Welcoming space for brunch and chat

by Bonnie Collings
Locals seeking some company over a nice brunch are encouraged to visit the Salvos brunch on Tuesday mornings.
The brunch program has been running at the Salvation Army Church in Warragul since July last year, supported by funds raised in the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal.
Major Jenni Frost from the Warragul Salvation Army Corps said the aim of the brunch is to provide a welcoming space for members in the community.
"We started (the brunch program) out a conversation with our Doorways case manager," Major Frost said. "He identified certain needs in the community. Out of that conversation we wondered what could we do to make a difference' so that's where the idea came from and it's just gone from there."
Over the year that it has been running, the brunch program has attracted a combination of community members and people from the Salvation Army church.
"When we started it was small, but it's grown," Major Frost said. "It was sort of smaller numbers in the early days, but particularly this year it's really picked up. We have around 20 something people coming together to enjoy a brunch menu and also some interaction and conversation with others."
Major Frost said people have commented that coming to the brunch was a nice opportunity for the community to spend time away from their own space.
"In conversations outside of the brunch we hear people say that it's a good part of their week to come to and that they enjoy coming."
The brunch program is free and available to all members of the local community.
"It's to help make a difference for people," said Major Frost. "We recognise the rising costs, so if this can just be a little thing that alleviates that pressure. If we can make that difference for people, that's great."
A variety of brunch food options are available each week, as well as activities like carpet bowls and pool.
"There's bacon and egg muffins, toast, sandwiches, coffee and juice or cereals," said Major Frost. "Most go for the bacon and egg muffin."
The Salvos brunch is open to community members between 9:30am and 11:30am every Tuesday at 120 Burke St, Warragul.