Manna Inc must move its free food service from Weld Square within 12 months following a decision by Vincent council, but founder Bev Lowe says she’s pleased the council will help the group find a new venue.
“This was a wonderful outcome for us, for them to give us an extended time in the park but also to pledge to help us find another venue to best help people,” Ms Lowe says.
For 18 years Manna has been feeding 200 to 250 people at a time from the square, the vast majority either homeless, poor or mentally ill.
Following complaints from neighbours about noise, squabbles and rubbish, the council this week reviewed the arrangement.
Council staff monitored operations for a week and recommended Manna be told to move on after six months.
Deputy mayor Ros Harley moved for the extension, and a pledge the council will help find an alternative location.
“It was certainly very encouraging, their response,” Ms Lowe says.
“I think the councillors were marvelous.
“One of the councillors is even going to come and volunteer in the kitchen.”
Mayor John Carey says Manna is not the sole source of problems at the park, with late-night behaviour a problem when Manna isn’t there.
Some rubbish left around the place also appears to be from the nearby McDonald’s, and the council has asked the corporation to clean up the mess left behind by its customers.
by DAVID BELL
Perth Voice Interactive 
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