About H.I.Y.A. 2479 & the Bangalow Community Pantry
Help In Your Area (H.I.Y.A.) 2479 is a community initiative born from compassion, collaboration and a desire to support those doing it tough in our region. Alongside the Bangalow Community Pantry, we seek to provide food, supplies and dignity to many of our neighbours who are quietly struggling.
How It Began
In 2020, Rev. Rosie Wynter observed increasing hardship, including homelessness and people living in vehicles or on the streets, even among mothers with children and older women.
Rev. Rosie proposed a drop-in centre in Ashton Street that would offer a pantry as part of broader social services.
With support from the Bangalow Lions Club, the Bangalow Men’s Shed, CWA, and local churches, the vision expanded.
The Pantry & What It Offers
The Community Pantry is an outdoor structure located at the creek-end of the Men’s Shed carpark (corner of Deacon & Station Streets). It’s accessible 24/7 so people can use it when they need it, discreetly and without judgement.
Its motto is “Take as much as you need, give if you can.” It is stocked with basic non-perishable groceries, toiletries, baby food, and other essentials.
There are drop-off boxes for donated goods (on the verandah of the Men’s Shed, and others around town as they are established) so the whole community can help.
The Pantry is operated by the Bangalow Mens Shed – Lions offers support to the Mens Shed
More Than Just Material Help
H.I.Y.A. 2479 isn’t only about food and vouchers. It’s about human connection, dignity, and mental health.
Besides groceries, having access to staples and toiletries helps people meet daily needs with dignity.
There is emotional comfort knowing that neighbours care, which boosts self‐esteem and supports mental wellbeing.
How You Can Help
There are lots of ways to be part of this effort:
- Donations of goods:** non-perishables, toiletries, baby food etc.
- Financial support:** donating cash or sponsoring parts of the program. Donations over $500 are tax deductible.
- Volunteering time or skills: e.g. helping with stocking, collection, deliveries, or helping build the structure.
- Supporting fundraising: e.g. buying plants via the “honour system” tray in the carpark, or using the payment box for donations.
Where & When
Location: Creek-end of the Men’s Shed carpark, corner of Deacon & Station Streets.
Access Hours: Every Monday 7-9 am
Vouchers: The Men’s Shed offers H.I.Y.A. 2479 grocery vouchers obligation-free, no registration required, from 7-9 am every Monday and Friday.