For the last two years, on every second and fourth Friday of the month, Craig, Wesley Mission Taree Manager, and Julie , Taree Chaplain, have hosted a barbeque for their community. But this isn’t just a good excuse to enjoy a classic sausage sandwich. It’s become a cornerstone for nurturing community connections.
What originally began as a BBQ brekky and chat has now become Wesley Mission Taree , where local agencies are joining together to serve the holistic needs of those experiencing homelessness and hardship.
From little things big things grow
Initially, the barbecue was an opportunity for locals to get a meal, have a chat and wash their clothes with Orange Sky mobile laundry services.
Craig would chat with attendees while serving their food and, if they expressed a need, he’d point them in the right direction.
Now, Services Australia (Centrelink), Services NSW, Samaritans Foundation, Home in Place, Great Lakes Manning Youth Homelessness Support Service and Lifeline have all jumped on board, each offering pre-referral services to help attendees get the right support. Some agencies also bring along hygiene and care packs, so attendees can enjoy a hot shower at the Taree Hub or Manning Uniting Church.
“We host the barbecue behind Wesley Mission on the Manning Uniting Church forecourt,” says Craig. “We’re working together to have the best outcome for people in need in our area. It’s been really encouraging that all the agencies have been working so well together and everyone’s heart is in it.”
Craig and Julie are especially grateful for the incredible support from the team at Manning Uniting Church, with whom they’ve formed a special bond.
“Manning provides fresh food, vegetables and bread,” Craig continues. “They also offer emergency relief and free showers.”
A growing sense of community
Craig and Julie say attendees have formed their own growing community.
“There’s a strong sense of camaraderie, as they share their stories, problems and life updates,” says Craig. “At one barbecue, I overheard an attendee mention that their car had broken down. This led to a group discussion about what was wrong and how they could work together to fix it.”
It’s hurdles like these – a broken down car, unemployment, no birth certificate or homelessness – that hold people back from getting a good run at life. But Craig and Julie are proving that a little support builds momentum that drives big change.
“It’s about showing you’re there with them, no matter what situation they’re in,” says Julie.
Seeing the glimmer of hope ignite
Craig and Julie spend a lot of time coming alongside attendees and are now seeing the impact of their commitment.
“One attendee used to live out of his caravan in the forest. Since he’s been coming along to the barbecues, he’s felt comfortable to ask for support,” says Craig. “We’ve been able to help him in real practical ways, such as giving him meals, a warm shower and also connecting him to The Salvation Army, who were able to find him more secure accommodation. It’s been amazing to see this person become empowered to manage their own life and who has also been able to give back to the community”
Sadly, another attendee who grew in his social and spiritual connections after attending the barbecues, passed away. Although experiencing homelessness and many health problems, the community he found at the barbecues gave him the drive to enrol at university with the hopes of becoming a teacher.
It can feel like a slow process, but Craig and Julie continue to encourage attendees, coming alongside them and empowering them in any way they can so they might find hope and purpose for the future.
“To see the difference in attendees from the first barbeque to a couple of months later is just incredible and so rewarding,” says Julie. “And it’s a two-way street, as we learn so much as we listen to their stories and share in their struggles, hopes and strengths.”
With the barbecue community growing every month, Craig and Julie are looking for new agencies, donors and sponsors to ensure the barbecue can continue to provide a safe space for those in need.
The barbecue is held every second and fourth Friday of the month from 8.30 – 10am on the Manning Uniting Church forecourt, rain or shine. All are welcome.
For more information or to support the initiative, call (02) 6552 0244.
