Tony’s Community Kitchen offers much-needed help to homeless

WHAT started out as a one-off idea to help the homeless has sprouted into a full-blown service, with Tony’s Community Kitchen now offering meals and services 365 days a year.

The community kitchen is run by Toowoomba man Tony Hurle with the help of many incredible volunteers.

It began from an idea to supply hot meals to the homeless at Easter to very quickly supplying meals two to three nights a week, and now the kitchen offers its services seven days a week.

Mr Hurle said they were able to give each person a home-cooked hot meal in the evening between 5pm and 7pm.

“It might be meals like spaghetti bolognese or other pasta, meatballs and vegetables, curry, roast chicken, or a sausage barbecue,” he said.

“Hot drinks such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate and milo, fruit, bakery pastries, other donated bakery items such as pies and sausage rolls are also available.”

There also have second-hand clothing and bedding such as beanies, trackies, blankets and sleeping bags, and clients can also request items such as toiletries and pantry items if they need them.

Prepared meals donated to Tony's Kitchen made by staff and students from Harristown State High School. From left; Tony hurle, Harry the Hawk, Tracey Waters, Catherine Jordan.

“People in all sorts of situations can find their way to us, and this year we’ve been able to assist many people to access emergency accommodation, link up with other agencies such as Lifeline, Base Services or the Homeless Hub, as well as supply donations of desperately needed items such as a fridge, a bed, or a bicycle,” Mr Hurle said.

Every agency around the country has been experiencing significant increase in demand this year from people who are living rough, are at risk of homelessness, couch-surfing or who can just afford their rent but nothing else.

Tony’s Community Kitchen, when it started serving nightly, had average numbers of about 20 people per night.

It has now grown to 48 per night on average, and on the weekend, they serve more than 60 meals per night.

Both women and men, of all ages, are using the services.

Mr Hurle said the community had been incredibly supportive.

“When the plan to cook hot meals was posted on Facebook we were flooded with offers of support, offers to cook, offers to donate everything from rent and canned food, to clothing, care packs and services,” he said.

Back in May Tony Hurle and Jo Noonan slept out to raise awareness of homelessness in Toowoomba and funds to keep Tony's Kitchen open.

“This has continued with wonderful generous men and women, families, schools, businesses.

“It’s humbling and so gratifying to see so many people want to help others, not just during COVID-19, but for every day and in the future.”

“We have received great support from councillors and our local members of parliament and other related agencies around town.

“Businesses including bakeries, electricians, cafe owners, supermarkets and even a hairdresser also generously donate goods, services, time and skills.

“Particularly amazing and wonderful is support from several schools that cook meals, desserts, slices and muffins for our fundraising.”

A Donation Day is held each Sunday from noon until 2pm where people can come and talk with Mr Hurle and volunteers and find out how they can help.

If you are in need of a meal or assistance or would like to donate, head to the corner of James and Ruthven Sts behind the Settlers Inn, or search Tony’s Kitchen on Facebook.

A mango stall set up on the way out to Highfields is also raising funds for the kitchen – to read more about it click here.