Combined Churches Caring Melton in Melton South, Victoria, Australia | Non-profit organisation

Combined Churches Caring Melton

Locality: Melton South, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9747 6811

Address: 100 Coburns Road. 3338 Melton South, VIC, Australia

Website: https://www.foodbankmelton.org.au

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• Non-profit organisation
• Community organisation
• Community centre

25.01.2022 Thank you so much to the team at Kool Kidz Ravenhall. Combined Churches is totally reliant on donations during COVID-19, yet it is a time of real need in our community. Thank you to the organisers and donors

24.01.2022 For everyone who missed the Zoom event today, Pauline has a video of the presentation to Jenny on her retirement from CCCM. Jenny has been an amazing part of the CCCM team for over 25 years and a COVID retirement just doesn't do her justice for the many years of dedication she has put into the Melton community. The flexibility and support that was readily offered to everyone here, her one liners and quick sense of humour will be terribly missed by everyone.... We pray that Jenny enjoys all of the blessings that God has planned for her in her retirement. We all love you, Jenny!

24.01.2022 As many would be aware, for the past few weeks CCCM Op Shop has been closed. While we understand the importance of stopping the spread of COVID-19, we have also been inundated with requests around purchasing items from the Op Shop to support the Foodbank, and as a cheap way to buy items such as clothing and furniture during this period of uncertainty. In response to this, we will be reopening the Op Shop from tomorrow on a trial basis for 2 weeks from 10am to 12pm, Monday to ...Friday but we are making some changes to the way we operate. We will be restricting the number of people allowed in at one time, and of course we will be practising social distancing. We will also be making sure to sanitise and clean the shop and donations more often, and we will be ensuring our volunteers wash and sanitise their hands frequently to help stop the spread of germs. We would like to take this opportunity to again thank the community for their support and donations during this time, and as always we do ask that if you are feeling unwell please do not visit and instead get in contact via phone or email. To keep up-to-date with CCCMs updates regarding COVID-19, visit our website www.foodbankmelton.org.au/coronavirus.

23.01.2022 Awh Jenny, where do we start? It has been a while - 25 years precisely! All of us here at CCCM would like to send our amazing Foodbank Food Manager our best wishes as she retires next Friday. Over the years, Jenny has been such an asset to our team and we are so sad to see her leave. She has worked within CCCM in a number of positions - reception, cleaner, driver, volunteer manager, warehouse access and much, much more. We are so grateful for her work in all of these areas - ...Jenny has meant so much to so many of us. In her retirement, she is planning on being more involved with her grandchildren and focusing on her gardening skills before she looks at some volunteering opportunities. We look forward to her beaming face on the front page of Home and Garden.

23.01.2022 Last but not least in our Volunteer Week profiles, we have Martin - another one of our amazing team of volunteers. We hope you have been able to get to know some of the awesome volunteers we have! #NVW2020 * What is your role at CCCM?... I currently volunteer on Fridays at CCCM at the Food bank. Ive been with CCCM for three years now. The first year I volunteered at the Op shop. The last two years Ive come in on Fridays at the Food bank. Im also on the CCCM Management Committee. * What do you do outside of CCCM? Im a semi-retired pastor. I still lecture at Bible Colleges. Along with another colleague Ive been standing in for the Old Testament lecturer at the Reformed Theological College for the last year and Im an adjunct lecturer at the Presbyterian Theological College. Im active in preaching at my own church (Melton Presbyterian) and our sister church (Brimbank Presbyterian). Ive been married 30 years and have two children in their 20s. * What do you enjoy most about volunteering? Helping people who need the help and being with the other volunteers. Theres a great camaraderie among the volunteers. Often folk coming for help feel bad about it, but we reassure them that theres nothing to feel bad about, and its great to see their appreciation and gratitude. Were very happy to help! * What has been your favourite moment at CCCM? How has volunteering at CCCM influenced your life? Theres no single moment. Making real connections with clients or other volunteers. When I get the time to really listen, for them to talk, then pray - that is great. Ive always hoped I could volunteer for something. CCCM made it easy. Its been interesting to meet so many people from so many different backgrounds - from the homeless to people from various countries and backgrounds. Its been an education to see what people really struggle with and what their own attitudes are. Its been encouraging to see how much help and cooperation there is between various government and non-government bodies. Its a very well-run operation, and its been great to learn so much.

