“Falling through the gaps”: Bayswater food and community support hub secures $12,000 from quickly disappearing fund

The emergency money is being used for meat, eggs, dairy and vegan food.

Matthew Sims
September 15, 2025

The sound of hearty laughter and the smell of many cups of tea brewing - as soon as you walk into the CHAMPION (Community Hub and Meeting Place in our Neighbourhood) community service at Temple Society Australia’s Bayswater hub, you can tell that it’s more than just a food support service.

Lived experience: In 2013, Temple Society Australia community care manager Martina Eaton was couch surfing with her teenage son after fleeing from family violence and was inspired to launch CHAMPION when she was unable to find appropriate support.

“I noticed that people were falling through the gaps in the system,” she told the Eastern Melburnian. “I figured if I can’t get help, then who else is missing out on help?”

The Ferntree Gully charity providing care one meal at a time

For more than 20 years, Foothills Community Care has been a key source of support for families and individuals in need across Knox and the Dandenong Ranges.

📈Growing need: Eaton said demand for the program’s services had increased “significantly” recently, with more intergenerational families, single parents and the “working poor” seeking help.

💰 Funding support: CHAMPION applied for a $12,000 grant from Knox Council’s Emergency Relief Fund, with the application approved during the council’s meeting on September 8.

Eaton said the money would allow them to buy meat, eggs, dairy and vegan food.

🤝 How can I help? You can join the regular volunteer base of about 20 people, or donate food or money.

CHAMPION is open at 51 Elizabeth Street, Bayswater from 10am to 12.30pm on Mondays and from 12.30pm to 3pm on Wednesdays.

This Scoresby food charity helps those struggling to make ends meet

Every week, a group of volunteers come together to cook about 1200 meals for those in need, as part of Feed One Feed All.

📉 Fund almost exhausted: Knox Council has a $110,000 Emergency Relief Fund in its 2025/26 budget. A little more than two months into the financial year, only $12,684 remains.

Out of the five successful applications, three have been for the maximum $20,000 allocation. Foothills Community Care, Feed One Feed All and The Salvation Army’s Ferntree Gully each received the funding to extend their food support programs.

Speaking during the September 8 meeting, Knox councillor Paige Kennett said the speed of the fund’s depletion “speaks volumes about where we’re at as a community”.

Knox Council Deputy Mayor Glen Atwell said council must consider whether the $110,000 fund needed to be increased for the 2026/27 financial year.