2023 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards

Jennie Forsyth, Sarah Nelson, Nuria Zamora, Maryanne Galea, Jan Davies

We are very proud to announce that our Cooking Team at Lou’s Place was nominated for recognition in the 2023 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.  Regional award ceremonies were held across Sydney and included representatives of Lou’s Place in the City of Sydney/ Eastern Suburbs division, the Northshore division and the Northern Beaches area.  Long held as the part of the soul of Lou’s, our nutritious and delicious lunches are integral to the well-being of all the women who visit Lou’s Place. It has been a very well-deserved spotlight on the work that our culinary volunteers do.

Our lunch service is not an easy task. Over the last year, lunch has expanded to 40-50 serves per day. We have added an extra helper to make it three in the kitchen rather than two whenever possible. As deliveries to the kitchen are not received every day, our volunteers are often called to do the “Master Chef Mystery Pantry challenge” to create the meal.  That said, we are spoilt, as amazing salads, chicken dishes, roast vegetables and more are always on offer for our women.

Approximately 60% of our food is donated by OzHarvest, with the rest supplemented by online Coles deliveries. Extra meal supplies continue to come from TwoGood and our friends at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. There is always a frozen or extra meal in the fridge for women who arrive at Lou's outside lunchtime and need to eat. 

Additionally, we are hugely grateful to our friends and partners who routinely deliver fresh bread, fruit and other treats for our women to take home with them.

Our food service is a life saver and our volunteers well deserving of this special recognition.

Photographer: Amanda Lawson