The City of Casey are thrilled to announce that Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support has been awarded a $400,000 grant via Council’s Community Service Organisation Growth and Attraction Fund 2025-2027.
The grant is the largest ever awarded by the City of Casey and will be used to establish a Support and Skills Hub at Transits’ existing facility in Webb Street, Narre Warren. The planned Hub will provide Casey residents access to much needed outreach support services, on-site in a trusted and safe space.
The Community Service Organisation Growth and Attraction Fund is a multi-year grant program that supports initiatives that address service accessibility gaps and respond to community needs.
On Wednesday 14 May, City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen and Cr Kim Ross met with Transits’ Grants and Community Relations Officer Michelle Pinxt to share the good news.
“I’d like to congratulate Transit and their 120 volunteers who provide a fantastic service and do wonderful work in our community. Navigating government systems can be overwhelming, especially for those who may lack basic computer skills, don’t speak English or have mental health challenges. The creation of this Hub will increase access to vital services and help our most vulnerable residents.” Cr Koomen said.
The Hub will offer referrals to social services, mental health support, legal aid, job training, resume writing workshops, first aid training, vocational training sessions and housing assistance.
Cr Ross said the new Hub will complement the service that Transit is already providing to the more than 1,600 people who visit weekly for fresh groceries or a nutritious, three-course sit-down meal.
“The underlying causes of food security are complex, and this fantastic initiative is a big step towards deepening work between emergency food relief agencies and other community support services,” Cr Ross said.
“It builds on Transits’ existing model that focuses on helping the community with efficiency and compassion, and allows for an expansion of their work on bridging the gap between crisis and stability.”
Michelle Pinxt from Transit said food relief is often the first service people turn to when they’ve fallen on hard times.
“At Transit, we see firsthand how a simple meal can be a lifeline — not just physically, but emotionally too,” Michelle said.
“This funding will enable us to establish wrap-around support services that offer practical, hands-on assistance to help people regain stability in their lives. It’s about more than just meeting immediate needs — it’s about helping people move forward with dignity and hope.
“We are incredibly thankful to the City of Casey for this grant, which makes it possible to turn this vision into reality. Their support empowers us to do more for our community and ensure that no one has to face hardship alone.”
Caption for photo: Volunteers Michael and Lisa; Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen; Michelle Pinxt; Cr Kim Ross; and Pastor Keith Vethaak.