04/06/2025
The Six C’s Launches Community Cupboard Initiative Across Moyne Shire to Support Local Families
In response to the growing pressures on families across South West Victoria, The Six C's a local emergency management organisation has launched The Six C’s Community Cupboard initiative. Six Community Cupboards will be placed outside CFA Fire Stations throughout the Moyne Shire beginning Thursday 5 June 2025, providing free essential food and personal items to anyone in need, no questions asked.
With the rising cost of living, ongoing impacts of drought, and the additional burden of the Emergency Services Volunteer Levy, local families are doing it tough, and many are quietly struggling to get by. Mat Deans and Sue Rondeau, Directors of The Six C’s and members of the Winslow Fire Brigade (Captain and 4th Lieutenant respectively), have seen first-hand how these compounding stressors are affecting the resilience and wellbeing of rural communities.
“As emergency management professionals, we work with communities across Victoria to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. But we also see the day-to-day battles people are facing, battles that don’t make the headlines,” said Mr Deans. “This is our way of saying, ‘We see you, and we’ve got your back.’”
The Community Cupboards will be restocked weekly with non-perishable food and personal care items. They will be accessible 24/7 and placed outside six CFA fire stations so that people can visit without needing to ask for help or explain themselves.
“There are no barriers. If you need something, take it. No judgement. No questions. Just support when you need it most,” said Ms Rondeau.
This grassroots initiative is currently self-funded by The Six C’s and supported by Western District Food Share Warrnambool and the CFA (Country Fire Authority). While the first stage covers six locations, the team is eager to expand the program if more community or business support becomes available.
The Six C’s Community Cupboards will be located at:
• Winslow Fire Station – Church Street Winslow
• Toolong Fire Station – 11 Toolong West Rd, Toolong
• Caramut Fire Station – 15 Gibson St, Caramut
• Ellerslie Fire Station – 30 Ellerslie – Panmure Rd, Ellerslie
• Nullawarre Fire Station – Great Ocean Rd, Nullawarre
• Bessiebelle Fire Station – 18 School Rd, Bessiebelle
“We had to start somewhere, and while our budget is limited, our commitment is not,” said Mr Deans. “We’re proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our local communities to offer practical help during hard times and we thank Western District Food Share and CFA for supporting us with this initiative.”
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