The City of Casey supports people to stay healthy and thrive as they age, as well as creating opportunities to connect and celebrate culture and diversity.
One way Council does that is through the Community Meals Subsidy Program, with applications for the latest round opening on Monday 1 April. The program provides funding to local community groups to provide healthy and nutritious meals at their centre for Casey’s vulnerable or isolated older residents.
The program is funded via the Commonwealth Government Home Support Programme (CHSP) and the City of Casey, and will provide much needed social opportunities for residents aged 65 and over and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 50.
City of Casey Chair of Administrators Noelene Duff PSM said Council has provided funding to community groups for many years, subsidising them for centre-based meals in a social setting.
“Social meals greatly benefit the community as they help reduce isolation and loneliness and encourage participation in events and programs,” she said.
“I encourage new and existing groups to apply for the grants, including cultural, community, faith and seniors’ groups and organisations, LGBTIQA + groups, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups.”
Hallam Turkish Seniors and the Hungarian Senior Citizens Club have received funding via previous rounds of the Community Meals Subsidy Program.
“The meal subsidy from Council helps us keep costs low for our members and to serve a larger variety of meals." — Sebahat, Committee Member, Hallam Turkish Seniors.
“The subsidy helps to keep the club affordable and accessible for people to come, connect with their community and their culture, and enjoy a nice hot meal for next to no cost.” — Agnus, Vice President and Treasurer, Hungarian Senior Citizens Club.
To assist community groups with their application, a drop-in session will be held on Tuesday 7 May between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm in the Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri rooms at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren. To book for the drop-in session, please call the Meals Service team on 9705 5444.
Applications close on Friday 31 May. To find out more about the drop-in session, application process and to submit an application, please visit the Meals Subsidy Program web page, contact 9705 5444 or email mealservices@casey.vic.gov.au