Chelsea’s Matt’s Place marks 15 years with 11,000 free meals
30 July 2024 Hits:0
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.
