Hot meal, warm welcome: Friday Night Burgers marks 25 years as lifeline for locals

Anglican Parish of Nambour received $5000 for its Friday Night Burgers program at the Nambour Community Foundation Grants Ceremony, Nambour RSL, October 21.

The Anglican Parish of Nambour’s long-running “Friday Night Burgers” program has entered its 25th year with a fresh boost — a $5000 grant to help keep hot meals, clothing and fresh produce on the table for locals doing it tough.

Spokesperson Coral McVean said the weekly outreach remains built on dignity and acceptance. “We take off our judgmental hats,” Coral said. “We are ever-grateful to our suppliers Oz Harvest, Coles through Second Bite and Everyday Foundation who give us bread and fresh fruit and vegetables when they are available.”

Rising rents and cost-of-living pressures have forced more people into cars, the couches of friends, or the streets. Demand for support continues to grow, and the new funding — announced at the Nambour Community Foundation ceremony at Nambour RSL on October 21 — will go directly to food and essentials across the coming year.

“We’d love to offer more in future, but for now Friday Night Burgers is well received,” Coral said. “The shared meal provides connection as well as calories – something especially precious when life feels precarious,” she said. “As of September 2025, this outreach program has been running in the Nambour Community for 25 years and remains a lifeline for many.

“It’s hard to express how grateful we are to all who assist in any way with Friday Night Burgers,” Coral said. “Each volunteer and supporter has a heart for assisting those in need. Some help every week, others fortnightly, others whenever they can. It’s all appreciated.”

• Learn more at www.ncf.org.au