Alister Henskens SC MP Member for Ku-ring-gai has officially opened an upgrade of the kitchen at the Waitara Light of Christ Centre, allowing it to serve more meals for the homeless.

The current facilities were inadequate to meet the growing demand to help the disadvantaged and needy in the local community. An upgrade was desperately needed to increase the number of nutritious, hot meals for the needy in our community.

“Previously the kitchen only had a pie warmer and a fridge, now it is a kitchen of commercial standard and the quality of meals that can be provided free of charge to the needy is exceptional,” Mr Henskens said.

“When I was approached by these community volunteers seeking assistance to upgrade the kitchen, I was more than happy to direct them to the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnerships program”, he said.

The annual CBP program provides a pool of funding to each electorate throughout the state with projects deemed worthy eligible for funding assistance.

The kitchen has been in place at Waitara since 2011, however it needed better resources to cater for the growing number of disadvantaged people who were relying on it for meals.

 “I was thrilled to be asked to attend the official opening of the new kitchen with Parish priest, Father Robert Borg and was especially heartened to see the work of volunteers of all ages who not only cater to, but offer a welcoming smile to those who drop in.

“The drop-in centre not only provides a healthy meal, but equally importantly an opportunity for companionship and the sight of a friendly face.  

“There is no doubt that homelessness is on the rise around us and facilities such as these are increasingly needed.

“I thank the NSW Government for making these funds available through the Community Building Partnerships program,” Mr Henskens concluded.