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.

The 2024 Community Builder Award was presented to Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support, Dandenong, operated by a group of committed community volunteers

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."

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.

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

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.

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.

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.