At Domino’s, we understand that giving back isn’t always about donating money, but also donating time, skills, and resources.

And at the heart of everything we do is bringing people closer. Whether it’s friends, family, or those within the communities in which we operate – our purpose is to bring people together to share in a safe, hot meal.

That’s why Domino’s ANZ Culinary Innovation and Development Chef Michael Treacy, and Domino’s Junior Development Chef Emily Patis, were proud to re-join Moroni Pugh and the team at the Wesley Mission Queensland’s (WMQ) Brisbane Relief Hub on Wednesday 28, July 2021 to help prepare and serve their weekly ‘community meal’ again.

More than one year on, Michael and Emily were excited to be invited back. But this time, for a very special occasion!

To celebrate the re-opening of the Brisbane Relief Hub’s dine-in services after 18-months of operating as take-away only – extending the opportunity to those in need to sit down and enjoy a three-course meal for the first time, in a long time.

READY, SET, SLICE: Michael and Emily in the middle of dinner service at the Brisbane Relief Hub.

Michael said he was humbled to be invited back to the Brisbane Relief Hub, and to prepare a ‘meal with a meaning’.

“It was great to be back in the kitchen with Moroni and all of the other volunteers again, rolling up our sleeves to help make a difference in the lives of so many,” said Michael.

“For the people who access this service, it’s more than just having a safe, hot meal – it’s about the opportunity to sit down, have a conversation and connect.”

And what better way to connect than over a meal made with love – oh, and delicious pork crackling?

After a week of planning – and an entire day spent slicing and dicing in the kitchen – Michael and Emily were proud to deliver a nourishing menu consisting of hearty Italian minestrone soup with warm garlic focaccia, and slow roasted pork loin or pumpkin and chive quiche with roasted vegetables and seasonal greens.

And to finish? Diners had the choice of a caramel sticky date pudding with cream, or a lemon and passionfruit cheesecake. *Chef’s Kiss*

A CUT ABOVE THE ‘ROAST’: Michel and Emily waste no time assembling more than 100 meals for dine-in and takeaway.

Making the night more special were local Brisbane musicians filling the dining hall with smooth acoustics, and more than two dozen volunteers who helped set and decorate tables with fresh flowers, re-fill drinks, serve meals in the dining hall and of course – hold a safe space for anyone looking for a chat.

Sunny Street Medical, a doctor and nurse led mobile outreach service, were also present to help provide free, primary healthcare consultations, along with 4Voices, offering digital and technology support to girls and women searching for employment. 

Proving that when we come together as a community, we’re unstoppable.

“Each week, the Brisbane Relief Hub help to provide safe, hot meals to more than 150 vulnerable people living in Brisbane experiencing homelessness, financial hardship or lacking basic necessities,” said Michael.

“This is all made possible with the help of volunteers, donations and charities offering their outreach services – which I feel so lucky to continue to be a part of.”

SMILES ALL ROUND: Who wouldn’t be happy after spotting this sweet treat heading towards their table?

Wesley Mission Queensland Director of Community Services Kris Sargeant said Brisbane Relief Hub was thrilled to partner with Domino’s once again to celebrate the re-opening of its dine in service.

“Community partnerships play an important role in helping us fulfil our mission of helping those in need and we are pleased we can provide opportunities for people to give back to the community. Support from organisations like Domino’s is always gratefully received by our staff and clients.”

Domino’s is proud to continue to support local frontline services, such as Brisbane Relief Hub, who are providing emergency relief and support to those most at risk in our community.

Whether it be a pizza donation to those in ‘knead’ of a hot meal, a ‘Doughraiser’ to raise some much-needed funds for a local cause, or team members donating their time and skills to assist those doing it tough, we’re always looking for ways to give back to our local communities and put a smile on people’s faces.

A big thank you to Domino’s suppliers JB’s Foods, PM Fresh, Priestley’s Gourmet Desserts, and Edlyn Foods for the donation of fresh meat, vegetables, and sweets, all which helped to make the three-course community meal possible!

To learn more about the Brisbane Relief Hub, and see Michael and Emily in action, tune in below: