The current cost-of-living crisis, due to inflation and rising mortgage and rental costs, is impacting Coffs Harbour in numerous ways.

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While the impacts are uneven due to different circumstances, many people are feeling the pressure to meet escalating demands.

Consequently, family shopping often has to be curtailed and some people are unable to participate in eating out or other social activities.

One initiative aimed at supporting those struggling with the current economic climate is a free barbeque at Coffs Harbour’s Rotary Park.

The barbeque has been held each Saturday for the past several decades, and is run under the auspices of the Coffs Harbour Baptist Church.

“Rain, hail or shine the free BBQ is running,” Jan Beavis told News Of The Area, “serving tea, coffee and treats from 11am onwards and the BBQ lunch from noon until 1pm every weekend of the year, except the week between Christmas and New Year.”

The appeal of the free barbeque is quite simple.

“Anyone can just come along and join in,” co-ordinator Jenny Sambrook said.

“There are no forms or criteria to meet, the offer is based on goodwill.”

This ethos is also followed through the support of Big Country Meats on Harbour Drive, and Bakers Delight and Fresco in Coffs Central, who supply meat, bread and vegetables each week.

The large base of regulars who come back each week enjoy the social dimension and the wonderful amenity of Rotary Park’s open spaces and large shady trees, alongside travellers or passersby who happen upon the festivities and are welcomed to join in.

“[There are] informal times of sharing before the meal, where words of encouragement are brought by one of the volunteer workers from the team, discussing the value of their personal faith,” Sambrook said.

All are welcome.

By Kim SATCHELL