Excitement in the air for Transit
With the $400,000 funding confirmed for the new Support and Skills Hub at Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support, its volunteers and staff could not be more excited for the months to come.
Michelle Pinxt, Transit’s grants and community relations officer, said that “there are no words for the excitement”.
“The new possibilities for our guests are going to be extraordinary, so many of our guests are just not engaging in the services that they need, and the delay between when they come to us and they do use those services is too great.
Critical funding for Narre soup kitchen
The Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support in Narre Warren has been granted a $400,000 grant by the City of Casey through its Community Service Organisation Growth and Attraction Fund, following recent refurbishment in late 2024.
$400,000 grant awarded to Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support
The City of Casey are thrilled to announce that Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support has been awarded a $400,000 grant via Council’s Community Service Organisation Growth and Attraction Fund 2025-2027.
The grant is the largest ever awarded by the City of Casey and will be used to establish a Support and Skills Hub at Transits’ existing facility in Webb Street, Narre Warren. The planned Hub will provide Casey residents access to much needed outreach support services, on-site in a trusted and safe space.
The Community Service Organisation Growth and Attraction Fund is a multi-year grant program that supports initiatives that address service accessibility gaps and respond to community needs.
On Wednesday 14 May, City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen and Cr Kim Ross met with Transits’ Grants and Community Relations Officer Michelle Pinxt to share the good news.
“I’d like to congratulate Transit and their 120 volunteers who provide a fantastic service and do wonderful work in our community. Navigating government systems can be overwhelming, especially for those who may lack basic computer skills, don’t speak English or have mental health challenges. The creation of this Hub will increase access to vital services and help our most vulnerable residents.” Cr Koomen said.
The 2025 Casey Community Awards winners were announced at a gala celebration event at Bunjil Place on Friday, 11 April.
Highly Commended - Community Group of the Year Award
Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support in Narre Warren supports over 1,500 individuals and families weekly by providing fresh food, groceries, and free three-course meals. It serves as a space of connection and hope for those facing food insecurity, homelessness, or unemployment. Through the efforts of 100+ volunteers, Transit creates a compassionate, inclusive environment where people find community and dignity.
2024 Awards: Celebrating Excellence and Industry Partnerships
The 2024 Community Builder Award was presented to Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support, Dandenong, operated by a group of committed community volunteers
Transit soup kitchen reopens
The Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support in Narre Warren held its grand reopening on Saturday 23 November, after undergoing renovations earlier this year.
Michelle Pinxt, the kitchen’s grants and community relations officer, said that she was, and is “absolutely excited and relieved and happy and everything in between”.
New look for local soup kitchen
Local tradies and businesses have joined forces in a valiant effort to transform and renovate the Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support in Narre Warren.
Local heroes, big impact
Ordinary Australians who go above and beyond to help others in the community and the organisations they help make a difference, have been celebrated and financially rewarded as part of a nationwide recognition program.
Announcing your 2024 Westfield Local Hero
Lisa Milkovic volunteers up to six days a week as a food coordinator at Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support, ensuring over 1,500 people in need receive meals and groceries every week. With Lisa's support, Transit also provides a sit-down three-course meal twice weekly.
"I simply love Transit. It's more than just a place – it is a genuine community,” Lisa explains. “What fills me with joy is connecting with guests – a comforting hug, a smile, a hand on their shoulder. Listening to their stories deeply moves me and reminds me of the importance of love and support over material things."
Q&A…with Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support volunteer Lisa Milkovic
I’m a Nanny of two gorgeous grandchildren. My granddaughter is two years old and my grandson is five weeks old. They just fill my heart with so much love.
Narre Warren Christian Church – Transit Drop-In Centre
All Welcome’ is the message that greets you on arrival at the Transit Drop-In Centre at Narre Warren Christian Church. And, with over 1400 people registered to pick up food, inclusivity is certainly the ethos of the centre
City of Casey Volunteer Award winners announced
To continue the high calibre of award recipients, Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support were announced as recipients of the 2018 Casey Volunteer Group Award. The 98 committed volunteers that make up this group provide nutritious meals, friendship and support, to those who are marginalised within the broader Narre Warren community.
Get an inside look at Narre Warren Transit Soup Kitchen as Leader reporter Megan Bailey spends a night with volunteers
SOUP kitchens are usually associated with inner city areas. But a growing number of homeless people in the suburbs, along with an increasing number of people becoming unemployed or underemployed, means demand for Narre Warren’s Transit Soup Kitchen has never been higher.
Transit food kitchen set to help Casey’s battling families
CASEY families, students and young adults facing financial hardship are now able to collect $100 of groceries each week from a family food support service in Narre Warren.
Narre Warren Christian Church last week launched its Transit Food Support initiative from its Webb St store and kitchen.