Free bus is icing on the cake

DESPITE the cold wintry weather, more than 300 residents made their way to Cranbourne’s latest Community Kitchen event.
As well as a tasty meal and the chance to socialise, families also made use of Casey’s community bus, used for the first time to get those in need to the event last week.
The council has announced the free bus service will now be used at every community kitchen, which is to run on the first Wednesday of each month.
Mayor Colin Butler said he was pleased to see such an enthusiastic response to the bus service.
He was down at the kitchen to chat to locals, volunteers and service providers.
“It’s great to see that families of all backgrounds and ages are taking part in this initiative, and it provides an opportunity for people who may otherwise feel isolated or feel they are struggling to come together,” he said.
“I especially congratulate the talented trainee chefs from the William Angliss Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts TAFE College in Melbourne, supervised by Phil Sealy, for volunteering their time and expertise in whipping up a delicious three-course meal.”
Councillor Steve Beardon, who helped wait on tables along with council officers and community volunteers, said the kitchen was a fantastic success, and he applauded council’s contribution of the community bus.
Cr Beardon encouraged people to put on their blue suede shoes for a future event, with an Elvis Presley night planned, with a live show and dancing.
The next Cranbourne Community Kitchen will be held from 5.30pm to 8pm on Wednesday, 4 July at 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road. All are welcome to attend.
For more information or to make a booking on the free community bus, call Lisa Saint-John from the Casey Cranbourne Community Planning Team on 5996 5488 during business hours.