In other developments, the kitchen and dining room at the Uniting Church received a visit last week from Ross Williams of the Reaching Out Foundation.

He handed over a cheque for $800 that Monty’s Place organiser and founder Rev David Oliphant said would be used toward the purchase of a fridge.

Ross was involved in the setting up of Ricky’s Place in Bega and he also addressed the Narooma community during the formation of Monty’s Place.

“The foundation, that I chair, is currently working on setting up similar in Merimbula to be called Pearl’s Place, supporting efforts in Eden and planning to galvanise the community in Cooma to establish their own Place too, so there’s a couple more in the pipeline,” Ross said.

Monty’s Place at Narooma meanwhile continues to see more and more people stopping in at Wednesday lunchtime for a hot meal and companionship.

The most they have catered for is 72 and there is a team of 40 volunteers on a roster.

“People are coming and are really grateful for what we provide,” Rev Oliphant said. “They come from all walks of life and represent a true cross section of the community.”

Monty’s Place is also about to introduce in the form of music and singing, with a once-a-month singing group.

Ross said; “It’s about lunch with dignity and I will never call it a soup kitchen. People have a choice with a menu and a choice of where to sit.” 

Monty’s Place to serve its first meal

Monty’s Place to feed Narooma needy