College students cook with compassion in Alice Springs

Students from St Philip’s College recently visited The Waterhole and had the opportunity to help serve the meals they had made for community members.

BY SIMONE WORTHING

It’s not uncommon for schools to support local charities and their fundraising campaigns. What is unique and remarkable is when that support has continued for over five decades. St Philip’s College in Alice Springs has been associated with the local corps Community Centre, also known as ‘The Waterhole, since the 1970s.

The weekly meals the students prepare make a big difference to community members living rough.

Salvation Army staff in Alice Springs recently visited St Philip’s College to present certificates to the students and discuss the huge impact the weekly meals they are making on community members living rough.

Following this, two groups of students also visited The Waterhole to see firsthand what it offers as a community centre, speak with the dedicated staff and see for themselves the difference their meals are making.

Sally Courtney (centre, red shirt) and Paul Tanner, Alice Springs Corps Ministry Assistant, with some of the Year 9 students.

“Not only is it a costly exercise to keep up with the demand of providing so many meals, but community members also often lack any nutrition in their diet,” explained Sally Courtney, Salvation Army External Communications Lead NT. “With the addition of hearty meals made from fresh produce and meats provided weekly from St Philip’s, it makes an incredible difference.

“In addition to the weekly meals, this year the students are planning to make meals and desserts to contribute to the community Christmas lunch.”

Waterhole Support Worker Annette Miller (seated, right corner), with Paul Tanner and the students.

History of help Year 9 Community Service students have cooked meals for The Waterhole since 2008.

Students volunteer with college staff each year to raise money for the Salvos, doorknocking around the streets to raise money for the Red Shield Appeal.

The funds raised support essential mission services, provide meals, laundry and washing facilities, and help with access and referrals to other essential services.

The Waterhole provides bread, porridge, soups, tea and coffee daily for a minimum of 100 people, with some days providing up to 130.

St Philip’s College, run by the Uniting Church, has 530 students from grades 7 to 12. It attracts enrolments from all over Australia due to its emphasis on sports, performing arts, community service initiatives and Outdoor Education programs.

Students can incorporate community service into their academic schedules by facilitating the Duke of Edinburgh program.

Paul Tanner shows the students around The Waterhole and explains the mission carried out there.