More than a free meal being served at TCH

Left to right: Surf Coast Secondary students Riley Grogan, school teacher Emy Kennedy, Samesyn chef Graham Jefferies, Sashe Priest, Poppy Liolios and TCH co-ordinator Prue Challis preparing some of the meals. Photo: VINNIE VAN OORSCHOT

SURF Coast Secondary students are getting valuable hospitality experience while providing the Torquay community with a free meal each week in a new community collaboration.

As part of Surf Coast Secondary’s Hands-On Learning program, Year 7, 8, and 9 students will prepare a free community meal to local residents each Tuesday, which began for the first time this week.

“The goal of this program is to provide a warm, safe space for people to enjoy a free nutritious meal and benefit from social connection, anyone is welcome,” TCH co-ordinator Prue Challis said.

Torquay Community House coordinator Prue Challis thanking everyone for attending the first community lunch.

“The whole point of these lunches is to bring the community together, the students, the community, and it’s more than just a free warm meal on the first Tuesday of each month.

“If we can build momentum with this initiative, we may be able to hold this lunch more often or even move into a bigger space. It’s an exciting thought.”

As part of the inaugural session held earlier this week, local chef, business owner and Jan Juc resident of 17 years, Graham Jefferies spent time with the students to provide advice and useful tips.

Owner of Torquay restaurant Samesyn on Bell Street, Mr Jefferies has decades of hospitality experience to share with the students and will play a mentor role in the initiative this year.

“I’m there if any of the students have questions, really; the teachers are doing a fantastic job of directing them, and I’m just there to lend an extra hand,” Mr Jefferies said.

“I’m also there to chat and provide advice on questions about the hospitality industry and any possible career paths.

“On top of that, if anyone is keen to learn some extra skills, I can assist with that as well.”

Ms Challis added that Feed Me Surf Coast will provide a portion of the food served to community members who attend the lunches each week and the initiative will run for the rest of 2023.

Food is served from 12 noon and will conclude at 2pm.

For more on what is happening at TCH, head to torquaycommunityhouse.org.au/whatson/