Salvation Army Blackwater community hosts community lunch open to all

The Salvation Army is hosting a community lunch in Blackwater and Emerald for those who are in need of a delicious meal and some companionship these holidays.

For some Christmas is a time of family, friends, spending time with loved ones, joy and excess food and wealth.

For others Christmas is a time of loneliness, isolation, poverty, hunger, financial hardship and domestic violence from those who call themselves loved ones.

Five years ago, the Salvation Army sent Ministers Jisook and Marcus Wunderlich to the Central Highlands region instead of a church, to serve the community in whatever way they could.

One way helps is offered is through the “Home Alone” Christmas lunches in Blackwater and Emerald, with an open invite to anybody in need of some company and delicious food on Christmas.

People who want to give back can also donate their time and volunteer at the lunch, with Central Highlands Mayor Kerry Hayes already signed up for dish duty.

The Salvation Army also supports community members through its Family Store.

“The whole shop is run by volunteers and they’re very proud of this shop being really the centre where people actually meet,” Mrs Wunderlich said.

She said the shop was the first point of contact for people seeking help, including those relocating to the region who had “nothing”, or were living in public housing.

“We make the starter pack for them, the crockery, the bedsheets, so they can start,” Mrs Wunderlich said.

“And any time we get any furniture, any whitegoods, we go to them with the really, really, cheap price or sometimes just with the store credit that we produce for people who just really need to start everything new, especially families who are relocating with the DV situations.”

She said the festive season had been “very busy” but “very rewarding” as they got to meet community members who had hit a crisis point and help find a way forward.

Mr Wunderlich said they also worked with other organisations to support community members and agencies.

Those wishing to attend one of the Christmas lunches must pre-register, with the events to be held at the Blackwater Town Hall and the Emerald Town Hall from 11am Christmas Day.

Registration information for the Emerald event can be found here, or visit the store at 24 Egerton St, Emerald.

To register for the Blackwater event, please phone the store on 07 4982 5387 or visit 13 Arthur St, Blackwater.

Originally published as Salvation Army Blackwater community hosts community lunch open to all