Peel Community Kitchen move challenged

THOSE sleeping rough in Mandurah could lose their sense of community if Peel Community Kitchen moves, according to homeless man Joe.

“The kitchen is a key part of the homeless community. They will be pulling the heart out of our community,” he said.

The City of Mandurah has approved a proposal for the kitchen to move from Sutton Street to Tuart Avenue last month.

SEE ALSO: CITY OF MANDURAH CONSIDERS KITCHEN MOVE

A council report said the kitchen was experiencing growing pains at the hall and the library precinct would be a more suitable location.

Joe has been a regular at the kitchen for two years.

He said a risk assessment was not done to assess what the homeless would lose if changes were made to the kitchen operation.

“It is wrong we weren’t consulted,” he said.

He said if the Peel Community Kitchen moved, its users would lose their social hub.

“Let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water,” he said.

Kitchen spokesman Angelo Gangemi said staff sympathised with Joe and all the people they help on a daily basis.

“They can certainly do without any extra stress,” he said.

“We have very little idea if the proposed council budgets will be approved, nor when all this is supposed to be happening.”

Mr Gangemi said the hall was made available by the City of Mandurah at no cost.

“It was never about growth in numbers, as we comfortably serve in excess of 1000 per week.” he said.

“When the facility at Tuart Avenue became available, the council asked us as a board to consider that as a possible new site for the kitchen.

“Our first reaction was not positive but when we considered the many extra benefits and services that we could offer by making the move, we softened to the idea.

“Customers would have direct access to showers, be near other service providers like Westaus Crisis & Welfare Services, Anglicare, Finucare and the library. Whilst we understand that our customers may feel the same way as we did, we feel that they will embrace the move when it does proceed.”

Joe said Mandurah should be appreciated for all its smells, colour, diversity and vibrancy.

“If people want a sterile environment, they can go to Disneyland,” he said.

SEE ALSO: BIG BOOST FOR PEEL COMMUNITY KITCHEN