Bridge Builders was established to respond to a simple but urgent need, ensuring that people in our community have access to food, dignity, and support during times of hardship.
 

Since 2006, Bridge Builders has operated a community food pantry in Greenfields, supporting individuals and families across the City of Mandurah and the wider Bindjareb (Peel) region. What began as a local food ministry has grown into a trusted, community-based service responding to food insecurity, financial stress, and poverty.
 

Bridge Builders was originally established as a food ministry of the Mandurah Baptist Church, grounded in Christian values of compassion, service, and care for our neighbours. While we are now an independent, registered charity, we continue to work in close partnership with Mandurah Baptist Church and Lakelands Community Church (1Church), alongside a growing network of community and faith-based partners, to support those doing it tough.
 

Working with larger food rescue organisations and suppliers, we provide weekly food hampers to households experiencing financial crisis and food poverty. In recent years, particularly over the past 12 months, demand for our services has increased significantly as the cost-of-living crisis continues to place pressure on families, seniors, and working households.
 

But our work goes beyond food.
 

At Bridge Builders, we believe support should be delivered with dignity, respect, and understanding. We offer a listening ear alongside practical assistance, taking the time to hear people’s stories and understand the challenges they are facing. Many of the people who come through our doors have never needed help before, and we are committed to ensuring they feel seen, heard, and valued, not judged.
 

Our services are accessible through both self-referrals and agency referrals, allowing people to seek support when they need it most. Households can access our pantry once a week. Where longer-term assistance is required, we work with individuals and families to explore additional support options within the local community, including referrals to social supermarkets such as Foodbank, when appropriate.
 

We recognise that for many people in crisis, even low-cost food options such as Foodbank are out of reach. Our role is to help stabilise families during their most difficult moments, supporting them until they are in a stronger position to transition to other services.
 

All food provided through Bridge Builders is free of charge. We invite a small voluntary service contribution of $5, which helps cover the costs of collecting, storing, and handling food. This contribution is not linked to the value of the food provided, which averages around $70 per hamper, and ensures we can continue operating sustainably in the absence of regular ongoing funding.
 

At the heart of Bridge Builders is a belief that healthy lives are not possible without food, a healthy environment, and strong, connected communities. Everything we do is focused on building all three, breaking the cycle of hunger and poverty, and strengthening our community for the long term.
 

Guided by our Christian faith and sustained by the generosity of our community, Bridge Builders continues to walk alongside those in need, offering practical support, hope, and a reminder that no one has to face hardship alone.