Bettering society, one meal at a time: OneAdvanced ANZ volunteers at OBK Bondi

A morning of cooking, compassion, and community spirit

From the moment the team entered OBK’s commercial kitchen, they felt a lively energy filled with generosity and a shared sense of purpose, as everyone came together to support others.

Over the course of the morning, the team set to work side by side, with care and attention, preparing and cooking hot meals from donated fresh ingredients. They then packaged the meals for same-day distribution to shelters, outreach services, and community partners.

While volunteering at OBK, the team experienced the organisation’s mission up close and gained insight into the realities faced by the individuals, families, and communities it supports, many of whom are navigating crisis, displacement, or instability.

The morning was also an opportunity to connect with colleagues beyond work, building camaraderie in a positive setting focused on giving back.

By the end of the morning, it was deeply fulfilling to know that fresh, nutritious meals would reach families, individuals, and communities within hours, offering those facing hardship one less thing to worry about that day.

Our Big Kitchen: Nourishing people, strengthening communities

Our Big Kitchen is a non-profit community kitchen operating out of Bondi, Sydney, providing nourishing meals to thousands of residents across New South Wales while creating a welcoming space where people from all walks of life can come together to cook and give back.

OBK is one of Sydney’s most active community kitchens, uniting volunteers from corporations, schools, charities, and the wider community to prepare meals at scale. It distributes over 250,000 meals annually, supporting more than 33 partner charities and thousands of individuals.

Among those supported are individuals experiencing homelessness, family or domestic violence, food insecurity linked to rising living costs, unemployment, illness, mental health issues, social isolation, or other sudden life crises.

The meals are delivered through a broad network of frontline organisations including youth programmes, women’s refuges, homeless outreach services, faith-based organisations, and community centres, ensuring support reaches those who need it most with dignity and care.

Alongside individual, corporate, and community volunteering, OBK fulfils its mission through donations, hosting community and corporate events including workshops and celebrations, and by offering food sales and catering services to raise funds.

Through its work, OBK not only addresses food insecurity but also builds stronger communities and creates meaningful societal impact.