Thanks so much for your interest in volunteering with Tamil Feasts! Before we find out a bit more information about you, here’s a little information about us and the volunteering opportunities available with Tamil Feasts.

Tamil Feasts is a social enterprise that employs Tamil men who are currently seeking asylum here in Australia. It celebrates their culture and food while introducing them to the Australian way of life in a welcoming environment. It allows Australians to SAY WELCOME by showing their support for asylum seekers—all the while experiencing some seriously delicious food!

The enterprise began with a few ‘one off’ meals that sold out immediately. Tamil Feasts then went to serving up dinners one night a week and now, THREE nights a week out of the CERES Merri Table Café. Tamil Feasts are on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights, 7:00pm. There are two volunteer shifts over the course of a Tamil Feast. Firstly, the prep volunteers, who arrive at 3.30pm in the afternoon and assist in food preparation (staying for approximately 3 hours). Secondly, there are those who arrive at 6:30pm and stay on through to the end of the evening (finishing about 10:30pm)—assisting in food prep, serving, clearing and cleaning up. We also do catering gigs from time to time and could always use the help of volunteers if they’re available!

We rely heavily on our volunteers and consistency is of utmost importance to the Tamil Feast Family. For all new volunteers, we ask that you consider your ability to commit to the enterprise for an extended period (ideally, a minimum of 3 months). While volunteering with Tamil Feasts is nothing serious (there are lots of laughs and smiles to be shared!), we ask that you take the role seriously. We want to be able to count on you!

It has been through the help of volunteers that Tamil Feasts has become what is and, with the support of people like you, we hope to be able to support more asylum seekers living in the community in the future. We want to show that real Australians say welcome in a big way!

THE SHIFTS:

WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY & FRIDAY NIGHTS!

3.30pm – 6.30 pm is our ‘Chop &Chat’ shift! come learn to cook, chop and set up the Merri Cafe!

6.30pm – 10.30 pm is Hospitality Shift! We are looking for people who love social change and hospo!

WEDNESDAY Melbourne Uni Farmers Market 8-11 – we are looking for early birds who can help us chop, get our stall ready and get people interested in curry & spreading the word on human rights!

WEDNESDAY Melbourne Uni Farmers Market 11-2 : our more hospitality and clean up focus shift! same as above but customer focused!