Anthony Albanese picks up the tongs, serving Christmas lunch and hope at Rev Bill Crews Foundation
Disadvantaged Australians from all walks of life gathered for Christmas lunch as political leaders offered food and hope.
Armed with gloves, an apron and a pair of tongs, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spent Christmas morning serving festive meals at the Rev Bill Crews Foundation in his inner-west Sydney constituency.
He was joined by NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane, Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek, state MP Jo Haylen and NSW Premier Chris Minns, who smothered plates of ham and potatoes with gravy as he reminisced about his short stint at McDonald’s.
Then, each politician took turns handing out hot meals to those waiting patiently in the courtyard.
“Most of the people here have had their families and lives displaced,” Rev Crews told AAP.
“For them to come and connect with each other shows that they can find some hope in a world that is very gray right now.
“And it’s really important for senior politicians to be here because it shows people who feel like they’re at the bottom that they matter.”
Diners greeted the Prime Minister particularly cheerfully, asking to shake hands and take selfies as he carried plates to their tables.
It was the warmest welcome he had received in weeks, following two weeks of anger, disappointment and fear following the terror attack on Bondi Beach.
Volunteer Di King, known as “Auntie Di”, has spent the last 11 Christmases cooking for the Rev Bill Crews Foundation and hugged Mr Albanese as soon as he walked through the kitchen door.
“Having community is important for all of us,” he told AAP.
“We have a lot of people with mental health issues, addictions, lonely older people, people of Chinese ethnicity coming to look after their grandchildren.
“They really need us, and we really need them.”
The current Prime Minister and his son have been volunteering in the kitchen regularly with the 81-year-old man for years.
On Thursday, the Government donated $10 million to the foundation.
“This is a cause extremely close to my heart,” Mr. Albanese said.
“I am proud to call Bill a friend and to see the impact his work has made.”
