Bring a friend for free – in fact, it doesn't cost you either!

ALYSON Burchell and Sue Marshman from Tuckers Funeral and Bereavement Service joined Torquay Neighbourhood House for the July Community Lunch.

At the heart of Torquay is a vibrant, welcoming community. 14 Price Street is home to Torquay Neighbourhood House, led by Prue Challis and her dedicated team.

“We were intrigued to learn there is a community meal offered free to the community once a month — and the only requirement is that you RSVP!’ Alyson says.

Using rescued and donated produce from Feed Me Surf Coast, the Community Lunches are created with sustainability and connection in mind. Often, meals are prepared in-house by dedicated staff and volunteers; at other times, Torquay Neighbourhood House partners with local organisations such as Common Ground and Feed Me Surf Coast for catering. Whether cooked in their own kitchen or by valued partners, the team ensures everyone enjoys a warm, memorable experience.

“We were both invited to attend, but initially thought we should decline, believing we might be taking the opportunity away from others. We soon realised we’d completely misunderstood the purpose of this initiative,” Alyson reflects. “This lunch is about bringing people together — everyone is welcome, no hard-luck story required.”

So, on Tuesday, July 29, Sue and Alyson swapped their work blazers for aprons and laptops for tea towels to see what the lunch was all about.

Using rescued and donated produce from Feed Me Surf Coast, the Community Lunches are created with sustainability and connection in mind. Often, meals are prepared in-house by dedicated staff and volunteers.

Banquet-style tables, adorned with fresh-cut flowers, set the scene for an hour and a half of meeting new people, finding connections, sharing stories, and enjoying plenty of laughter.

“Most readers will know Tuckers as funeral directors, but just as importantly, we want our community to know how much we value and support it,” Alyson says.

So, here’s an invitation: think of a friend you’d like to have lunch with, invite them along, and join the next Community Lunch on Tuesday, October 28 between 12 noon and 1.30pm for a delicious, seasonal lunch prepared by Common Ground’s Staying Grounded Program.

Torquay Neighbourhood House encourages everyone to drop in and say hello. You might learn something new, share a skill, become a volunteer — or simply enjoy lunch.

“The Neighbourhood House means different things to different people,” Alyson says.

For more information, visit torquaycommunity house.org.au or call 03 5261 2583.

For enquiries about Tuckers in the community or general funeral planning, call Alyson on 5221 4788 or visit tuckers.com.au

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