Regional suppliers, such as mid north coast beef farmer Robert Mackenzie from Mackas Beef, who donated 300kg of Angus beef mince, have joined Hilltop Fruit Market, LJ Hooker Granville and Guildford, Cr Joseph Rahme and two anonymous people who donated 300 boxes of fruit and vegetables.
Cumberland City Council’s professional chefs will cook the meat and vegetables into shepherd’s pies and lasagnes, while some of the food will be provided to families uncooked.
The food will be packaged and delivered by defence force personnel to households in need who have been identified by police, local charities and the council.
Cr Rahme, who facilitated and drove the project, said the joint initiative showed all parts of the Australian community coming together.
“I’m very proud to see our local businesses, government, defence and the community coming together with our country cousins to provide for households in need,” Cr Rahme said.
“When I started to spread the word, many local businesses were keen to jump on board.”
Farmer Mr Mackenzie, from Salt Ash, north of Newcastle, said it was his pleasure and a great opportunity to support the city that supported the bush.
“The city always digs deep in times of flood, drought and bushfire for farmers and regional communities and this is an opportunity for us to give to the city during their time of need,” he said.
