New community dinners help resident eat and greet

A new initiative is set to foster social connection while helping Maranoa residents who may be experiencing tough times.

Monthly dinners to be co-hosted by the Anglican Church, Tony's Community Kitchens and Maranoa Regional Council will see meals provided to those wanting a meal, a friendly chat, or a sense of connection once a month. 

Mayor Wendy Taylor said these events will help improve health and wellbeing across our region. 

"This program is open to anyone and everyone across the region," Cr Taylor said. 

"Whether you are experiencing financial hardship, are looking to add more nutrition to your meals or want to form new connections in the community, this event is for you."

"Maranoa Regional Council is proud to support community events such as these monthly community meals."

Through these dinners, attendees will learn about food independence skills including meal planning, budgeting, and food preparation. 

Maranoa Regional Council is proud to partner with the Queensland Government, Tony's Community Kitchen, Open Windows project and Bakearoma. 

Tony's Community Kitchen CEO and Founder Tony Hurle said he is proud to be able to extend his organisation's services from its homebase in Toowoomba to Roma. 

"We know the cost of living is biting hard so we have got to try hard to work with other agencies to help those people who need it the most," Mr Hurle said. 

"Being a Roma boy growing up myself I know the difficulties the little town has in accessing food and food services."

Helen McLeod, a committee member of the Open Windows project said she is grateful for the support for this initiative. 

"There are many people within Roma who are sleeping rough or are truly struggling with the cost of living," Ms McLeod said. 

"By having a number of entities involve with the project builds better sustainability for the project and helps ensure the load is carried by many and not one."

Bakearoma will provide fresh bread. 

For catering purposes, register by calling Council's customer service team on 1300 007 662. 

The first event will be held at 6pm, on Wednesday 26 February 2025 at Anglican Church Hall, Bungil Street, Roma. Future dinners will be held on the fourth Wednesday every month.