The efforts of three young volunteers at Koha Community Cafe were recognised at local MP Aaron Violi’s Casey Volunteer and Community Awards.
Angus Mellet, Darcie Ball and Keira Osborne received the award for the countless hours they’ve poured into the Warburton-based cafe, which offers low cost meals for those in need.
The federal member for Casey hosted the popular awards night on Saturday 8 November where 70 individuals and three community groups were awarded for their contribution to the electorate.
As volunteer Mr Mellet stood alongside Ms Ball and Ms Osborne, he said he felt nervous to be receiving an award in front of the large crowd.
But under the surface, he beamed with pride as he represented the cafe alongside his fellow volunteers.
“Honestly, it was pretty nerve-racking, but it was nice to have my work recognised and it was good to have attention on the cafe. I care a lot about the cafe,” he said.
While he has volunteered for six years now, Ms Ball and Ms Osborne are still relatively new and are currently in the middle of their year 12 VCE exams.
Mr Mellet said he was proud of Ms Ball and Ms Osborne.
“I’m just really proud of Keira and Darcie. They’re two young girls and it’s really nice to see them also get an award alongside me.”
Based off a popular Melbourne restaurant Lentil as Anything which used a “pay what you feel” model, Koha Community Cafe’s aim is to promote inclusion, and community self reliance.
It runs a food pantry every Monday and Friday, and hands out free meals on Monday and Thursday.
Those who are interested in volunteering at the cafe are encouraged to email contactkohacommunitycafe@gmail.com.
Mr Violi said it was an honour to celebrate the heart of our community and provide some well-deserved recognition.
“Local volunteers are the people who continuously show up and dedicate their time to make our community the strong, connected place we’re so proud to call home.
“Our volunteers and community groups give so much without ever asking a thing in return,” Mr Violi said.
Mr Mellet started volunteering at Koha Community Cafe when he was in year 11, where after school he’d go with his friends to socialise and help the community.
He started out on Thursday nights helping out with the dinner service. Now, he’s involved with occasionally preparing food alongside the chef and picking up leftovers from local grocery stores for the cafe to use.
“I’ll pick up leftover food from grocery stores and we’ll sort through what we can use and prepare for Wednesday and Thursday,” he said.
Having graduated from a bachelor of psychology last year, he said his interest in sociology and how humans think played a part in his want to help out the community.
Despite winning the award, Mr Mellet said there were a lot of others at Koha Community Cafe who were more deserving.
“There’s a lot of other people who work harder than I do, so it’s good that at least we’re being recognised in some sense.”
For Mr Mellet, the best part is knowing he can help out the community and make people’s lives better.
“I really just appreciate being able to help out my community when I can.”
