Phase 1
Phase 1
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to some of the questions you may have.
For any other queries email – contactus@stcanicekitchen.org.au
Why do we need a new kitchen?
Our Kitchen is in need of an upgrade in order to better serve our guests. This scaling up of capacity for both cooking and serving meals will allow for an increase in the number of meals and a much larger, safer and more efficient working space.
How is the re-development being funded?
Payce Foundation has generously agreed to fund the construction costs of the new kitchen. Funding is still needed to secure other costs (eg increased food costs, furniture, plates, cutlery etc).
What will happen to the existing serving and dining areas?
Existing serving and dining area will be repurposed to expand our services, to include social workers, counsellors, and other visiting partners. Additionally, the Parish Op Shop will be enlarged and relocated to this area.
How will this impact our deep rooted culture at St Canice's Kitchen?
The kitchen redevelopment won’t impact our core culture with our guests and volunteers, as simply the heart and soul of St Canice’s Kitchen.
The enhancements will simply provide a cleaner and more dignified environment with increased capacity to serve those in need. This significant improvement will allow St Canice’s faith-driven mission to be more visible and impactful than ever before.
What will happen to the coffee shop?
As part of our kitchen’s overall upgrade, the coffee shop will be repositioned within the new development. It will feature a “hole in the wall” service window that faces the street, providing easy access for passersby outside the current dining area.
How will our guests be impacted?
Our planning efforts and intent is to ensure that services will remain uninterrupted. Although there may be space constraints and necessary adjustments to prioritise safety of guests and volunteers, we will remain operational.
How will volunteers be impacted?
The existing kitchen will continue to operate as usual throughout the renovation process. However, please note that during the first stage of construction, from February to August, there will be NO access to the carpark. We are actively working on alternative parking solutions to accommodate this temporary inconvenience and will keep everyone informed of the progress.
How can you further help?
While we are actively securing funding for various operational costs, there remains a significant need for direct community support.
Contributions of cutlery, plates, and other dining essentials are greatly appreciated. If you are interested in supporting us, donations of these items or financial contributions towards their purchase would make a substantial difference.
How many people will the new kitchen serve?
The newly renovated kitchen will be able to serve over 300 people per day. This substantial increase in capacity aims to meet the growing needs of our community and reach more individuals requiring our services.
How will we safely manage this increased capacity?
With the rise in the number of people accessing the kitchen, we are planning to implement enhanced security measures. This will include the installation of surveillance and potentially more security personnel during peak hours to ensure a safe and orderly environment for both guests and volunteers.
What about parking?
While the existing parking capacity will remain unchanged, it’s important to note that the parking area will be temporarily closed during the first stage of construction, from Febuary to August. We are exploring alternative arrangements for parking during this period and will communicate these plans as they are finalized. However, we strongly advise volunteers to seek alternative solutions (eg carpooling, public transport) as it is vital that volunteers remain active to ensure our kitchen can operate. Without volunteers in this challenging period, it will impact our ability to serve our guests.
What will our trading hours be?
Our trading hours will remain the same. Any changes will be subject to review.
How can I stay informed?
St Canice’s Kitchen management team will be active in communicating the progression of the build, so that volunteers are informed across all project stages.