Held at the Wagga Baptist Church Hall in Tarcutta Street, the doors were thrown open to welcome families and those who feel forgotten for a Christmas meal and some friendly company from 5pm on Wednesday night.

Organiser Lynne Graham has inspired an army of able helpers who get a sense of joy from simply preparing a meal and a safe place for people in need.

“For a lot of people it’s the only place they can get a hot meal in Wagga,” Ms Graham said.

The menu includes hot roast meat and turkey, roasted and steamed vegetables, home-made relish with chargrilled and blended capsicums, fresh bread, fruit, tea and coffee, and of course, the pièce de résistance; dessert.

“Ah it’s all about the dessert and we make it fresh. Tonight it’s sticky date pudding with custard and cream,” Ms Graham said.

The free meal is supported by a raft of Wagga businesses.

“The bread is donated by Baker’s Delight all for free from the Market Place; the meat comes from Teys, all free which is amazing, Riverina Fresh donates all the milk, we get individuals and one-off donations from businesses and Aldi and Wagga’s Fruit Barn help out with fresh fruit and vegetables,” Ms Graham said.

Volunteer Pam Sawczenko said the joy it brings others is a great reason to be part of the Wagga Community Kitchen.

“I just love helping the people of Wagga, I really do,” Ms Sawczenko said.

Volunteer June Sheather has spent many years helping others at Micah House.

“I know people need us, and that’s why we are here; to help them,” Ms Sheather said.

The Christmas feast will be the last meal prepared for 2017 before school holidays, however, when school returns, so too, the Wagga Community Kitchen.

“We will be back each Wednesday from February 6, and we absolutely love seeing the regulars, and welcome anyone who needs a meal,” Ms Graham said.