Humans looking after humans

21 Aug 2025

No bells and whistles, just humans looking after humans

Quercus Beechworth Neighbourhood House runs a long-standing Community Food Program that provides free, frozen meals to anyone in need — whether due to financial pressure, health issues, or simply life being overwhelming. Every fortnight, around 100 meals are cooked fresh in the Quercus commercial kitchen by a team of volunteers working alongside prisoners from Beechworth Correctional Centre.

General Manager Paivi Watson says the program is about much more than food relief. “This is a social justice project at heart,” she explained. “We’re creating a space where people come together as equals — not as ‘clients,’ ‘offenders,’ or ‘volunteers,’ but as fellow community members contributing and connecting.”

The program is self-funded through Quercus’ social enterprises — the Op Shop, Bookshop, and Venue Hire — with additional support from Foodbank Victoria, Indigo Shire Council, and local health and wellbeing services. The partnership with Beechworth Correctional Centre is especially powerful, providing prisoners in the reintegration stage with skills, confidence, and community connection. “Working side by side in the kitchen breaks down stereotypes,” Paivi said. “Our volunteers and the men from Corrections chop, cook, share music, and laugh together. It’s built on trust and dignity — and that’s what makes it so strong.”

Paivi credits the commitment of the volunteers and staff for the program’s success, as well as the consistent demand for meals. “The fact that the freezer is always empty tells us this program matters,” she noted. “It’s grassroots, it’s local, and it’s people lifting each other up. I couldn’t be prouder of our staff and volunteers who have all contributed to what we’ve built together.

"No bells and whistles, just humans looking after humans."