Community Partner Story – Westside Community Care

Since 1996, Westside Community Care has been a pillar of support for the Greater Springfield area – offering hampers, pantry items, classes, and a warm sense of connection to anyone who walks through their doors. It’s more than just a place to pick up groceries; it’s a safe space where people feel welcome and, most importantly, not alone. 

Pastor and Founder Phil Cutcliffe shared that many of the volunteers know that feeling firsthand. They once visited Westside for help themselves and now choose to give back, staying connected to the community that supported them in hard times. It’s a space built on shared experiences, where everyone is encouraged to contribute in their own way. 

“We welcome the do’ers, donors and door openers to help out when they can,” Phil said. Westside Community Care encourages people to bring their talents and skills to the space and to hold new events each week to spread the word about the support they can provide.   

Foodbank Queensland provides fresh fruit and vegetables to Westside Community Care, supporting them to distribute nutritious food to individuals and families. Once a week, a Westside Community Care volunteer visits the Foodbank Queensland Food Distribution Centre to collect fresh, rescued produce free of charge. This produce is then included in Westside Community Care’s hampers and pantry, helping to ensure local families have access to healthy, fresh food. 

Phil is grateful for the support from Foodbank, “Foodbank makes the cost to help people a lot less. We couldn’t help our community without them.”  

In May, Westside Community Care welcomed a group of volunteers from Sunny Queen Australia, including CEO, Julie Proctor – who rolled up their sleeves to support the local community. From packing hampers and helping in the pantry to cooking up bacon and egg breakfasts, the morning was full of action, teamwork and heartfelt conversations. 

“We are so proud of our association with Foodbank,” said Julie. “It’s not just about giving cash donations. It’s not just about giving the food, but it’s actually feeling part of the team and feeling part of the community.” 

Working alongside long-time volunteers, the Sunny Queen Australia team saw firsthand the impact of food relief and community care. 

“For our team to be able to work shoulder to shoulder with the Foodbank team and with local communities who are making sure that that food gets to who it needs to just means the world to us. And we’re so grateful to be a part of it,” Julie added. 

Sunny Queen Australia has been an Impact Partner with Foodbank Queensland for over six years, and are committed to providing support for those experiencing food insecurity.  

If you are in a position to help Foodbank Queensland provide more food across the state to support Queenslanders in need, please consider joining the fight against hunger as a regular giver.