23.01.2022 Thanks to a successful grant through the City of Melton community grants program from Harness Racing Victoria/Tabcorp Park grant we have been blessed to purchase a new IP phone system. Pictured below are Marj and Lina being trained how to use the new system

23.01.2022 We don't often hear from clients after they leave our building, whether it is with food or budget help, but sometimes we do and more often than not we hear some amazing stories that melt the hearts of all of us here at CCCM. We wanted to share a story we received yesterday via a phone call from someone who has been so thankful for the help we were able to provide her with. She had been a regular visitor to the foodbank over the past few years, but she hasnt visited since sho...rtly after the first lockdown here in Victoria in March. She wanted to thank us for all of the support we had given her over the years and she told us that her life has improved immensely thanks to our help and she was so glad for the resources that we had linked her into as they had helped her more than she could ever imagine. To say she brought tears to the team is an understatement and we are so glad that we have been able to help her out with both food and support so that she could get ahead and move on to bigger and better things. All we can say in return is that it is never just about the food or the budget help, its about recognising the beauty that is in the person and bringing it out so they can be their best. Its for this reason, we do what we do. * If you, or anyone you know, need help please get in touch with us via our website - foodbankmelton.org.au. Were open, and always here to help.

22.01.2022 A big shoutout to Samie and Kool Kidz Ravenhall - Caroline Springs for their amazing community heart. Samie delivered this month’s collection this morning! We can not thank them enough for their generosity! (P.S - She takes a great photo too!)

22.01.2022 Which emoji are you? It's Friday, and to help brighten up our days, we decided that we wanted to post something fun - we couldn't decide, but we came up with something finally ... a BuzzFeed Australia quiz! What emoji best describes you? Post your result in the comments and let's get to know you all! <3... https://www.buzzfeed.com/bumb/what-emoji-are-you-7m8wqjyloe

22.01.2022 We're so excited to announce that we received a $5000 grant from Serco Asia Pacific Foundation to assist us in our food relief services. We are so thankful to them for their contribution as part of their Coronavirus Community Support Fund Scheme and we can not thank whoever nominated us enough.

21.01.2022 A message from the Victorian Government. Thank you Victoria, for doing amazing things during coronavirus. Weve kept our distance and our cool. But we cant stop now, theres still a way to go. And staying apart keeps us together. To help keep us together visit vic.gov.au/coronavirus.

21.01.2022 If you are in need of a cooked meal, Living Springs Baptist Church will be opening a soup kitchen on Thursday 15th October from 1pm - 3pm. Registration is essential for COVIDSafe requirements and can be done by visiting their Facebook (tagged above), website (www.livingspringsbaptistchurch.com/soup-kitchen) or by calling 0499 323 273. If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Living Springs team and they will be happy to help.

21.01.2022 We have a lot of eggs, fruit and veg available today, Wednesday 4/11. Proof of Melton residency is required. * If you’re in need of food relief, please get in contact with us.... * For more details on our opening hours, please visit www.foodbankmelton.org.au/contact-us. See more

21.01.2022 As part of National Volunteer Week starting today, we will be showcasing some of our awesome volunteers through some Q&A! Stay tuned this week on our Facebook for events happening with our essential volunteers and some more get-to-know-you profiles! First up, we have Tina - just one of our amazing team of volunteers. #NVW2020 * What is your role at CCCM?...Continue reading

20.01.2022 After the pandemic, Denis can become a professional criminal! Its getting scary out there. Stay safe everyone!

