Justin Dickinson organises a feast of love for homeless under the Big Umbrella

FROM Kathmandu to the streets of Melbourne, Justin Dickinson is changing lives with love, compassion and pancakes.

Pride of Australia nominee, Justin Dickinson. Picture: Ellen Smith

FROM Kathmandu to the streets of Melbourne, Justin Dickinson is changing lives with love, compassion and pancakes.

In 2010 Justin Dickinson’s three-year backpacking adventure ended early when he arrived in Nepal and was confronted by homeless children dying on the streets of Kathmandu. Mr Dickinson couldn’t ignore the problem and set up A ReaL MeaL, feeding street kids and gathering support from other backpackers to do the same.

Upon his return home, Mr Dickinson quit his high-paying job in the film industry and founded Big Umbrella, a not-for-profit group dedicated to feeding Melbourne’s homeless.

Each week Big Umbrella and its volunteers feed more than 600 people over Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. Mr Dickinson said his team has never missed a night and his pancakes have become famous in Melbourne’s homeless community.

Mr Dickinson said the most important part of his work was talking to and engaging with people that are ignored by general society.

“I do it because I’m changing people’s lives every day,” he said. “Working on a $200 million film doesn’t compare to this.”

To nominate a local legend go to heraldsun.com.au/prideofaustralia

Nominations close on Sunday