The church was given the largest allocation amount – $4500 – for the 2016-17 period to install a functioning kitchen in place of the makeshift kitchen on the verandah that has been used for 10 years.

The grant will fund the enclosure of the verandah, the installation of a flat pack kitchenette and oven, plumbing, and floor coverings. Currently, there is a bench with a sink and no plumbing.

TurningPoint’s Bev and Neville Mammen said they were “ecstatic” to receive the grant after being knocked back for a number of years.

“It will make such a difference to be able to wash up and have plumbing,” Mrs Mammen said.

Work is set to begin in February or March, with hopes the kitchen will be finished around mid-year.

“To get a grant for the kitchen is so helpful,” Mr Mammen said.

“It’s all part of our vision which is progressive and achievable.”

The kitchen is stage one of a much larger project which is estimated to cost about $18,500 and was approved by council in October.

Changes will include a marked car park, new front entrance with a wheelchair ramp, a creche room and storage space.

“We’ve had a development application with council ongoing for three years and it’s only in the last two months that we’ve finalised the details,” Mr Mammen said.

The centre’s buildings are already used regularly by the church community and Family and Community Services (FACS), and the changes will mean the space is used more effectively.

The Mammens said the centre had a 10-year vision for the land which includes a communal garden, food bank, English classes, and two homes for refugees.

They said the motivation for the planned changes is to become more community-focused.

“Our long-term plan is to reach out further in the community,” Mr Mammen said.

“It’s outward focused.”