20.01.2022 We know that it such a difficult time for so many at the moment, so please, if you need any help, please reach out as we're here to help our City of Melton community. It is as simple as sending us a message, email or giving us a call - we will listen. ---... We're keeping COVIDSafe - find out more here: www.foodbankmelton.org.au/coronavirus. See more

19.01.2022 Accessing support and staying connected is important during this time. It is not an easy time, and feeling distressed, anxious or stressed is natural during this time, but if these feelings are interfering with your daily routine, it is important to seek assistance. We encourage you to seek support should you or a friend or family member need it. This includes remaining connected to your GP, mental health practitioner or family and carers network. Visit https://www.dhhs.vic....gov.au/mental-health-resources-coronav for a number of links and resources to assist you in supporting your mental health and wellbeing during this complex time. Victorian Department of Health & Human Services #COVID19

19.01.2022 A big shout out to Mel and friend, Chase and family, Woolworths and Coles for the truckload (literally) of donations we received yesterday. This is a photo of one (from Mel and friend) donation that came in yesterday. The donations over the month of April from unexpected sources have been overwhelming and the shelves are looking terrific. ... We havent been able to get to our main supplier, Foodbank Victoria, for a month now, but thanks to the Melton community showing its amazing spirit once again, our shelves are stocked to capacity.

18.01.2022 CCCM are extremely grateful for the ongoing support of the Melton Lodge and the Freemasons Victoria. Recently, we were fortunate enough to receive a $5000 grant from the Melton Lodge. CCCM have been blessed to have them on board and pray a blessing upon these guys and their families. They are truly special

18.01.2022 This is an important step in working to eliminate family violence in Victoria. However please know there are many support services available to assist you, and escaping family violence is one of the reasons to leave home at any time. If you are needing assistance, please get in contact with us as we can help support you in accessing help or contact one of the support services directly. If there is any immediate danger, please call 000.

18.01.2022 We may have some furniture available if anyone out there in need? Please message us with your needs but there are pots, pans, kitchen items, an 8 seater outdoor setting, 3 bar stools, a single bed frame and blankets for starters. m.me/CombinedChurchesCaringMelton

18.01.2022 Were so excited to announce a new partnership with Pets Of The Homeless Australia. They have provided us with pet food and supplies to help us help those who have pets in need. We're so grateful for their support in helping 'keep best friends together' and if you can, we hope you can show them your support by donating to them. * If you would like to find out more, or donate to Pets Of The Homeless, please visit www.petsofthehomeless.org.au.

17.01.2022 We are excited to announce that our Op Shop team has been hard at work to reopen our Op Shop from next Tuesday 9th June from 9am to 1:30pm, Mon-Fri. We will be continuing to take a number of steps to stop the spread of COVID-19, including: * Restricting the number of people allowed into the shop at one time to ensure social distancing requirements can be adhered to. * Increased sanitising and cleaning of the shop... * Ensuring our volunteers wash and sanitise their hands frequently * Disinfecting donations upon arrival. We would like to take this opportunity to again thank the community for their support and donations during this time, plus a big THANK YOU to our op shop team who have worked hard behind the scenes to be able to reopen. If you can, please donate to us here: www.foodbankmelton.org.au/donate. For more details on CCCMs response to Coronavirus, please visit www.foodbankmelton.org.au/coronavirus.

16.01.2022 We have been supporting a large group of international students for a number of weeks now. We ran out of some food staples due to the volume of applicants we had supported and there was set to be another 80 more to assist next week. This is a very welcome announcement from the government, and we wholeheartedly support it as CCCM is not in a position to do it alone.... -- Media Enquiries: [email protected]

16.01.2022 Please share this post to your networks and inform those international students who are in need of legal support

15.01.2022 We have a lot of free eggs available for any Centrelink card holders. Come down and visit us today - we’re here until 2:30pm. For more information on our opening hours, please visit our website - www.foodbankmelton.org.au/contact-us.

15.01.2022 Thanks to the awesome Raj Pahwa for donating a cash register to us after our old one died. Trevor came in especially to give our Tuesday volunteers, Maureen, Barbara and Denis, a training session this morning and they enjoyed every minute of it! Lets see by the end of day if they listened to him?!

