By Brendan Rees
Four nights a week the Cranbourne Food Truck is out feeding the needy – whether it’s rain, hail or shine.
For their dedication in helping the community, volunteers from the Cranbourne Regional Uniting Church who run the Food Truck were presented with the Premier’s Volunteer Champions Teamwork Award during a ceremony at Government House on Sunday, 11 February.
The annual awards celebrate volunteers from across the state.
Secretary of the Cranbourne Food truck Chris Marsh said it was honour to receive the award on behalf of the volunteers.
“When you get recognition like this then you know you’re on the right track, you know you’re doing the right thing,” she said.
“It’s a formal pat on the back,” she added.
She said the truck only survived from the good will of the community.
“If we didn’t have the volunteers this truck wouldn’t exist.”
The Food truck provides between 20-25 meals a night for the poor, disadvantage and homeless.
“Even on days when it’s bucketing down rain we go out, we go out on public holidays. Poverty doesn’t take a holiday,” Ms Marsh said.
“It’s not just the volunteers who work on the truck; it’s people who donate food”.
Treasurer Karen Anderson said it was “pretty amazing for our little church to be recognised at Government House.”
“From where it started to where it is today it’s pretty amazing and how many people are involved,” she said.
Treasurer Jacqui Symonds said it was great to be recognised at the ceremony, adding the Food Truck was important in serving the community
“You’re not doing it for any kind of kind of reward or award”.
City of Casey Cr Amanda Stapledon was proud of the volunteers, saying the Food Truck was highly deserving of the award.
“It’s just the most incredible community engagement initiative. It really touches the hearts of people and attracts volunteers, supporters, and the local churches”.
“They have engaged community locally in a really strong and meaningful way,” Cr Stapledon said.
“Any support we can give them is so deserved.”
Premier Daniel Andrews said the awards celebrated the vital roles of volunteers.
“Volunteers are our true heroes – day in, day out, they’re looking after us or someone we know.”
Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos said: “The strength of our society relies on the efforts of our volunteers, and these awards are a great way of saying thanks.”
