In the heart of the Gold Coast lies a small, vibrant community known as Jacobs Well. With just over 3,000 residents, this charming locale is home to a unique blend of land-dwellers and seafarers. Among them, 30-40 individuals have chosen the waters between Jacobs Well and Cabbage Tree Point as their home, living aboard boats and embracing a lifestyle that’s both challenging and rewarding.

Enter 12 Baskets, a volunteer organization with a simple yet powerful mission: to ensure that no one goes hungry. True to its name, inspired by the biblical story of abundance, 12 Baskets serves as a beacon of hope and a helping hand to those in need.

In partnership with local churches, 12 Baskets operates four ministries in the area, catering to both the land-based community and the boat-dwelling population. At the helm of this compassionate initiative is Lisa and her dedicated team of volunteers.

Their services extend far beyond mere sustenance. While they do provide food and blankets, the true heart of their mission lies in the social support and care they offer. Lisa, in particular, has found a calling in getting to know the “interesting characters” that make up this unique community.

“These people are amazing,” Lisa often remarks. “They live a challenging but often rewarding life, and they enrich the lives of those around them.”

12 Baskets has established a rhythm of regular events to support and connect with the community:

Monthly BBQ: Every first Wednesday of the month, at 9 AM, Lisa and her team host a barbecue at the Jacobs Well Waterfront Boat Ramp. This event is specially organized to feed and connect with those living on boats.

Bi-weekly Fellowship: On the second and fourth Sundays of each month, a fellowship service is held at the Jacobs Well Community Centre at 2 PM. This provides a space for spiritual nourishment and community bonding.

On-Demand Chaplaincy: Understanding the unique needs of the boating community, Lisa and her team also provide boat chaplaincy services on demand, offering spiritual and emotional support whenever it’s needed.

While the provision of food is a crucial aspect of 12 Baskets’ work, their impact goes far beyond alleviating hunger. By creating spaces for connection, offering spiritual support, and simply being present, Lisa and her team are weaving a tapestry of community care that encompasses both physical and emotional nourishment.

In the words of Lisa, “We’re not just feeding bodies; we’re feeding souls. Every meal shared, every conversation had, every hand held – it all contributes to building a stronger, more connected community.”

As 12 Baskets continues its mission in Jacobs Well and the broader Gold Coast area, it stands as a testament to the power of community, compassion, and the simple act of breaking bread together. In this small corner of the world, no one needs to go hungry – for food or for companionship.