Author: Sandra Cavallo

We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Cheltenham Football Netball Club, which reached out to Community Bank Parkdale and Mentone East for a recommendation of a local group making a difference in people’s lives.

We are incredibly grateful that the club chose to support Matt’s Place community meals program. At the season launch, we were pleasantly surprised by a generous donation from Community Bank Parkdale and Mentone East, marking the beginning of what we hope will be a long and impactful collaboration with both organisations.

Bayside Community Care programs kick off in 2025, but this can’t happen without reflecting on the impact of 2024.

The Matt’s Place community meals program continues to be a lifeline for vulnerable and isolated community members, offering a hot meal and a place to belong. In 2024, we provided over 240 hours of social connection, fostering friendships, combating loneliness, and building a sense of belonging.

Our impact last year included:

• 22,500 meals served across Chelsea and Cheltenham—a 10% increase in attendance from the previous year.
• 1,153 food relief hampers distributed—a staggering 53% increase, reflecting the growing need for support.
• 13,500 kilograms of food rescued—transformed into meals and pantry staples for those doing it tough.

But these numbers only tell part of the story. Behind each statistic are countless conversations, friendships formed, and moments of genuine care, where participants felt heard, valued, and supported.

None of this would have been possible without our incredible volunteers, who gave nearly 22,000 hours of their time in 2024—a 56% increase from the previous year. Their unwavering commitment and compassion are at the heart of everything we do.

 

Student Grace O’Shea interviews three Matt’s Place Guests and discovers how they found a nurturing friendship and support.

Community member Jill and her companions, Caroline and Chris, greatly appreciate the support of thoughtful volunteers at Matt’s Place community meals program. According to them, the best part about Matt’s Place is “seeing and communicating with the volunteers.” Today, I interviewed these three ladies with the intention of gathering their experience at Matt’s Place and hearing from them the significance it holds in their hearts.

At Matt’s Place, guests can enjoy a delicious two-course meal and meaningful social interaction with other community members.

For dessert today, lemon drizzle cake, pavlova, and chocolate ganache with cream are on the menu —a difficult choice to make.

When asked about the benefits of attending, the women explained that the program “gives you company and conversation” and is “a place to look forward to.” Jill notes that the volunteers “really put themselves out so we enjoy ourselves,” and on special occasions, she says there’s “always a little extra something on the table, like a rose or flower.”

As a vegetarian, Jill feels at ease knowing there will be something she can enjoy. Volunteers are “very accommodating” and keen to offer you a hot drink or one of the many sweet treats from the morning tea baskets they carry around.

Jill fondly recalls a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, when green serviettes were placed on the tables to mark the event. Her face warms at the memory. These are just a couple of the little things that, combined, have an enormous impact on the guests.

Across from Jill and to my left, Caroline adds, “The volunteers here have incredible memories.”

“They remember I have a weak black tea with sugar.” She chuckles, and there is a collective nod around the table.

Of the three, Chris has been attending Matt’s Place the longest. She’s been coming for three years, and in the last two, she’s met Jill and Caroline.

There’s support for everyone in the lovely communal atmosphere of Matt’s Place. Inside, you’ll find people from all walks of life and vital companionship in times of need.

Providing a welcoming, supportive environment where attendees feel cared for and worthy is the outcome Matt’s Place strives for.

“Matt’s Place strives to provide a place that is welcoming and has the comforts of home,” remarks the General Manager of Bayside Community Care, Sandra Cavallo.  “When times are tough or perhaps we are feeling lonely, we want to know someone cares, that is the feeling we aim to create at Matt’s Place.”

Matt’s Place community meals program operates every Tuesday at Chelsea from 10.45am-1pm and every Thursday at Cheltenham from 10.30am-1pm.

FIFTEEN years after opening its doors, a vital Bayside community program at Chelsea continues to meet demand, with volunteers dishing up almost 11,000 free meals last year alone.

Managed by Bayside Community Care, Matt’s Place Chelsea was established in 2009—two years after the program successfully launched at Cheltenham.

Bayside Community Care general manager, Sandra Cavallo, said a dedicated team of volunteers across both locations was helping to support anyone facing increasing cost-of-living pressures.

“Fifteen years ago, we recognised there was a demand to reach more people in need in Bayside Melbourne and I’m grateful to say, thanks to the enormous contribution of our volunteer workforce and our corporate donors, we continue to help make a difference in the lives of people who need a hand,” Ms Cavallo said.

She said the anniversary of the Chelsea location offered an important opportunity to reflect on everything that has been achieved.

In 2023, Matt’s Place Chelsea attendance increased by 22 per cent from the previous year.

An average of 90 guests are served weekly, with over 10,700 meals provided in 2023.

In 2024, attendance spiked again with a 17 per cent increase in the March quarter

compared to the previous year.

In total, more than 21,000 meals have been prepared across both locations in the last 12 months.

“Melbourne’s bayside suburbs are often regarded as affluent, but I think we often forget that beneath that veneer, there are thousands of battlers who really struggle to make ends meet,” Ms Cavallo said.

Additional services include free haircuts, flu vaccinations, hearing and eye checks and dental screenings.

“We have consistently provided a service that not only ensures participants receive a hearty meal – but we can also connect them to services which can help prevent the social or financial spiral,” Ms Cavallo said.

She said Matt’s Place is open to everyone but primarily serves individuals experiencing loneliness or social and economic vulnerability.

Guests include the homeless, new migrants, adults experiencing loneliness and individuals affected by mental health issues.

“As living costs continue to pressure household budgets, spaces like Matt’s Place are more vital than ever – not only for food but, most importantly, for the connections and relationships,” Ms Cavallo said.

“Our aim is to continue to increase our engagement for the most vulnerable in our

community, supporting their social, mental, and physical wellbeing.”

Matt’s Place also hosts the Chatty Café Scheme, which opens ahead of the lunchtime service allowing guests to enjoy a coffee and a sweet treat before the main meal, providing more time to chat and form friendships.

Matt’s Place Chelsea celebrated 15 years at a special luncheon on Tuesday 30 July.

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.