulous friendships – but it is something for which I am deeply grateful.”