Community organisations feeding people in need

With the recent rise in homelessness there is more need in the South Burnett than ever before.

Volunteers Jo Mould, Tricia Day, Glennys Peterson, Norma Richardson, and Carol Colby. Picture: Madeline Grace

DANNY'S Diner has been providing a free hot meal for over five years now, and with the recent rise in homelessness there's more in need than ever before.

Homelessness across the South Burnett has more than doubled over the past five years according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Mrs Tricia Day has been the volunteer convenor for the past 12 months .

"I'd like to think we'd get more homeless people here. I am very aware there has been an increase in homelessness and that there are a lot in the South Burnett. We get a few but not many who are homeless. We usually feed up to 50-60 people but we would love for more who need it to come,” Mrs Day said.

"I think the cost of living has gone up and there isn't enough help here. Also I think a lot of kids are being turned out of home and abandoned if they turn to drugs. Families just don't want to know about kids with problems. It's very sad.”

"I've had people say to me there's no homelessness in the South Burnett. But if you go for a walk early in the morning you will see it. And the statistics don't lie. It's here and it's our problem. We're doing what we can to help.”

The free dinner is held at the Uniting Church Hall in Kingaroy from 5.30pm to 7.00pm every Tuesday night.

"The regulars rock up early to set up and set the tables. We really are just one big family now. We'd love to have more attendees though,” Mrs Day said.

"It's not just us. We take it in turns. There's different churches involved. Kingaroy State High School and St Mary's help too. It's really special when the kids help out.”