22/05/2026
It's National Volunteers Week, and we want to shine a light on the Inner Wheel of Wonthaggi Owl Ute Pantry
What started from a house and the back of a ute now fills eight tables of food every Wednesday at the Wonthaggi RSL, open to anyone who walks through the door, with no questions asked beyond "would you like a bag?"
Run by the Inner Wheel of Wonthaggi Owls alongside Rod and Carol Maygar, the pantry does something different. Instead of handing out pre-packed bags, they set up tables and let people choose what they actually need. That choice is what protects dignity. And when needs go beyond groceries (tents and sleeping bags for those sleeping rough, shower vouchers, warm knitwear from Close Knit, referrals to Mitchell House) the Owls step up there too.
Here's the surprising bit: they don't need more volunteers right now. The team is going strong. What they DO need is donations of food and household basics.
Right now they're calling out for:
• UHT full cream milk or UHT lactose-free milk
• Kids' snacks for play lunches
• Small jars of jam, peanut butter and spreads
• Aldi instant coffee (small jars)
• Milo
• Mayonnaise
• Cat and dog food
• Toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner
• The "little luxuries" you'd cut from your own trolley if money was tight (chocolate is the classic one)
• Excess garden produce on Wednesdays
The golden rule is small sizes. Small bags, small jars, easier to share across many households.
Drop non-perishables in the Woolworths donation trolley near the self-serve checkout, or bring fresh food and produce straight to a pantry session (Wednesdays 1pm to 2pm at the Wonthaggi RSL).
Read the full blog post and find their Gather Local listing here: https://gatherlocal.com.au/volunteers-week-owl-pantry/
Thank you Owls. Wonthaggi is lucky to have you 💛
