Contact Us DONATE
MENU

Our Guests

Our Guests

At the Heart of What We Do

Each day, St Canice’s Kitchen opens its doors to welcome people doing it tough—those facing homelessness, food insecurity, and social isolation. Our guests come from all walks of life, and we offer more than just a meal; we offer dignity, connection, and care.

With the support of our volunteers and community partners, we provide nutritious food, a safe and welcoming space, and access to essential services that help our guests take the next step forward.

Everyone who walks through our doors is met with respect, compassion, and a sense of belonging.

DION

I’ve been coming here for 10 years, on and off, whenever I’ve needed to. There are no qualifying marks here, no yardsticks that any of us have to measure up to. They don’t have an eligibility criterion. Everyone is welcome here and this place is a great equaliser because people come here from all walks of life.   

Read More

DION

I’ve been coming here for 10 years, on and off, whenever I’ve needed to. There are no qualifying marks here, no yardsticks that any of us have to measure up to. They don’t have an eligibility criterion. Everyone is welcome here and this place is a great equaliser because people come here from all walks of life.   

In the 10 years I’ve been coming here, I’ve never had a dud feed. The ladies who volunteer to cook in the kitchen here do an amazing job. I’m pretty sure that if I gave them a couple of old tin cans and some old boot leather as ingredients, they would still manage to make a casserole to die for!   

I love the fact that they take the time out of their day to do something both Christian and charitable that doesn’t involve us having to do anything spiritual. People could be of any faith and still be welcome here. There is no requirement to pray, to profess a particular faith or even to cop a sermon in pursuit of a feed.   

Nora

Nora cannot read or write, but refers endearingly to young volunteer Ollie Mulhearn as her guardian angel. If Nora ever has paperwork to do, Ollie takes her to ensure that it is filled out correctly. He was by her side when she applied for an Opal card, the smartcard ticketing system used on public transport in Sydney and other parts of New South Wales. Ollie tells me that lunch at St Canice’s is often Nora’s only meal of the day. Nora smiles throughout our conversation, especially when talking about the volunteers at the Kitchen. 

Read More

Nora

Nora cannot read or write, but refers endearingly to young volunteer Ollie Mulhearn as her guardian angel. If Nora ever has paperwork to do, Ollie takes her to ensure that it is filled out correctly. He was by her side when she applied for an Opal card, the smartcard ticketing system used on public transport in Sydney and other parts of New South Wales. Ollie tells me that lunch at St Canice’s is often Nora’s only meal of the day. Nora smiles throughout our conversation, especially when talking about the volunteers at the Kitchen. 

I’ve been coming here for nine years. The simple reason is that I have nowhere else to go. In that time, I have seen big changes, but the people here do magic. They don’t just serve food and care for us when we’re here

I get help and friendship here – doctors, social workers, nurses, carers. I like to be here. I know everybody here. So many people here have problems, problems with their health and other problems as well. Coming here for me is so much more than just having a meal. We’ve got everything here. Good company and a safe place. They’re my family.

Benny Oakley

I started coming here when I was homeless last year. People told me about this place. I was hungry and looking for something to eat. I’ve got housing now, luckily. I don’t just come here for the food, I come here to socialise as well. It gets a bit lonely. I think it’s really important to have places like this – we’re lucky in Sydney. There’s always someone to talk to here.

Read More

Benny Oakley:  

I started coming here when I was homeless last year. People told me about this place. I was hungry and looking for something to eat. I’ve got housing now, luckily. I don’t just come here for the food, I come here to socialise as well. It gets a bit lonely. I think it’s really important to have places like this – we’re lucky in Sydney. There’s always someone to talk to here. 

When I was sleeping on the street, I was so grateful when I was given housing. However, even if you have a roof over your head, you still need to talk to someone. Coming here helps with costs but it’s also equally important to have company, to have people to connect with and talk to. We get lonely but anyone can come here to have a coffee and a meal and you’re never judged.

Ana

I’ve been coming here a long time. I can’t actually recall how many years exactly. I don’t come here every day. I come with my very close friend, to keep her company. I had a car accident and that really set me back in many ways. My balance is no good, my mind is no good, my brain is full of fog. I often have difficulty cooking at home, so I enjoy coming here with my friend.  

Read More

Ana

I’ve been coming here a long time. I can’t actually recall how many years exactly. I don’t come here every day. I come with my very close friend, to keep her company. I had a car accident and that really set me back in many ways. My balance is no good, my mind is no good, my brain is full of fog. I often have difficulty cooking at home, so I enjoy coming here with my friend.

To go out is good for my mental health. It’s great to meet good people here. They take very good care of us. The special thing here is that the volunteers – the people who cook for us every day, and all the other people who take care of us – have good eyes and good hearts. Because Davey and Baker have good eyes, they are always watching for any sign of an argument or anything that would threaten our safety.  
Their vigilance is so important, especially when you have women here. That’s what we want more than anything else – a safe environment. I have always felt safe here

Jack

I’m originally from West Papua. I migrated to Australia in 1994. I’m not a regular here, but I do come sometimes with my friends. You can have Facebook and social media, which is all very well, but the interactions we have right here are one-on-one. You are actually face-to-face with others here. Because of that, there is a sense of community here, as well as a real sense of belonging. Nothing can be better than that.

Anna

I don’t want my conversation recorded and I don’t want my picture taken. This place is very special because it offers something unique to people who need it the most – not just a great meal every day, but the kind and caring volunteers who treat all of us in a way that truly matters.   

Read More

Anna

I don’t want my conversation recorded and I don’t want my picture taken. This place is very special because it offers something unique to people who need it the most – not just a great meal every day, but the kind and caring volunteers who treat all of us in a way that truly matters.

It’s interesting that you’ve asked me about the increasing number of women who come here. The reason is simple – we come because it’s safe. Davey and Baker (the security men) don’t tolerate any threatening behaviour, and because of that, we know that we can come here in total safety. Some of the women here have experienced serious domestic violence but they know they are safe here. You cannot even begin to imagine how important that is. 

St Canice’s Kitchen is making a difference

BECOME A VOLUNTEER
DONATE NOW

Copyright © 2025 St Canice's Kitchen     |     ABN 33 245 926 217