Founding Volunteer – Community Kitchen Committee
Imagine a place where local families can sit down to a good meal together, children have caring adults to learn from, and young people gain real hospitality skills that lead to work. That is the Community Kitchen we are building. Our founding committee is already coming together, and we would love you to join us.
About the Community Kitchen
The Community Kitchen is a new initiative from Lifestyle Markets Australia Inc, a registered charity that runs multicultural markets and festivals across Victoria. Our vision is a welcoming community restaurant, staffed by a qualified chef and volunteers. Over time, we hope it will also include:
- Hospitality training pathways for young people
- A safe space for children and families
- Art therapy and counselling support
- A sustainable garden
- Partnerships with local community organisations
Every dollar Lifestyle Markets Australia Inc raises supports Kinds of Happiness (KOH), a charity helping disadvantaged youth in regional and rural Australia.
What You Will Be Doing
As a member of our founding committee, led by LMA's Director, you will help turn the vision into a working kitchen. Early tasks include:
- Mapping local suppliers, venues, and community partners
- Drafting food safety, hygiene, and community access procedures
- Preparing our first grant and sponsorship applications
- Planning a launch event and promoting the kitchen in the community
- Joining regular committee meetings, with a mix of online and in-person involvement
Who We Are Looking For
You do not need kitchen experience. What matters most is a warm, collaborative attitude and a genuine wish to help. We would love to hear from:
- People who enjoy bringing others together and building community connections
- Food lovers, home cooks, and anyone with hospitality experience
- Organisers who like turning ideas into practical plans
- Hands-on helpers happy to pitch in with set-up, sourcing, and market days
What You Will Gain
- The chance to shape a new community initiative from the start and see your ideas in action
- Flexible involvement around your availability, online and in person
- New skills in planning, governance, hospitality, or community engagement, or a meaningful way to use the skills you already have
- A friendly, diverse, and inclusive volunteer community
- Recognition as a Founding Volunteer of the Community Kitchen, and a reference on request
Time and Requirements
- Around 3 hours a week, with an initial 6-month commitment and the option to continue
- A Working with Children Check, which is free for volunteers in Victoria
- A National Police Check
How to Apply
If you would like to help build something special for local families, click Apply below. We would love to hear from you.