Celebrating 10 years of Anglicare Community Pantry

On Saturday 14 March, the Hope, Dignity and Connection Conference was held at MBM Rooty Hill Anglican Church, marking a significant milestone - 10 years of the Anglicare Community Pantry program. The gathering was a time to reflect, rejoice and reconnect, celebrating a decade of service, faith and community impact.

At the heart of the celebration were the volunteers. Week after week, year after year, thousands of volunteers have shown up with generosity, compassion and faith. Their time, care and commitment have shaped the Anglicare Community Pantry program into what it is today, and this milestone event was a heartfelt way to thank every individual who has played a part over the past decade.

The wider Community Pantry community also came together for the celebration, including supporters, community partners and Anglicare staff - all those who have walked alongside the program and contributed to its growth and success. It was a powerful reminder that Community Pantry is built on strong relationships and a shared sense of purpose.

Throughout the day, stories and reflections from across the decade were shared, highlighting the lives and communities impacted by the program. These moments underscored the importance of providing practical support in ways that uphold dignity and foster genuine connection. There were also training and development workshops delivered by expert Anglicare staff.

The afternoon workshops included:

• Staying calm and connected: practical de-escalation skills for the Community Pantry - presented by Jessica Bingham, Anglicare Family and Life Skills Educator.
• Jesus at the table: rethinking service and community - presented by Tilda Aquilina, Anglicare Mental Health Educator, Youth Connect.
• From noticing to helping: identifying financial instability - presented by Matt Stanley, Anglicare Financial Capability Caseworker.

Jessica Bingham, Anglicare Family and Life Skills Educator

A time of deep gratitude and reflection, the conference also looked ahead to the future. As Anglicare Community Pantry enters its next chapter, the focus remains on continuing to bring hope, dignity and connection to communities for many years to come. 

The celebration also marked the release of the 10 year Community Pantry Impact Report, "Food, Dignity and Connection."