Community Partner Story

Wynnum Community Place

14 05 2026 Reach Out Community Staff Holding Avocados Everton Park Tiyla

At Wynnum Community Place, food relief is just one part of the support available to people experiencing hardship.

Located in the Bayside community, the centre provides a welcoming space for people experiencing financial hardship, homelessness, family and domestic violence, social isolation and a range of other challenges. Alongside food relief, visitors can access counselling, emergency assistance, clothing, employment support, a visiting legal service, laundry facilities and community programs, all free of charge.

Supported by two staff members, more than 20 volunteers and a generous local community, Wynnum Community Place has become a place where people can find help, connection and a sense of belonging.

“To a lot of people, this is home,” said Centre Coordinator Lauren.

Food is often the first reason people walk through their doors. Through their partnership with Foodbank Queensland, the centre provides fresh produce, bread and pantry staples used across a range of meal services, including continental breakfast bars, emergency food relief packs and daily meals for people experiencing homelessness.

“People come to us because they need food, and we’re incredibly grateful to Foodbank for helping us meet that need. But just as importantly, people come here because they’re lonely and looking for connection,” Lauren said. “Food has a wonderful way of bringing people together.”

14 05 2026 Reach Out Community Pantry Everton Park 2

14 05 2026 Reach Out Community Pantry Everton Park 4

The centre’s meal services are the community’s favourite, with up to 130 people attending Tuesday evening dinners.

“For breakfast service we do bacon and eggs, providing a great start to the day.” Lauren stated. “Having access to fresh bread makes a real difference, allowing us to stretch our resources further and ensure more people have access to the food they need. That reliability is invaluable to us.”

In addition to its day-to-day programs, Wynnum Community Place regularly hosts community hub events, bringing organisations such as Centrelink, Headspace, Metro South Health, Orange Sky, Bayside Community Legal Service and homelessness support services together in one accessible location.

By bringing these services together under one roof, the team helps people access advice, referrals and practical support they may not otherwise know is available. These services are designed to be accessible and welcoming to everyone who needs support.

“Cost should never be a barrier when it comes to hardship,” Lauren said.

That philosophy extends to every aspect of the centre’s operations, from providing gluten-free and vegetarian meal options to ensuring support is available without judgement.

“We do everything we can to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors leaves in a better place than when they arrived. Asking for help should never be a source of shame,” Lauren said.

14 05 2026 Reach Out Community Fresh Food Everton Park

14 05 2026 Reach Out Community Pantry Everton Park

Beyond food assistance, the centre provides clothing, hygiene items, pet food, homelessness packs, tents and practical essentials to help people maintain dignity during difficult periods in their lives. For those sleeping rough, an on-site rest stop offers a safe place to rest and store belongings during the day.

“It’s a good day when someone in need can come here, have a shower and a hot meal, get brand-new clothes, have a nap, and then head back out into the world feeling human again,” Lauren said.

Volunteer Dave says creating a welcoming environment is just as important as providing food.

“Everyone deserves to have enough food, and being able to offer that support in a welcoming environment with no shame attached, because of Foodbank, makes a real difference.”

For Lauren and the team, food relief is about more than simply filling empty cupboards.

“We know that food relief is so much more than putting food in a bag,” she said. “Because of Foodbank Queensland, we have the opportunity to connect with people, build trust and make sure they know there is a safe, welcoming place they can come to for further support.”

With the support of Foodbank Queensland, volunteers and the local community, Wynnum Community Place continues to provide food, connection and dignity to people across the Bayside region, ensuring no one has to face hardship alone.