About Us

Wangaratta Carevan assists many disadvantaged local families & individuals in their time of need. We aim to create a sense of identity, belonging, and achievement in those less advantaged in our society. We are dedicated to the objective of serving those less fortunate than ourselves.

Carevan serves those battling hardship and disadvantage of all kinds; homelessness, financial hardship, isolation, and loneliness.

Our team of dedicated and diligent volunteers; creates a warm, welcoming, and non-judgemental setting. The community can come together to share a meal and some time to connect, share their stories, within a community that cares for them.

WE ARE ALL INCLUSIVE - Everyone Is Welcome to Come and Enjoy a FREE MEAL

Local business’ help with donations of food; such as Woolworths & Coles; providing fruit and vegetables which are rescued before being discarded. Food rescue is paramount. Meat is either donated or purchased with monetary donations from the public and business’.

Donations are fundamental in Wangaratta Carevan being able to continue serving the local community. Individuals in the community also provide donations. They may have excess veggies or fruit, or provide cash donations. Some schools or organisations hold ‘food drives’, and non-perishable items help us with cook-up stocks. Some schools have run projects to raise funds for the school and often gift a percentage to charities within the community.

Volunteering is the backbone of service to the community. The Wangaratta community knows that rural cities and towns must support each other. This is always highlighted when we have gone through fires and floods. All come together to help each other. Volunteering gives people the experience of working in teams, for the community, as a community. So we are always asking if anyone would like to volunteer, please reach out to us.

In February 2011, we commenced serving Monday and Wednesday night meals. This was Wangaratta Carevan Inc. Committee members under a 3 month trial. Volunteers were then inducted and began serving clients in April 2011. Our location was Victory Life Church on Monday nights and Apex Park on Wednesday nights.

In the beginning, cook-up of meals from food donated by the Wangaratta Carevan Inc. Committee was  in the industrial kitchen at Avian Park. After preparation, they were snap frozen and stored in freezers for service nights. 

February 2014, The Inner Wheel Club of Wangaratta received a grant to provide the cook-ups for  Wangaratta Carevan Inc..  The grant was from Community Food for All Forum (CFFAF). The aim is to ensure groups work together to make the best use of local resources to help those in need.

Inner Wheel monthly cook-ups commenced on Sundays. Using the Avian Park Raceway kitchen and food donations from local businesses. The group cooks, snap freezes the hearty meals.

Since 2015, cook-ups at The Centre have been used in their commercial kitchen in Chisholm Street. In 2015 Wangaratta Carevan Inc. was invited from the West End Committee to start service on Tuesday nights. This was the area between Ross Court and Lowe Court off Rangeview Drive.

Inner Wheel mentors VCAL students once a month. They receive training to prepare and cook meals for Wangaratta Carevan Inc.  

The Food Committee take meals for the next week from freezers and put them in fridges in the van. 

Besides delivering meals regularly, Wangaratta Carevan Inc. partners with local community agencies.
*Anglicare,
*Loaves & Fishes – Christians Caring,
*Borinya School,
*Junction Support Services,
*Wangaratta High School,
*The Centre, and
*Ovens & King

*Open Door Neighbourhood House 

*Pangerang 

*Food Share

*Community Food For All
Promoting awareness about anti-poverty, homelessness, and the benefits of healthy eating.

We hand Perishable food - Eggs, fruit, and vegetables out to the clients or used in our wholesome meals. 

The Wangaratta Carevan Inc. does not receive any formal financial funding. Donations of food and financial assistance is from community groups or business leaders.

We are autonomous, and are not required to pay royalties, licensee fees, or wages. This enables us to distribute donations to benefit our clients.