By Mikayla van Loon
The Montrose Community Meals have been bursting with connection since the initiative started in March and the addition of music only made that stronger.
Partnering with Yarra Ranges Council and Montrose Township Group to connect the Montrose Community Cupboard initiative with local musicians and bands, two monthly meals had the bonus of live entertainment.
“We had a lot of positive feedback from the community and we found that the music – and the lunchtime timing of the meal – allowed other community members to join us who can’t make it to our dinnertime meals,” Community Cupboard founders Pat Natoli and Simone Ritchie said.
“We were pleased to offer an alternative to the community and reach those who may not have connected with Montrose Community Cupboard previously.”
Having seen so much success with the Picnic in the Park live events, Township Group president Chelsey Cooper said the Music and Meals idea sprouted.
“We were keen to explore ways to gather over food and music in winter months when outdoor gatherings aren’t ideal,” she said.
“It also connects with First Nations stories we’ve read that speak to Bunurong and Wurundjeri people gathering at the base of the hills in winter, coming together to be still, take in the sounds around us and be with family.
“There is a lovely story of this featured in the book, Kulin Takes by Sonia Marie.”
Chelsey said she was so incredibly pleased to have had the backing of the council and the support to share another local event with the community.
As one of the foundational principles of the Community Meals initiative being to support community connection and engagement, Simone and Pat said the music element only elevated this feeling.
“It improved the vibe of the meal and helped foster further community connections,” they said.
Hosting both Corn Nut Creek and the Royal Australian Band Melbourne Chamber Ensembles, the events were well received and has created hope that a mutual partnership with Culture Tracks Yarra Ranges can be ongoing to bring live music to the meals more regularly.
“Especially over the winter months, when lunchtime meals are the preferred choice because of limited daylight hours,” Pat and Simone said.
Overall the community meals have been “a huge success”, seeing 20 plus volunteers offer up their time to help supply a monthly meal, something Pat and Simone said they are so grateful for.
“This wouldn’t be possible without them.”
The broader impact has been undeniable, seeing new friendships form, people finding new opportunities within Montrose or feeling a little less lonely.
“We have some attendees who are already connected with us from using the cupboard, or attending markets, as well as some new attendees who hadn’t heard of who we are or what we do.
“We love that it’s a community event – free of charge – where everyone is welcome. The meals allow attendees to connect with new people and, for some, combat loneliness/isolation, enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal which rescues food from going into landfill and also save some money, very helpful given the cost of living right now.
“It’s been a challenging time in Montrose with the roadworks and this has been a positive initiative to help remind locals of why we love Montrose – and how great a community we are – even through difficult times.”
