By mid-morning on a Wednesday, a long line has already formed at Catholic Care’s Mamre House and Farm in Orchard Hills.
Some people arrive early, reusable shopping bags folded neatly under their arms. Others sip hot tea on the verandah, greeting familiar faces and browsing boxes of home-grown and locally harvested vegetables and herbs near the entrance. Nearby, the warm, comforting smell of baked bread wafts in the air.
Others arrive quietly; some supported by mobility aids, while some have young children. Many keep to themselves, grateful for a place where they can come and go with ease and dignity.
For many in Western Sydney, this weekly gathering has become a lifeline.
As the cost of living continues to climb, individuals, couples and families are feeling the strain at the supermarket checkout. Rent, electricity and petrol leave little room to move, and for some, putting food on the table has become the difference between paying bills or skipping meals.
It is here that Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, through its long-standing partnership with OzHarvest, is offering practical help and genuine welcome to people who need it most.
Each week, Community Outreach Coordinator Lisa Malcher and her team of volunteers carefully prepare tables indoors with boxes of locally sourced fruit, vegetables, bread, eggs and baked goods. To the side of the building, a large refrigerator holds a generous supply of fresh meat, fish and dairy, with bags packed and ready, including tailored options for those who have notified staff in advance of dietary requirements.
Packed bags of donated foodstuffs for members of the community at Catholic Care’s Mamre House. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
As the queue moves steadily through each collection point, people are welcomed with warmth and care, offered friendly, one-to-one support and the opportunity to learn more about help that may be available to them.
The food is rescued through key partners such as Woolworths, shared freely and offered with dignity, thanks largely to word of mouth that continues to draw people through the historic iron gates.
“I live locally here,” one attendee said. “It’s excellent. It helps a lot.”
A parent collecting a bag of groceries smiled as she spoke. “It’s great. Fresh food.”
But it is not just what goes into the bags that keeps people coming back.
“We meet people we can socialise with a little bit, so it’s nice,” one regular shared, pausing to chat with volunteers he now knows by name.
For many, the service was discovered through friends or family members who recognised the need, even when shame or guilt made asking for help difficult.
“A friend told me about it,” one woman said. “I don’t come every week, but when I feel like I need to, I do.
“It’s here just when you need it.”
Parents spoke about the relief of being able to provide for their children, even if only for a few days.
“I have children, so I share with them,” one mother said gratefully. “It’s beautiful.”
Another attendee carefully packed eggs into her bag before adding, “I really appreciate the fresh food. It makes a big difference.”
Fresh fruit and vegetables donated by OzHarvest for members of the community at Catholic Care’s Mamre House. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Behind the scenes, the partnership with OzHarvest helps address a painful contradiction. While many Australians are struggling to afford groceries, large amounts of quality food are still wasted each week. Through food rescue and redistribution, this surplus becomes life-giving work, providing nourishment with generosity to those most vulnerable in the community.
Lisa said that as household costs continue to rise, demand for food relief services has grown, bringing more first-time visitors through the doors.
“We are here, and we have been here for a long time,” she said.
“We offer what is available and create a space where people feel seen, respected and welcomed.”
Alongside Catholic Care’s on-site farm and agistment coordinator Michael Manning, Lisa is on hand each week not only to distribute food, but also to connect people with Catholic Care’s broader services.
“It’s a good opportunity to let people know what we do and how we can support them,” she said.
“That includes courses to help people upskill or improve language skills for employment, our on-site creche for those studying at Mamre, and our other community centres at Emerton and Springwood, which also offer food hampers and community programs.
“It’s about helping people get back on their feet and maintain dignity during some of the toughest times.”
Farm and agistment coordinator Michael Manning helps distribute donated foodstuffs to members of the community at Catholic Care’s Mamre House. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
A first-time visitor, referred by another service, was struck by the generosity on offer.
“The packaging is amazing. The staff are very kind, caring and patient,” he said. “It’s really helpful.”
On this occasion, the team was also joined by an extra helper, Catholic Care’s caseworker Leonard Brown from Blacktown, as part of the Family Services team, who found the experience particularly enriching.
“It’s nice seeing all the different ways Catholic Care helps families,” he said.
If you are struggling, you are not alone. Please contact Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains on 8843 2500 or email enquiries@catholiccarewsbm.org.au.
The OzHarvest hamper initiative reflects the Diocese of Parramatta’s Pastoral Plan priority of being a Church that reaches out to the margins with practical care, shared meals and genuine community. Visit Synodality to learn more.
