By Brendan Rees
Casey’s selfless Sikh volunteers are being praised yet again after bringing much-needed food to those in ‘hard lockdown’ at public housing towers.
The dedicated team, who run a free food service out of Devon Meadows, have been packing their vans with food and water for the thousands of housing commission residents in Flemington and Kensington currently under lockdown for at least five days.
Undeterred by the surging transmission rate of coronavirus in Melbourne, they arrived midday on Sunday 5 July where they served 650 vegetarian curries to residents until 10pm.
The charity’s vice-president Manpreet Singh said it was the least they could do for the residents who were “so thankful for the hot food”.
He added they were adhering to safety rules by not interacting with the residents.
And their efforts were garnering tributes on the Australian Sikh Volunteers Facebook page for their “true community spirit”.
“Thank you for your amazing contributions to communities in need. You are truly exceptional,” one message read.
“I am so impressed by you! Bushfires and now Covid. You deserve all the praise and recognition for what you do – thank you,” another said.
The residents of the commission flats will be forced to stay inside until the state’s health department tests every single resident. The lifting of this restriction will be determined by the success in testing and tracking the virus.
The State Government has ramped up its services to the tenants with thousands of meals, supplies and personal care packs delivered.
To help address medical needs, two field emergency management units have been established – staffed by medical workers, GPs and nurses, with pharmacotherapy and medicines available on site. This includes mental health and drug and alcohol support.
Meanwhile, the Sikh Volunteers Australia have began a donation drive on their Facebook page with an urgent need for fresh vegetables.
Food donations can be dropped off at: 1734 South Gippsland Highway, Devon meadows.For those wanting to donate by bank deposit please use the details below:
Account name: Sikh volunteers Australia. BSB: 063595. Account number: 10732130. Commonwealth Bank.
