Gateway Stronger Communities proudly unveiled its new Community Pantry and Community Connections Space this week, marking a significant milestone in its mission to strengthen the Greater Geelong community. The event was attended by local dignitaries, including State Member for Geelong, Ms. Christine Couzens MP and Councillor Melissa Cadwell, alongside supporters, volunteers, and community members.
The new space is designed to go beyond food relief, offering a welcoming environment where individuals and families can access fresh food, connect with others, and feel part of a supportive community.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Christine Couzens commended the initiative, highlighting its impact on the lives of those facing challenges in the current economic climate. “This community pantry is done in such a way that people feel welcome to come in. They can go and have a coffee, sit down, and have a chat. They can collect some food, particularly fresh food, and that makes a difference in people’s lives,” she said. “It also creates a social network for people. Rather than sitting at home on their own, they’ve got a place to come and enjoy each other’s company. Communities always identify where the needs are, and that’s exactly what this community pantry is doing.”
The Community Pantry, which launched in June 2023, has already made a significant impact, providing thousands of meals to families in need. Raynu Kay, one of the directors of Gateway Stronger Communities, shared the organisation’s journey and vision for the future. “From small beginnings, today we are connected to over 110 unique households, made up of about 300 individuals. We provide support to an average of 30 households each week,” she said.
Raynu emphasized that the initiative is about more than just food relief. “It’s beyond a food support program. We try to connect with people, know their names, and make them feel part of our community. The wonderful people you see in this room are not just recipients of support—they’ve become friends.”
The new space was made possible through the generous support of the Anthony Costa Foundation, as well as partnerships with organizations such as Geelong Foodshare, Portarlington Bakehouse, Share the Dignity, Kiwanis Geelong, and Gateway Church Geelong. Raynu expressed her gratitude to these partners and the many individual donors and volunteers who have contributed to the success of the initiative.
Ms. Couzens encouraged the community to spread the word about the pantry and its services. “Good on you for coming down here. Spread the word. Get other people coming down here because it’s really important that we continue to support the community pantry and other community organizations in our great city of Geelong,” she said.
