In April 2024, 10-year-old Indi Whittaker had a vision for Kiama: a street pantry where the community could look after its own. She drew up designs, created the slogan “Take what you need, Give what you can,” and wrote to the Council.

Fast-forward 18 months, and Indi’s vision is a reality. Standing proudly at the Kiama Uniting Church grounds on Manning Street, the Community Care Cupboard has officially opened its doors and the response has been tremendous. 

The project came to life through a massive community effort. After Indi’s letter was referred to the church, Reverend Kath Merrifield and the congregation stepped in to host the site. 

Kiama Men’s Shed built the structure based on Indi’s original drawings, with architectural guidance from Madeleine Scarfe.

For Rev Merrifield, the cupboard fills a desperate gap in local support services.

"What we know is that there's nothing within Kiama for anybody outside of office hours," she said. 

"It was a no-brainer for us to find a way to meet the needs of people sleeping rough or families doing it tough.

"It’s a dignity thing – people can access help on a Saturday afternoon when there’s nothing in the fridge without having to engage with formal service providers."

While the cupboard has only been operational since just before Christmas, it is already being heavily utilised.

Following a "social media blitz" by project coordinator Annie O’Sullivan over the Australia Day long weekend, the community rallied to restock the shelves after they were wiped nearly bare.

"When I came back after the long weekend, pretty much everything was low–food and toiletries," Rev Merrifield noted. 

"The community responded amazingly to the shout-out, and it’s now nicely stocked again."

While the cupboard holds books and toys, it’s the essentials – toiletries, soap, and non-perishable meals – that are moving the fastest, proving that the cost-of-living crunch is being felt right here at home.

The challenge now is sustainability.

The team wants the cupboard to become a permanent fixture of Kiama life, rather than just a holiday project.

"I hope it becomes part of how we function as a community," says Rev Merrifield.

"If you’re doing your shopping and walking past, check in – if the pasta is running low, feel free to top it up. It’s really about the community providing for each other."

Despite some early battles with rain-proofing the unit, the message from Manning Street is clear: Kiama looks after its own.

If you would like to help keep Indi’s vision full, the cupboard is seeking:

Non-perishable food: Pasta, rice, canned meals, and long-life milk.

Toiletries: Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products.

Comfort items: Towels and blankets (especially as we head toward the cooler months).