The BIG Lunch was named Bathurst’s Community Event of the Year, acknowledging the role the program plays in bringing people together and strengthening community participation across the region.
An initiative of Vivability and hosted weekly by Café VIVA, The BIG Lunch provides free, nutritious meals and creates paid employment opportunities for people living with disabilities. The program is open to everyone and invites the whole community to attend. At the same time, it supports people who may be experiencing food insecurity, homelessness or social isolation by offering a welcoming place to share a meal alongside others.
The event is designed as a shared experience rather than a service delivered to a specific group. People attend together, sit at the same tables and take part in conversation, helping to build familiarity and understanding between individuals who may not otherwise meet. This approach encourages participation and helps strengthen relationships within the Bathurst community.
The BIG Lunch operates through Vivability’s social enterprise model and reflects the organisation’s commitment to inclusive employment. People living with disability are involved in preparing meals, serving guests and supporting the delivery of the program. Through this work, participants gain practical experience in a real hospitality environment while building skills and confidence. All roles associated with the program are paid at full award wages.
The BIG Lunch is funded through community fundraising and sponsorship, with vital support generated each year through the Vivability Charity Golf Day. The annual event raises essential funds to ensure the program can continue operating week after week and remain open and accessible to the entire community. Vivability extends sincere thanks to the major sponsors and businesses whose generosity helps keep The BIG Lunch going, including Peak Connect, Devro, Shift Care, Staunch Accounting, Bathurst Toyota, Loveridge Digital, Masters Stephens, Professionals Real Estate, Dawson’s Removals, Westpac, Enacon Group, Kenny Spring, Aidacare, Dunwright Cleaning, Cooshtie Carpentry, Colemans, Central Commercial Printers, and the Bathurst Bulldogs. Vivability also acknowledges the many Bathurst businesses that support The BIG Lunch by attending the weekly meals or contributing goods and services in kind, helping to sustain the program and strengthen its connection to the local business community.
Vivability CEO Nick Packham said The BIG Lunch was created in response to community need.
“We knew there were people in our community doing it tough financially and others who were feeling isolated,” Mr Packham said. “The BIG Lunch became a vehicle to provide practical support while also bringing people together around the table and reducing isolation.”
Mr Packham also acknowledged the other finalists and all entrants in the category, recognising the contribution of events across the region.
The BIG Lunch is delivered at Café VIVA and supported by local suppliers, ensuring the program remains closely connected to the local economy and community. To date, The BIG Lunch has donated more than 14,000 meals and continues to operate each week as a well-attended community event. What began as a practical response to need has grown into a regular gathering point for the Bathurst community, contributing to connection, participation and local employment over the long term.
