Cootamundra residents looking for a delicious, hot, home cooked meal will now be able to do so in comfortable conditions all year round, thanks to a $6,000 grant awarded to the Cootamundra Community Kitchen from the NSW Government.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke visited the Cootamundra Community Kitchen last week to pass on the good news to dedicated volunteers Elaine Berryman and Anne McNally.
“I am so proud to have supported this project which will see the safe social space greatly enhanced so it can be utilised all year round, and provide comfortable conditions for both volunteers and community members through the installation of new heating and cooling systems,” Ms Cooke said.
“The Cootamundra Community Kitchen has played an integral part in the community for over 12 years now and has provided thousands of meals to individuals and families.”
The community group who operates out of the Cootamundra Ministry Hub, serves up to 100 meals every Wednesday to locals.
Cootamundra Community Kitchen Public Officer Sam McNally said the kitchens environment has evolved over the years.
“We have found over the years that there as much as there is a need for the physical aspect of nourishment, there is a much greater need of social inclusion and sense of community and belonging,” Ms McNally said.
“The Cootamundra Community Kitchen has been operating for almost 12 years. We have been serving the community every Wednesday in school terms, a 2 course meal. These meals are free of charge and are available to any individual, no questions asked.”
“We have aspired to move away from the typical ‘soup kitchen’ line up, to a restaurant style service. Our heart is to show community that they are valued and to support them in their current situation through food and friendship.”
“We greatly appreciate both local and state members for the donation to assist us in providing reverse cycle systems for our space. This will allow community to continue to meet together, despite the extreme elements we can experience in Cootamundra. As a not for profit, relying solely on donations, the cost of this has been a pipe dream until now. We are extremely grateful to be able to extend another layer of consistency to the vulnerable of our community.”
Ms Cooke said the kitchens success would not be possible without its selfless army of volunteers who give up their time to support the community.
“Numerous local business donate food supplies to the kitchen each week so it is evident how appreciated the organisation is within the town and the vital service they provide to the community.”
The $6,000 grant provided by the NSW Government will further boost the project funds that were donated to the kitchen from the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council in 2020.
