THE Red Door Community Kitchen has served its last meal at the Uniting Church Hall - until further notice.
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The organisation, which received Muswellbrook Shire Council's Australia Day award for social inclusion earlier in the year, made the tough call this week amid growing concerns in relation to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
"Basically, we have opted to close down our operations for the foreseeable future in the interest of the health and safety of all those who attend the lunches, as well as our volunteers," Kevin Doherty said.
"We are very disappointed that it has come to this.
"A lot of people not only enjoy the home-cooked food, but the friendly company that's available, too.
"However, we couldn't find a viable alternative.
"Most of our volunteers are in the vulnerable age group and, following health guidelines, we felt we could not continue with the valuable service at this present time.
"We ask that people who come to the Red Door to let their friends know in case they miss this message.
"We assure all our wonderful guests, as soon as the coast is clear, we will be back in the kitchen whipping up our traditional weekly feast."
The group's decision follows similar decrees from other community-based clubs in town.