Community support and food services

Inner West Council staff recognise how important it is to continue to connect with community groups and other not-for-profits and NGOs in the area, to work with these groups so we can better support our vulnerable community members during this difficult period.

We have collated a list or helpful places to find information and support services below.  Food Support services are included in this list.

You can also refer to Ask Izzy for information on state wide services such as housing, food assistance, refuges and much more.

Aged care

Centrelink contact numbers

  • Jobseekers hotline: 132 850
  • Older Australians: 132 300
  • Disability Support Pension: 132 717
  • Multilingual Phone Service: 131 202

Counselling and support - Mental health services

Domestic violence

  • 1800RESPECT: National sexual assault, domestic family violence counselling service: 1800 737 732
  • Domestic Violence Helpline NSW: 1800 656 463
  • Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
  • eheadspace: 1800 650 890

Emergency services

In case of emergency, fire, medical or police, please call 000.

Food support

Food pantries 

We have collated a list of local Inner West Food pantries.  If you need help please stop in and take what you need.  If you are in a position to help you can donate food for those who need it. 

Groceries and social support

  • Foodbank NSW and ACT
    Distribute food to where it's needed most. Phone 9756 3099.
  • Addi Road Food Pantry
    Affordable groceries. Hut 1, 142 Addison Road, Marrickville. Phone 9569 7633.
    Hours: Monday to Friday: 12pm - 4pm

  • Penisula Caring at Rozelle Neighbourhood Centre
    A support network for all who live in and around Balmain, Rozelle, Birchgrove, Balmain East, Lilyfield, Annandale and surrounds. Help with shopping, mail, phone calls and urgent supplies. Phone 9556 9550, email peninsulacaring@rozellecentre.org.au, or complete an online request for help
  • Newtown Neighbourhood Centre
    Information and referral service by phone, 10am to 2pm, Monday to Thursday on 9564 7333, or email communitystrengthening@newtowncentre.org
  • Vinnies
    Assistance with food, clothing, household items and financial aid for people struggling to get by. Phone 13 18 12.
  • The Little Potatoes
    Emergency food relief, meals delivery and grocery shopping to the seniors in our local community. During Cov-19, this community support service has been extended to the general public needing help at the unprecedented time. 8542 4506 or thelittlepotatoes220@gmail.com
  • Leichhardt Mobile Community Pantry
    Anglicare’s Mobile Community Pantry provides grocery or fresh food items at very low cost to help stretch your budget further.
    Where : All Souls Anglican Church, Corner of Norton and Marion St, Leichhardt 2040 NSW
    Opening hours: Every 4 weeks on a Monday 10:30-11:30am  - check this website for the next date and more information.
    Everyone is welcome. Make a small contribution and fill a bag with items of your choice.
    $10 for groceries (EFTPOS available) Bring along your Pension, Health Care or Immigration Card.

Local free meals

These organisations will offer free takeaway meals for those experiencing homelessness or at the risk of:

  • Exodus Foundation (take-away only)
    180 Liverpool Road, Ashfield
    Phone 8752 4600
    Monday to Friday: 8am to 4pm
    Weekends: 8am to 3pm
  • Newtown Mission Jordan’s Café (take-away only)
    280A King Street, Newtown 
    Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 1pm to 3pm
    Thursday: 6pm to 7pm
  • Saint Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church (take-away)
    378 King Street, Newtown
    Phone 9519 7868
    Lunches from 12pm to 2pm
  • Wayside Chapel
    29 Hughes Street, Kings Cross
    Phone 9581 9100
    Café area remains open:
    Monday to Saturday: 9:30am to 9:30pm
    Sunday 10am to 9:30pm
  • The Little Potatoes
    Emergency food relief, meals delivery and grocery shopping to the seniors in our local community. During Cov-19, this community support service has been extended to the general public needing help at the unprecedented time.
    8542 4506 or thelittlepotatoes220@gmail.com

Supermarkets

Homelessness

  • Link2home: 1800 152 152. Provides 24/7 referral to accommodation and services
  • Missionbeat: 1800 306 461. Homelessness outreach, welfare checks and services assisting people who are sleeping rough.
  • The Burdekin Association: 02 8976 1777. Provides accommodation, care and support service to young people between 9 and 24 and their families in Inner West suburbs.
  • Youth off the Streets: 8217 4700

Legal support

Marrickville Legal Centre: Legal support with COVID19 fines and work rights.
Australian Centre for Disability Law (ACDL) COVID-19 Assistance Project: 1800 800 708 or 9370 3135 provides free legal assistance to people with disability and their associates who have experienced legal problems due to COVID-19 restrictions. adviceline@disabilitylaw.org.au

Local community organisations and volunteering

The following organisations provide services to the inner west community, and indicate if they require volunteers:

People with a disability

We have collated some important links to assist people with disability through COVID19. 

  • Disability Gateway 
    COVID-19 Information Helpline 1800 643 787
  • People With Disability Australia (PWDA)
    Information, links, resources and support contacts for community members with a disability.
  • IDEAS
    A disability-specific information service with a free call number: 1800 029 904.
  • Centre of Research Excellence in Disability and Health 
    Aims to identify policies that improve the health of people with disabilities in Australia for service providers, government and medical professionals.
  • National Relay Service: 1800 555 677 
    If you are deaf, have a hearing or speech impairment

Resources and support currently available

Translating and interpreter services 

  • Translating and interpreter services 131 450

Vulnerable communities assistance

We are working with Sydney Local Health District and Department of Communities and Justice regarding vulnerable community members needing to access their services.

  • Barnardos Australia
    Barnardos Australia offer a range of programs in the Inner West including the Streetwork Program, Reconnect and the Family Referral Service. Phone 1800 066 757.

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Page last updated: 01 Sep 2023