Torquay community lunches back in full swing

CLOSE to 100 residents attended a special community lunch in Torquay this week as part of a local initiative to bring more residents together.

Torquay Community House’s (TCH) Community Lunch program is back for a second year, inviting over 80 people to the Torquay Improvement Association Hall to its most recent lunch event on Tuesday. The program provides an opportunity for Surf Coast Secondary students to learn hands-on hospitality skills, while also providing a communal space to enjoy a meal and connect residents with one another.

Over 80 people attended Tuesday’s TCH community lunch.

TCH activities coordinator Erin Krusic-Golub said each monthly community lunch is themed, with Wednesday’s lunch featuring Ukrainian cuisine and decorations. “One of our avid crochet club members and committed volunteers Larissa Sichivitsa came up with the idea for a Ukrainian themed lunch and we thought it would be perfect for our lunches.

“We thought it would be a great chance to shine a light on Larissa’s culture because as everyone knows, there is quite a sad side to this as well with a lot going on with the conflict in the Ukraine.”

***INSET*** L-R: Lunch guests Leonie Goldsmith, Noel Goldsmith, Helen Wellins, Cheryl Middleton, Kiah Triat and Anna Gibala.

Ms Krusic-Golub said only four community lunches remain in 2024 with lunches held on the final Tuesday of July, August, October and November.

Tuesday’s lunch featured a full array of Ukrainian foods ranging from varenyky to borscht, followed by dessert.

Ms Sichivitsa said she was surprised by the high turnout by the residents of Torquay, which she has called home for the past two years.

L-R: Surf Coast Secondary students Elsie Priest, Annabelle Ruff, Alex Priestly, Tully Burgess, Noah Saunders, Daniel McHugh and Daniel Ramuta with TCH volunteer and lunch host Larissa Sichivitsa (front). Photos: VINNIE VAN OORSCHOT

“I am satisfied, happy, glad with the turnout, add more adjectives if necessary, I wanted to show people the wonderful country that is Ukraine and its foods, and also to share the wonderful work of the TCH.

“I also wanted to share with people that they too can help with the efforts in Ukraine, not just the government, I think the saying is ‘drop by drop makes an ocean’ and the attendance at this lunch is evidence of that.”

To find out more about this year’s free community lunches, contact the TCH on 03 5261 2583 to speak with a member of the team.