15.01.2022 The Victorian Government has again announced the implementation of Stage 3 restrictions across the metropolitan area of Melbourne - including the City of Melton. Combined Churches Melton will once again continue to operate our essential service to the community through these restrictions. We will continue to offer our food relief, budget education and counselling sessions, as these are all essential to our clients during this crisis. The CCCM Foodbank will revert to its stan...dard opening hours from Monday 13th July and will continue those hours until further notice. CCCM Op Shop will remain open from 9am - 1:30pm, Mon - Fri to assist our community with low-priced goods where required. Please ensure that you are following the Victorian Governments directions and only leave the house for one of the four reasons stated. We will continue our stringent COVIDSafe measures including density requirements, social distancing, additional cleaning of our building and zero-contact service delivery to ensure the health and wellbeing of all of our volunteers, staff and clients is maintained. We are continuing to follow closely the advice from the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) and other government organisations. It is as important as ever to ensure you do not come into the centre if you are feeling unwell. If you are feeling unwell, it is vital you stay home and contact your GP or the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 (avail. 24/7 - keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies.) We are here to help, so if you are self-isolating or feeling unwell and require assistance from us, please get in touch and we will assist you in the best way we can. * For more information on restrictions, and health advice please visit www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus. * For more information on CCCMs response to Coronavirus or how to gain assistance from us, please visit our website - www.foodbankmelton.org.au/coronavirus.

14.01.2022 Next up in our Volunteer Week profiles, we have Belinda - just another one of our AMAZING team of volunteers. Stay tuned to our Facebook for our next profile! #NVW2020 * What is your role at CCCM? I started helping at CCCM while I was doing my horticultural course. I had spare time and needed some practical experience in gardening. A team of us from the school designed the garden beds, moved mountains of soil and planted over 200 plants. Since then Ive helped set up the op s...hop, do minor maintenance and regularly work out in the gardens. * What do you do outside of CCCM? Ive been married for over 10 years now. I work part time at Kmart and currently homeschool my 10 year old daughter during the COVID-19 lockdown. I love gardening and design so keep on top of that too. * What do you enjoy most about volunteering? I love helping people and giving back to my community. I dont do it for a reward but you do get rewarded by the smiles and friendships you make through CCCM. * What has been your favourite moment at CCCM? I really enjoy watching the centre grow from when the first foundation was poured. Sitting down after a long day with the other volunteers having a laugh is my favourite time - theyre all great company. * How has volunteering at CCCM influenced your life? I guess its opened up my eyes to the amount of hardship that you dont normally see and how caring our community of Melton is. All of the volunteers have a real compassionate heart.

14.01.2022 Were so proud here at CCCM to be able to support this amazing group of people! God bless them for their hard work to help our community.

13.01.2022 Combined Churches Melton are proud to support Didibahini Samajvictoria with vital food support for unsupported international students. If you are living in the City of Melton and in need of assistance, please contact the team - foodbankmelton.org.au/contactus.

12.01.2022 John was a great supporter of CCCM. A good, honest gentleman, a tireless worker for his local community and country who will be terribly missed by everyone who knew him. Sadly, now in God's care

12.01.2022 Community minded people are Melton’s most precious asset. Christmas is looking good for some of our clients due to the efforts of Michelle Oates and her supporters. This is Michelle’s first year of running a reverse advent calendar and a sure event to put her out of her comfort zone. ... May God bless you today and always for your lovely heart. We can not thank you enough for your support, Michelle.

11.01.2022 This year, we have partnered with The Salvation Army Australia as part of their Red Shield Appeal. Funds raised via our page will be donated to Combined Churches Caring Melton - and we are eternally grateful. Because of COVID-19, the Salvos cant do their traditional doorknock, so theyre doing the Red Shield Appeal a little differently. You can still make a difference for residents of City of Melton in need during these unprecedented times. We know that the Melton community ...is a generous one, and we can not thank you enough for donating. You can donate to our Red Shield Appeal page here: https://digitaldoorknock.salvationarmy.org.au/foodbankmelton

11.01.2022 We are saddened to hear the loss of the four police officers here in Melbourne. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends as they get through this difficult time.

10.01.2022 Here at CCCM, food is currently going out the door as fast as it’s coming in! Kool Kidz asked what we needed and WOW! We had an awesome visit from Sami and an amazing man (We’re really sorry - we should’ve asked your name!) ... A great donation was unloaded from the car (Keeping COVIDSafe of course!) into all of our trolleys. Everything we could have hoped for was in it. The volunteers had a great time cataloging and putting everything away. Thank you so much to the Kool Kidz team once again for thinking of us. Your support means the world to us!

