Disadvantaged Australians from all walks of life have gathered for Christmas lunch as political leaders offer food and hope.
Armed with gloves, an apron, and a pair of tongs, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spent Christmas morning serving festive fare at the Rev Bill Crews Foundation in his inner-west Sydney electorate.
He was joined by NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane, Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek, state MP Jo Haylen, and NSW Premier Chris Minns, who smothered plates of ham and potatoes with gravy while reminiscing about his short-lived stint at McDonald’s.
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Each politician then took it in turns delivering hot meals to those patiently waiting in the courtyard.
“Most of the people here have dislocated families and lives,” Rev Crews told AAP.
“For them to come and connect with one another shows they can find some hope in a world which is pretty grey at the moment.
“And to have senior politicians here is really important because it says to people feeling at the lowest of the low, that they matter.”
Diners greeted the Prime Minister in particular with glee, asking for handshakes and selfies as he ferried plates to their tables.
It was the warmest welcome he had received in weeks after a fortnight marked by anger, frustration and fear following a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spent Christmas morning serving lunch to disadvantaged Australians. (Sitthixay Ditthavong/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP
Volunteer Di King, known as “Auntie Di”, has spent the past 11 Christmases cooking at the Rev Bill Crews Foundation and hugged Mr Albanese as soon as he came through the kitchen doors.
“It’s important to all of us to have community,” she told AAP.
“We have a lot of people who have mental health problems, with addiction, lonely old people, people of Chinese ethnicity who’ve come out to look after grandchildren.
“They really, really need us, and we need them.”
For years, the now-Prime Minister and his son have regularly volunteered at the kitchen alongside the 81-year-old.
On Thursday his Government pledged $10 million for the foundation.
“This is a cause extremely close to my heart,” Mr Albanese said.
“I am so proud to call Bill a friend and to have seen up close the impact his work has made.”
