Building Community in Parramatta

On Saturday 12th September, Anglicare partnered with All Saints North Parramatta Anglican Church for its Spring Festival, a community event designed to bring neighbours together. Around 300 people attended the event which featured a petting zoo, jumping castle, market stall, food and music. Anglicare hosted two stalls, creating space not just to share information, but to listen to the community.

The local Anglicare Parramatta Financial Wellbeing and Community team, Maria Pazos, Wesley Fairhall and Dijana Talevski, spoke with locals about finances and money, sharing information about financial capability support, no interest loans and financial counselling. 

Alongside them, Nathan Moulds and Chandelle Mallitt from our Community Pantry and Warehouse team introduced the new Parramatta Affordable Pantry to neighbours. One trolley showed the impact at a glance, with close to $200 dollars' worth of RRP groceries on display, which could be instead purchased for approximately $80 dollars through the Affordable Pantry!

Throughout the day we heard difficult but honest stories about how households are coping with the cost-of-living crisis. One family shared that they were cutting back on their own food to protect their young child from feeling the impact. After hearing about the Affordable Pantry, one parent said they were looking forward to being able to "buy things for myself, not just the kiddo." 

It was a simple comment but captured the pressure many are under and the difference affordable food can make.

Another community member, moved by what she heard, donated $100 dollars on the spot and expressed interest in volunteering at the Pantry. For children, a cornhole game brought plenty of fun, and a chance to talk about food rescue, best before dates and reducing waste.

All Saints North Parramatta Anglican Church Minister, Hui and Assistant Minister, James were enthusiastic about the partnership and are excited to meet together with Anglicare staff to explore further outreach and partnership opportunities in the future, with stronger referral pathways into Anglicare's Parramatta services in mind.

The day was a big success, and was a practical, hopeful example of what can happen when local churches and Anglicare work side by side - Made for Connection in action!

If you know someone who would love to volunteer, and be a part of this exciting new initiative, or if you'd like to get involved yourself please enquire below.