WIN's Neighbourly Table Initiative
HUMANS OF WOODLEA

WIN's Neighbourly Table Initiative

What started as a small idea has grown into a powerful expression of community. Through the Woodlea Islamic Network’s Neighbourly Table, local leaders and families are creating connection, fostering belonging and showing how small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact

 

A Place to Belong

For the residents of Woodlea, community means more than sharing a suburb, it’s about being part of something bigger than yourself. That was certainly the case for Mohammed Umar and the founding members of the Woodlea Islamic Network (WIN), who “fell in love with this place at first sight… it was so welcoming.”

What began as a few families gathering in each other’s homes has grown into a thriving, values-led community. Today, WIN brings people together through shared experiences that foster inclusion, understanding and care.

“Be kind to the near neighbour and the distant neighbour.”

Turning Values into Action

The Neighbourly Table initiative grew from a simple idea: to turn values into action. With the support of our Community Development Manager Pauline, InCommunityCare, and other local organisations, the initiative was established. It became a sustainable, long-term program, aiming to extend generosity into the wider community.

At the same time, their youth program, Talent Lab, was encouraging children to live out values like kindness and generosity. The initiative saw strong engagement from young people, with children turning what they learned into action by choosing to donate and support those in need. As Umar reflected, they “created Talent Lab for them to practice values, but they were teaching us by giving back.”

More Than a Meal

Each Friday night, the Neighbourly Table provides warm meals to people in the Melton community. But the organisers quickly realised that it became about much more than food. As Umar explained, they no longer see “that there is a recipient and a donor… people are sitting and chatting, making connections.”

These shared moments create something deeper: dignity, trust and belonging. Conversations linger, relationships form, and small acts of kindness leave a lasting impact.

Additionally, young people became part of this every step of the way. By helping serve meals and engaging with the community, they are learning what it means to lead with empathy and purpose.

Building Bridges Through Kindness

Beyond the Neighbourly Table, WIN continues to build connections across cultures and communities in Woodlea. The group actively collaborates with other cultural organisations, schools and community groups. They began creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to come together, share traditions and learn from one another.

These collaborations reflect a commitment to openness and mutual respect, helping break down barriers and strengthen understanding.

At its heart, this is a story of community builders in action. Led by people like Umar, who believes that “everyone is human and you need to respect others.”

Through small, consistent acts of kindness, these Humans of Woodlea are strengthening the fabric of the community.

Learn more

Learn more

Learn more about the Woodlea Islamic Network and support their work in building a more connected, inclusive community.

Neighbourly Table write-up

WIN Website