10.01.2022 We are here to help, now more than ever. CCCM continue to open 10am - 12:15pm as previously advised, and we now will be temporarily waiving the requirement for a Centrelink card (eg: Pension, HCC) to help out all City of Melton residents who have been recently unemployed and need our support. Bacchus Marsh residents: Please visit The Neighbours Place for more details regarding assistance available to you.... If you have any questions, comment below or visit foodbankmelton.org.au/contactus. Were here to help.

10.01.2022 The team at CCCM would love to wish Ruth a very happy birthday for yesterday and a sad farewell to Sylvia as she returns to India on the passing of her father due to COVID-19. We pray God's comfort and strength upon Sylvia, Moses and the rest of the family as they leave us to return to their family.

10.01.2022 Today marks the end of the trial period that we recently announced around reopening our Op Shop. Sadly, the management team at CCCM have now made the decision to close our Op Shop until further notice - once restrictions are lifted and things return to a sort of normality. It has been a hard decision to make however the health and safety of our staff, volunteers and community remains our number one priority. It was decided that under the current restrictions and fear among ou...r community that our plan to reopen was not going to work. Please be aware that our food relief services remain open to all City of Melton residents, however we ask you to not visit if you are feeling unwell and instead get in contact with us via phone or email. If you are in a position to donate, we would kindly request you do so to help us in this time of unprecedented demand. You can do so online at www.foodbankmelton.org.au/donate. To keep up-to-date with CCCMs updates regarding COVID-19, visit: https://bit.ly/CCCMCoronavirus.

10.01.2022 We’d love to say hi, and a warm welcome to our new treasurer Brendan Richards to CCCM! Brendan is an active member of the Rotary Club of Melton and a great community worker. Yes he is smiling behind the mask! (Well he said he was ... )

09.01.2022 Do you have a problem with moving your stuff? So did we, but Raj and his team from Move My Stuff graciously came to the rescue. We needed a large order of hand sanitiser from Sydney delivered to us in Melton. ... A huge thank you to Move My Stuff from the CCCM team for delivering to us free of charge! Pictured below are drivers Pankaj and Gurbeet Please support those who support small charities.

09.01.2022 We're still open, and always here to help. For the latest information on CCCM's services and response to COVID-19, please visit: www.foodbankmelton.org.au/coronavirus.

09.01.2022 If you have any symptoms of coronavirus, no matter how mild, please get tested. It's not over yet. For more information on the latest restrictions, visit vic.gov.au/coronavirus.

08.01.2022 Unfortunately, we have made the tough decision to once again close the CCCM Op Shop until further notice. *** THE FOODBANK WILL STILL BE OPERATING AS USUAL. This has been a tough decision to make, and one we do not take lightly. Due to low customer numbers and a number of our staff unable to work due to their vulnerable status, it has become difficult to operate.... We will be back as soon as we can, and will regularly revisit this decision. Please note that our food relief services continue to operate, and as of today the foodbank is now open 10am - 3pm Mon-Thurs, 10am - 12:15 Friday. As always, if you are feeling unwell please stay home and get in touch with us if you require assistance. For more information on our response to COVID-19, please visit our website: www.foodbankmelton.org.au/coronavirus.

