A new community partnership means Kinetic is helping give back to the Melbourne community
Australasian bus and coach operator Kinetic has announced a new community partnership with Bayside Community Care to support people experiencing economic hardship or social isolation.
The partnership supports Matt’s Place, a program which provides free, home-cooked meals and a friendly welcome across two locations in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs.
In 2022, the program served more than 17,000 meals supporting people with a healthy meal and important social connection.
Kinetic chief commercial officer Mackayla Hanney says supporting the program was an important way to help make a difference.
“We are here to improve the livelihoods of the communities we serve and that goes beyond just delivering bus services. It also extends to supporting programs like Matt’s Place that are creating a real and positive impact in local communities,” Hanney says.
“Through the partnership we’ll support people who may be doing it tough and the incredible work of an army of volunteers who are making a difference one meal at a time.”
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Mounting financial pressures faced by many people has resulted in a 51 per cent increase in attendance to Matt’s Place in the June quarter compared to the same time last year.
Demand for food relief hampers also spiked at 60 per cent for the March quarter highlighting the urgency of providing support to those facing hardships.
In addition to serving meals, the program connects locals with health services like dental and hearing check-ups and vaccinations to ensure people can live healthy lives.
General manager Sandra Cavallo says the support from Kinetic is a key step to ensuring Matt’s Place continues to help those in need.
“We are seeing the impact of rising housing costs, rental shortages and cost of living pressures,” Cavallo says.
“Homelessness is becoming a reality for some individuals who are unable to make ends meet, while families are going without the essentials needed to stay happy and healthy.
“Partnering with Kinetic will ensure we continue to meet these needs.”
Bayside Community Care relies on government grants, church donations and community group support to continue. Find out more here.