Vinnies Kitchen was founded in July of 1992 by Kristina Thielking, whose compassion and foresight led to Mary’s Van, a service that continues her work in the Southern Peninsula.

Vinnies Kitchen is non-denominational incorporation made up of local volunteers, primarily retired business people.

In short, we are frontline to the homeless and others in need and provide a free, two-course meal, 6 days a week. As part of our weekend meal program (before COVID restrictions). We are an independent non-profit organisation, and although we have a similar nickname (Vinnies), we are not affiliated with St Vincent de Paul.

Vinnies Kitchen supplies and serves 180 people per week from the Shires Youth Band hall at 980 Point Nepean Road Rosebud.

During COVID restrictions, we have continued service as a takeaway service for our clients in the past year. We have also supplied fruit, vegetables, bread, pre-packed meals etc. and have home delivered to those stuck at home due to age restrictions, financial hardship, distance or travel problems during covid.

With a recently purchased van, we would like to continue these services well into the future. Our hall is well situated on the foreshore alongside the homeless, including some women and children, camp, sleep in cars or rough it.

We have now begun to supply sleeping bags, toiletries and we work with the Splash program and all other local service providers.

Among our elderly male citizens, we have a high proportion of those who are unable to cook and those with mental illness or various addictions or medical conditions. In addition, we have seen a steady increase in clients throughout our community, including more single women and some young families with children, increasing pressure on the local community.

It is said that loneliness is the greatest poverty endured, so at Vinnies Kitchen, we offer a safe, friendly and welcoming environment for you to relax and enjoy a meal.