Gearing up for 'Nourish + Connect' #3, the team have taken stock of what works well, what they can do better, and how to support this bi-monthly community event to flow as smoothly as possible. Some of the take-aways from the first two BBQ events:

• There are never enough desserts!!
• Promotion is working, particularly letterbox dropping
• There are more volunteers needed for on the day, so all volunteers can enjoy the event and have some breaks. Ideally we have 12-15 volunteers
• Many people come early on, so most of the food needs to be ready to serve by then
• Clear roles and tasks will help the event run smoother, and allow for volunteers to work autonomously on different tasks. We will create 'task cards' for all the different volunteer roles
• It's time to gather some feedback from guests - we will develop a feedback form for the next BBQ (March 15)

If you would like to volunteer at the next Community BBQ - please reach out! All extra hands are welcome.

Community BBQ #3
Sunday March 15
11am - 3pm (or until food runs out)
QT Neighbourhood Node - 67 Spring St, Queenstown

Gorgeous morning on Sunday November 16, with over 50 community members joining in at the carefully set up community BBQ at QT! There was lovely food, great vibes, op shop things to browse, gifts to take home and wrap, craft activities, and plenty of opportunity to meet new people and feel welcome.

The team will be continuing with the Community BBQ's in 2026, bi-monthly. The following dates have been set:

• Sunday January 18
• Sunday March 15

Everyone is welcome to help out with planning, on the day or with packing up. Please reach out if you would like to be involved!

We're excited to share that our community is organising an "Anti-Poverty Community BBQ" on Sunday, November 16, 2025! In our recent Spark Session (Friday September 12), we came together to shape what this community event will look like.

What We're Creating Together:

• Our Vision: A welcoming, regular community BBQ that provides good food, creates connections, and supports our neighbours with immediate food and material needs without any barriers or need to prove eligibility.
• What We'll Offer: Delicious meals, a friendly welcome area, activities for kids, and potentially additional resources like hampers, clothing, haircuts, cooking demonstrations, and seasonal gifts.
• Our Values: Creating a space that's anti-racist, feminist, and inclusive of all marginalised groups. Somewhere that feels "like a hug" to everyone who attends.
• Where and When: Sunday lunchtimes, regularity to be determined. Starting November 16. We're having our first detailed planning meeting on Friday, September 26.
• How It Will Work: The event will be free for everyone, supported through donations and sponsorships. We'll adapt as we go based on community needs and our collective capacity.

Get Involved:

Want to help make this community BBQ happen? Join us for our planning meeting on September 26, 2025. Everyone is welcome to contribute ideas, time, or resources - whatever works for you! This is a community-driven project where everyone's input matters.

We've already made great progress in defining our vision and setting our first date. Now we need more people on board to help to bring it to life!

We’re holding a Spark Session to plan an Anti-Poverty Community BBQ with the Northwestern branch of the Anti-Poverty Network SA. The idea is simple but powerful: create a regular free BBQ that not only helps with immediate material needs, but also builds a safe and welcoming space for neighbours to connect and raise awareness about poverty in our community.

If you’d like to be part of shaping how this BBQ could look and what it could achieve, come along to the Spark Session on Friday 12 September, 12pm at QT Neighbourhood Node (67 Spring Street, Queenstown).

Lunch is provided. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements by emailing hello@neighbourhoodnode.com.au

The Northwestern branch of APN is made up of local residents and advocates who meet fortnightly at QT Hub in Queenstown to support one another, share experiences, and campaign for change.

This idea is supported by the Minor Works Program.

This session takes place on the Traditional lands of the Kaurna people. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise that sovereignty of this land was never ceded.