08.01.2022 Today in our Volunteer Week profile series, we get to know Peter Mayhew - one of our Management Committee members! He is just another one of our amazing volunteers here at CCCM. <3 #NVW2020 * What is your role at CCCM? I am a volunteer driver for CCCM and occasionally do special projects for Denise but I have also been co-opted to the CCCM Management Committee as their Secretary which also requires a degree of regular time commitment.... * What do you do outside of CCCM? I live with my wife of 50 years on a one acre block so we are both keen gardeners and there is always something to do in the garden. I am a member of Rotary International through the Rotary Club of Melton and I have been in RI for over 30 years in two separate clubs one in England and one in Australia. I make a point of walking our dog every day for 30 - 45 minutes it is good for both of us! I also enjoy regularly cooking our food, usually two nights per week and I like to read books on fiction and do jigsaw puzzles. * What is something you are passionate about outside of CCCM? I have been an active Rotarian for over 30 years and often a board member of my club. Rotary is the largest service organisation in the world and it never has enough members. * What prompted you to volunteer, and what attracted you to CCCM? I had some involvement with CCCM over the years and particularly with Denise as the CEO since Rotary has been a sponsor of CCCM for a long time. When I retired from work, four years ago at the age of 71, and had a lot more time that I could decide how to spend it, I simply asked Denise if there was anything that I could do for her. My wife and I are self-funded retirees who believe in community service to help those who are less fortunate than we are. If our skills can be of assistance then we are happy to volunteer them? * How has volunteering at CCCM influenced your life? I guess its opened up my eyes to the amount of hardship that you dont normally see and how caring our community of Melton is. All of the volunteers have a real compassionate heart. * Do you support/volunteer at other organisations? Only my membership of Rotary. * What do you tell your friends about volunteering at CCCM? I tell them that I believe that it is a worthwhile way to spend time and effort and that if they have time they should come along and try it!

08.01.2022 CCCM will continue to be open throughout Stage 4 restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne. Leaving the house to access food relief is part of your 4 reasons to leave the home. We have strict COVIDSafe measures in place including compulsory masks, increased cleaning, social distancing and zero-contact service delivery. We have also introduced new ways to access our services - including phone intake interviews. You can find out more information about these changes on our website.... In accordance with government regulations, we ask you to come to the foodbank alone and you should wear a face covering. The health and safety of our staff, volunteers, and clients is our highest priority and we will continue to work safely to deliver our essential service to the community. We are continuing to follow closely the advice from the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) and other government organisations. It is as important as ever to ensure you do not come into the centre if you are feeling unwell. If you are feeling unwell, it is vital you stay home and contact your GP or the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 (avail. 24/7 - keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies.) If you, or someone else you know needs our help, please get in contact or share this message with them and encourage them to seek our assistance - we are here to help. Please also keep in mind that the change in restrictions may be difficult for some, so please ensure that we continue to support each other by following the restrictions and staying in touch with one another. * For more information on our stage 4 operations or our response to coronavirus, please visit: foodbankmelton.org.au/coronavirus. * For the latest information from the Victorian Government, including the current restrictions, please visit: www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus. If you have any further questions about these changes, please comment below or send us a PM.

05.01.2022 Hey everyone! We're closed for today's Queens Birthday public holiday. We will reopen from tomorrow morning at 10am, alongside the Op Shop reopening from 9am.... Stay safe, and enjoy the rest of your long weekend - but remember, please ensure you continue to adhere to the government restrictions currently surrounding COVID-19. You can find out more about the current restrictions at vic.gov.au/coronavirus.

03.01.2022 Its been a long few weeks for everyone and working at the centre has had its stressful moments. Today we held our new annual Lolly Toss event. It was a close contest but Ruth came out as the victorious winner with a total of five lollies in the bucket. Everyone got a participation certificate that I expect to see framed on the wall when I visit.... Congratulations everyone. And thank you for participating!

02.01.2022 We had a call from Prabha from Djerriwarrh Health Services about a group of over 70 international students no longer studying or working due to COVID-19. They have no income, are away from their family and country and are still needing to pay rent, gas and electricity. A tough situation that we wouldnt wish on anyone and our heart went out to them. These students live all over Melbourne from Craigeburn to Glen Iris, so a team from Didibahini Samajvictoria volunteers gathere...d a fleet of cars to pick up from us and delivered directly to them. This is the second load. Another following in two weeks. #LetsDoThisTogether

01.01.2022 We have plenty of bread available today for anyone with a current Centrelink card who is in need. Proof of Melton residency is required. * If you’re in need of food relief, please get in contact with us.... * For more details on our opening hours, please visit www.foodbankmelton.org.au/contact-us. See more

01.01.2022 Over the past few days, we have distributed awards to many of our volunteers as something fun for National Volunteer Week. Here are a few photos of the team with their awards! #NVW2020