b'A birthday tradition of generosity. A meal surrounded by those we love is how we often celebrateturning another year older. However, the rising cost-of-livingmeans many cannot afford this simple luxury. For the past two years, Rosemary, a long- If youre lucky enough to visit Hartleys on term supporter of Uniting, has celebrated herRosemarys birthday, youll find Rosemary and special day at Unitings Hartleys Communityher husband Ian chatting with patrons and paying Meals in Prahran.for their lunches. Youll see smiling and surprised Hartleys is a cafe thats been breaking down thefaces, touched by Rosemary and Ians kindness as stigma of food relief while supporting communitythey enjoy a slice of her birthday cake together. and connection for over 30 years.There were even take-away meals provided for the convenience of those who did not wish to eat in. While everyones welcome, most of HartleysRosemary has made this celebration an annual patrons are rough sleepers, crisis accommodationtradition and is even considering doing the sameresidents or those who cant cook for themselvesat Christmas time. Its better to give than receive, or afford groceries due to a range of issuesshe says. It is heartwarming that Rosemary chooses such as loss of employment, low income, familyto spend her birthday helping others. violence, increased cost-of-living and struggles with mental health.Pictured: Hartleys chef, Chaminda (left), Rosemary (middle)and Unitings gift in wills program lead, Sharon (right).Refurbished Shepparton Hub reopens. Earlier this year, Uniting reopened its Maudecommunity the opportunity to grow and Street office in Shepparton after it wasdevelop, said Uniting Vic.Tas CEO Bronwyn Pike. refurbished to make the site more welcomingDuring the refurbishment, services were and inclusive for people accessing services. temporarily relocated to Fryers Street,The office houses key services for the area,a nearby Uniting Church site. including youth, multicultural, employment, I want to thank the Shepparton Uniting new arrival support and family violence services.Church, because being able to relocate around We embarked on the refurbishment of thisthe corner to Fryers Street near the church wonderful facility because we wanted tomade it all possible, said Ms Pike. do more. We wanted to give our team and 8 Supporter Newsletter Spring 2024'