The NSW Government will donate $25,000 in funding support for the Ballina Hot Meal Centre from the Premier's Discretionary Fund.
The Ballina Hot Meal Centre has been serving hot meals to people who are sleeping rough and other vulnerable people in Ballina Shire for over 27 years.
The Ballina Hot Meal Centre has only seen an increase in demand for its sit-down, take-away, and meals-on-wheels service for the most vulnerable in the community with 600 meals prepared by a purely volunteer staffed service across the 2 days per week it is open.
Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:
"We know people are doing it tough and now more than ever, organisations like the Ballina Hot Meal Centre are a lifeline in our regional communities.
"I'm pleased to provide the hard-working volunteers with this funding so they can continue serving hundreds of meals each week, making life a little easier for those who may be struggling or need some extra support."
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:
"Providing this service for nearly 30 years relying solely on donations is a testament to the spirit of the volunteers at the Ballina Hot Meal Centre and the generosity of the Ballina community.
"I was grateful to meet with Dawn and the volunteers who provide not only a meal but a friendly face, offering comfort and support to those who need it most."
Member for Ballina Tamara Smith said:
"Incredible and selfless volunteers have been running Ballina's only soup kitchen for nearly 3 decades without government assistance. As well as the amazing local businesses that donate food and money, our community stepped up where previous governments did not deliver.
"I am very grateful to the Premier Chris Minns for his humane response to the funding needs of the service, and for recognising the incredible work that this community run organisation is doing to improve vulnerable people's lives. This funding not only keeps the centre open for another year but it lifts the morale of the volunteers who keep it going.
"I would like to thank the volunteers and every person and organisation that have donated over many years and who have not given up on this service - the only organisation that remained open and provided meals to people in our community throughout COVID 19. The volunteers, most of whom were vulnerable and at risk of infection themselves, did not step down but instead modified their service delivery to provide takeaway meals.
"Today's announcement recognises the unbelievable effort of volunteers in our community who have fundraised every year, volunteered to collect and cook and serve meals every year, and kept going. You are absolute heroes in my eyes and in the eyes of our community."
General Manager of Ballina Hot Meal Centre, Dawn Sword said:
"The Ballina Hot Meal Centre is operated and run entirely by volunteers, some who have been here since its inception, and all of whom help provide a warm and welcoming environment where they feed those in need not just with food but with kindness and hope.
"We are so grateful for the continual support and advocacy from our local Member Tamara Smith MP who has helped us to secure this much needed funding from the Premier, and thank his representative Minister Hoenig for joining us today.
"Without this funding it would have been a struggle to keep our doors and kitchen open to continue servicing the community at a time when it is most needed."
