Social Cafe launch was a big success – a wonderful gathering to kick-start Gateway Community Services’ Social Pop-up cafe at the South Kingsville Community Centre. The cafe aims to address issues of isolation and loneliness in our community by offering a free cuppa and opportunity to meet and chat with other local residents and be connected with community organisations and support services.
Cr Jonathon Marsden, Mayor of Hobsons Bay City Council officially opened the cafe and acknowledged and thanked all the donors, volunteers and community support that made this project a reality. Alex, the project coordinator, alongside five wonderful volunteers are ready to deliver this exciting project in and around the Western suburbs.
Gandel Foundation proudly supported the engagement of a Community Outreach Coordinator through the Community Grants program. The Community Outreach Coordinator will identify high risk areas to position the pop-up cafe where it could benefit the most people, work with local councils, oversee volunteer training and recruitment and develop the social enterprise aspect of the cafe.
Gateway Community Services
Gateway is a not-for-profit community-based organisation catering for a broad range of community members living in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne. Gateway has a diverse range of services including social support, emergency food relief, volunteer recruitment, training and community education programs, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) engagement programs and disability respite. Gateway also manages the Hobsons Bay Community Register and assists up to 1200 people weekly.