CASEY: $400,000 for Transit Soup Kitchen
The City of Caseyhas 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 Transit’s existing facility in Webb St, 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.
City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen and Cr Kim Ross met on Wed\nesday (May 14) with Transit’s 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,” Cr Koomen said.
“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 Hub will offer referrals to social services, mental health support, legal aid, job training, resume writing workshops, first aid training, vocational training sessions and housing assistance.
Cr Ross said the new Hub will complement the service that Transit is already providing to the more than 1600 people who visit weekly for fresh groceries or a nutritious, three-course sit-down meal.
Volunteers Michael and Lisa; Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen; Michelle Pinxt; Cr Kim Ross; and Pastor Keith Vethaak.