Bayside Community Care has supported people through tough times for over thirty years. As the benevolent arm of Bayside Church, it evolved from the commitment of Bayside parishioners to honour and serve their community, particularly those experiencing hardships (click to read more about Bayside Church history).
In 2003, Bayside Community Care received Public Benevolent Institution Status through the ATO. While many of the programs are supported by Bayside Church volunteers and donations, the organisation is non-religious.
Three Decades of Impact
Today, Bayside Community Care has grown significantly both in the number of projects and the breadth of its focus. It is made up of a vibrant group of people, including volunteers and those who have found a place of care, support, and connection.
The Community Christmas Lunch was launched the same year as the church (1992). It provided a magnificent Christmas meal for people in the community who would otherwise be alone at this time of year. This program ran until 2020.
Bayside Community Care upholds values and ethical practices grounded in the belief that every person deserves respect and dignity. Matt’s Place Community Meals is a community program offering home-cooked meals and social connection to those experiencing economic hardship or social isolation. Established in 2007 in Cheltenham, the program expanded to Chelsea, where it celebrated 15 years of service in 2024. Together, the two sites now serve over 200 meals each week to individuals and families facing financial difficulties or loneliness.
Alongside meals, Matt’s Place hosts a range of allied health and wellbeing services to support guests. These include flu vaccinations, optometry checks, dental screenings, and hearing checks, as well as free haircuts provided by Hair Aid. By integrating these services into the program, Matt’s Place helps improve the overall health, confidence, and wellbeing of guests in a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally safe environment.
Additionally, individuals experiencing difficult times can access support through the Food Relief program, which offers food assistance year-round.
The care and support at the heart of Bayside Community Care’s projects extend beyond our local community to our global neighbours. In partnership with Acres of Love, we opened the Bayside Forever Home in South Africa in 2005. This home provides safety, stability, and nurture for children who had been abandoned, giving them the chance to grow up in a loving, family-style environment.
Over the years, we have seen a generation of young boys grow up and leave the house to begin lives of their own. Today, the Bayside Forever Home is filled with life again, providing care and support for six young girls, giving them the love and stability they need to thrive.
There are numerous ways that you can become involved in Bayside Community Care’s practical expressions of love in action. We look forward to hearing from you.
