JOHN Tetteroo could have opted for plenty of other hobbies in retirement. Golf was certainly on the cards. But he says not even a satisfying drive straight down a sunny fairway is quite as rewarding as his voluntary work at Matt’s Place.

For more than 16 years, he’s been numbered among the dedicated crew who help prepare and plate up meals as part of the vital bayside Melbourne community meal program.

Each week he witnesses the difference it’s making in people’s lives.

“We try to do something different every week,” Mr Tettero said. “Sometimes it’s roast chicken or casseroles. If we get a supply of mince then we will do a bolognese with spaghetti – that’s always a favourite.”

Mr Tetteroo said the steady increase in patronage since the height of the pandemic illustrated the ongoing need in the community.

“It’s more than just food,” he said. “People come for the social interaction and connection. We are helping predominantly single people but occasionally young families who might be struggling financially, could even be homeless or just in need of a boost.

It’s humbling as a
volunteer to see how something as simple as a decent meal and a chat can build positivity into somebody’s life.

Matt’s Place 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 had never been more important.

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

“For many families and individuals, accessing healthy and nutritious food is a constant challenge – this is more evident as we grapple with the rising cost of living,” Ms Cavallo said.

“Matt’s Place remains an outlet for those people who may never have imagined they might need a helping hand. Our doors are always open.”

Mr Tetteroo said the service was just as important to the many volunteers who chipped in week after week.

“The way I see it, if you want something to do you might as well do something that helps people – if you see a need, you can hop in and do it.”

Matt’s Place opens at St Chad’s Anglican Church at Chelsea every Tuesday and St Matthew’s Anglican Church at Cheltenham every Thursday.

For more information about the support available or how to volunteer, phone 03 9585 2455 or click here.

Bayside Community Care celebrated International Women’s Day with an incredible panel of women from diverse areas of the not-for-profit sector. Close to 100 women heard from panellists, including Glenys Reid (Chatty Cafe Scheme), Amelia Pickering (Prison Network), Stacey Aslangul (St Kilda Gatehouse) and Elisa Iurato (World Vision Australia).

The night explored what gender equity looks like in the most vulnerable parts of our community.

The annual Kingston Woman of the Year Awards are coming up on March 8, and Bayside Community Care is thrilled to hear Matt’s Place Cheltenham Team Leader Janet Arnfield is a nominee for this year’s Award.

Jan works tirelessly across several charities as a volunteer. Her contribution is invaluable as she makes our community an inclusive, safe, thriving place. We congratulate Jan on this nomination.

The Awards ceremony will occur at Kingston Arts Centre on Wednesday, 8 March 2022 at 9.45 – 12 pm.

Bayside Community Care is delighted to welcome the sixth baby girl to the Bayside Forever Home in Johannesburg, South Africa. Mbali joined the Bayside family, including the other baby girls – Bohlale, Tlhokomelo, Lakeesa, Lily and Amahle. The home is now a girls’ home, with a wonderful mum-to-baby ratio giving each child the necessary personal attention they need to develop.

For as little as $50 a month ensures one baby receives the start in life she deserves. Consider sponsoring today!

Just over a week ago, an army of volunteers packed over 200 Christmas hampers to give out to people doing it tough this Christmas.

Volunteers also wrapped, packed and posted 95 Angel Tree gifts for children with a parent in prison, helping to bring restoration to families. Bayside Community Care was able to donate the value of another 24 gifts to Prison Fellowship Australia for their Angel Tree program.

Thank you to Beaumaris Rotary for their invaluable support!

Bayside Community Care congratulates longstanding Matt’s Place volunteer Joy Sparks for being titled “Australia’s kindest person” as part of World Kindness Day.

Joy is renowned for her heart for others and always looking at how to help.

Joy volunteers as a chef at Matt’s Place Cheltenham and is known for her amazing desserts.

The Dandenong Ranges was hard hit by storms in June and emergency relief is urgently required. Many families and households are without power and drinking water.

Bayside Community Care is collecting much-needed supplies for the community relief effort.

Donations are needed of the following items:

  • Bottled water
  • Sanitary items/personal hygiene items
  • Nappies
  • Sleeping bags
  • Blankets
  • Torches (including batteries)

Donations can be dropped off at 99-101 Argus St, Cheltenham on Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 June.