Volunteers are being celebrated as the driving force behind the Paddock & Pantry Project at the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre, where fresh produce, community meals and food relief are already making a significant impact across the region.
Supported by the Victorian Government’s Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) Community Food Relief Program, the project was created to strengthen local food security, expand food relief efforts and build long-term community resilience through sustainable food production and connection.
A major milestone has been the successful relocation of the volunteer-run Good Grub Club to the Neighbourhood Centre site — a transition achieved almost entirely through volunteer effort. Remarkably, only one week of the much-loved weekly meal service was missed during the move.
The relocation has allowed the Good Grub Club and Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre to formally unite their strengths, combining food relief services, community networks, gardening initiatives and upgraded kitchen facilities into one integrated food hub.
The paddock is already producing fresh seasonal vegetables and herbs, distributed through pantry services and incorporated into cooked community meals. Volunteers have played a central role across every aspect of the project — from garden construction and planting to pantry coordination, meal preparation, transport, renovations and food distribution.
The kitchen upgrade is now in its final stages, with volunteers contributing significant labour and practical expertise. Once complete, the upgraded kitchen and cool room facilities will substantially increase capacity for food preparation, storage and meal production. Planned infrastructure improvements also include raised garden beds, irrigation systems, composting facilities, Indigenous plantings, a greenhouse and expanded growing spaces.
Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre Manager Kate Moran said the achievements belonged squarely to the volunteers. “This project has been built from the ground up, literally,” she said. “The vegetable garden, the Good Grub Club relocation, the continued pantry and meals service — even the kitchen renovation — have only been possible because of an extraordinary volunteer effort. The commitment shown by our community has been incredible, and we are deeply grateful to every single person who has contributed.”
Good Grub Club President Robyn Zanon said the team had remained focused throughout on ensuring no one went without support. “What our volunteers provide goes far beyond food,” she said. “Every week they create a welcoming space where people can access fresh produce, pantry items, cooked meals and practical support with dignity — whether that’s stocking shelves, preparing lunches, delivering hampers, supporting emergency walk-ins or helping people access clothing through Thread Together.”
Good Grub Club committee member and Pantry Coordinator Gary Carter said the project showed what could be achieved with shared purpose. “Relocating to a permanent home gives us surety over our future and the ability to expand and adapt our services to meet community needs. We currently support 105 households — 160 individuals — who may be struggling with food insecurity and isolation. It’s been wonderful to be part of something so needed.”
The Paddock & Pantry Project is expected to continue growing over coming months, with further garden development, community workshops, school engagement activities and expanded food relief services planned as the site evolves.
If people want to get in touch with us, or the Good Grub Club just pop by or email us on admin@dncentre.org.au
