A light bulb moment
John Lupton
What is your "enough" give volunteering a go and this might help you find out the answer to this question
5 years ago in Kirsty Parkes kitchen one night, she decided it was time to put back into the community. At that point Kirsty decided to put all her energy into feeding and empowering those in need in one of the poorest and lowest socio economic areas in Sydney. Up until this point Kirsty ran a successful company, producing sweet treats. Kirsty then started cooking and providing free food to those in need from here driveway.
Fast forward to early 2025 where the Community Cafe Incorporated that Kirsty set up 5 years ago now provides “food, clothing, furniture a sense of belonging and much more” has to date provided the following.
$557,639 worth of meat packs
35,559 people served at our Outreach Service
74,300 people served at our Community dinners
165,300 pantry items given out
6945kg of clothing handed out and saved from landfill
We now operate out of 2 locations in the 2168 postcode area in Southwest Sydney.
Outreach Service in Sadlier, provides fresh produce, groceries, bread and bakery items, meat packs, frozen meals, clothing and furniture 3 days a week to anyone who needs it. We also run a sandwich and snack program for school children who may otherwise go without lunch while at school.
Support Centre in Miller, provides an amazing weekly smorgasbord community dinner to anyone who not only needs a feed but is lonely and needs some company and support. We also run a men’s group from here called 2168 Guys and the aim of this group is to help men become better versions of themselves.
This is an example of how a simple idea and a huge amount of drive can make real impacts in our society.
Community Café is run entirely by volunteers and operates solely on donations.
Many thanks to the loyal team of volunteers that make this possible and our valuable sponsors and supporters who band together every day to play a vital contribution to society.
A huge thanks to our family of supporters.
Cabra-Vale Diggers Group , Liverpool City Council , Mounties Group , Liverpool Catholic Club , Woolworths Supermarkets , Pat Sergi OAM and the Forever Giving Foudation and many more, for a full list check out our website.
Come and visit at either of our sites to learn more or to join us on our journey, by volunteering or to donate please visit our website at www.communiutycafe.org.au
Stay tuned for what is coming next at Community Cafe Incorporated