INVERLOCH Community House is marking a major milestone this month, as its Soup Café turns ten. Coinciding with the annual Neighbourhood House Week, the celebration honours a decade of shared meals and friendly conversations.
Held on the second Tuesday of each month from May through to September, the Soup Café offers a welcoming space for anyone in the community to enjoy a bowl of soup, make new friends and feel part of something bigger.
This year’s first Soup Café will take place on Tuesday, May 13 from 12 noon to 1.30pm at the Inverloch Community Hub.
As always, no bookings are required, and the cost is simply “pay-as-you-feel,” with the funds going back into the Café.
Manager of Inverloch Community House, Lisa Archibald, reflected on the origins of the initiative.
“We had our first Soup Café in 2015 as part of Neighbourhood House Week. It was just meant to be a one-off event, but the response from the community was so positive. We had so many people asking if we could do it again,” Ms Archibald said.
Since then, the monthly event has become a fixture on the Inverloch calendar, drawing more and more participants each year.
“Initially, we were serving around 65 bowls of soup. Last year, our final café had closer to 90–95 serves, which shows just how much the community has embraced it,” she said.
Each Soup Café is hosted by a different community group, who prepare three types of soup – typically one meat, one vegetarian and gluten-free, and a third of their choice. Volunteers with food safety training are on hand to support the process and ensure quality.
But the event is about much more than soup.
“It’s a really simple way to connect people,” said Ms Archibald.
“We encourage guests to sit with someone new, rather than just stick to people they already know. That’s where those meaningful ‘ripples of change’ can happen – through genuine conversation and connection.”
Neighbourhood House Week, held from Monday, May 12 to Sunday, May 18, is a national celebration recognising the work of more than 1000 neighbourhood and community houses across Australia.
This year’s Neighbourhood House Week theme, ‘Ripples of Change,’ celebrates how small actions like a shared meal or a warm smile, can lead to stronger, more connected communities.
Ms Archibald said the Soup Café captures the spirit of the week perfectly.
“It’s hosted by the community, for the community. The fact that it’s sustained itself over ten years says so much. It’s open to everyone, there’s no judgement and no expectations. That’s what makes it special.”
She also offered a word of encouragement to anyone new to the area or hesitant to attend.
“I get that it can be daunting stepping into a room where you don’t know anyone. But the space is very open and friendly. The objective is to meet new people, and regulars really help each other feel welcome,” she said.
“If that first step feels too big, we also encourage people just to pop into the community house. We’re always happy to chat about what’s on and what activities might interest you.”
As the Soup Café enters its tenth year, Ms Archibald thanked those who have helped along the way.
“A huge thank you to Bass Coast Shire Council, to Paul the Pieman for your ongoing support, and of course to all the volunteers who’ve been a part of this journey over the last decade.”
Whether you’re looking to make new friends, support your local community, or simply enjoy a hearty meal, the Soup Café will welcome you with open arms, and a hot bowl of soup.
