Donnison Street Restaurant

The Donnison Street Restaurant is one of the most innovative and successful examples of community partnerships with over 14 community organisations, local churches, and over 420 volunteers committed to supporting some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our Central Coast community. Our guests range from those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness due to a range of issues such as loss of employment, family breakdown, mental health issues, drug and alcohol issues, to those who are socially marginalised and disconnected from their family and community.

Donnison Street Restaurant GosfordOperating since September 2002, the Restaurant has provided over 280,000 free meals and support to our community. In 2006 the Restaurant provided 65,516 meals to those in need and this year to date, our meal provision has increased by 11% on last year.

As well as meals, the Restaurant also provides showers and toiletries, accidental counselling, emergency assistance regarding accommodation issues and referrals to other support services as needed.

Assessment Interviews for Emergency Relief assistance for Electricity, Gas, food and prescriptions is available Monday to Friday between 11am and 1pm.

Coast Shelter, as a registered charity (CFN: 15695), receives no government funding for the Restaurant and relies solely on the Service Provider groups (local churches and community organisations), fund-raising activities, corporate sponsorship and donations from within the community to keep the Restaurant operating and to provide the level of service it does to the community.

The meals in the Restaurant are currently provided by:

Gosford Anglican Church
Coast Community Church
St Vincent de Paul
Terrigal Presbyterian Church
Narara Valley Baptist Church
Gospel Street Ministry
Gosford Church of Christ
NRMA Motoring + Services
Seventh Day Adventist Central Coast Churches



Donnison Street Restaurant - Serving mealsThe Restaurant has an amazing unpaid workforce of volunteers who generously and regularly give up their time to prepare and serve the meals. Our volunteers range in age from 15 to 87 years old, and are much appreciated by our guests. For a rewarding volunteer opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and make a significant impact on the lives of some of the most disadvantaged in our community please contact Teri Kitching on 02 4325 3540.

The Restaurant is coordinated by Teri Kitching at Coast Shelter and for any enquiries, information on volunteering, or donations her contact details are 02 4325 3540 or email donnison@coastshelter.org.au

 

Donnison Street Restaurant Brochure (162 KB)