Viv's ReCare

Where lunch comes with love

A safe, friendly space where people living with dementia or terminal illness, and the people who care for them, can relax, recharge, and enjoy a few hours of great food, live music, and warm company.

Community | Care | Compassion

Every fortnight, Viv's ReCare brings together people living with dementia or terminal illness, and the carers who support them, for a free, two-course home-cooked lunch at St Simons Parish Centre in Rowville.

It's more than a meal. It's a few hours of live music, great food, warm conversation, and genuine human connection — a chance to set aside the weight of the week and simply enjoy good company in a safe, welcoming space.

Every lunch is prepared and served entirely by volunteers, at no cost to guests.

Our Story

Viv's ReCare began with two strangers and a shared belief that caregivers deserve care too.

Brian Crowley had long recognised that the people who dedicate themselves to caring for others, those living with dementia, long-term illness, or loneliness, rarely receive the support they need themselves.

Vivien Sutanto knew this firsthand. As a carer for her husband, who was living with vascular dementia, Viv dreamed of a place where people like her could simply relax, feel safe, and set their worries aside for a few hours.

Their shared vision brought them together, and from that connection Viv's ReCare was born, along with a deep and lasting friendship.

Tragically, that friendship lasted just four years. In 2023, Viv was diagnosed with cancer, and suddenly found herself in the same position as those she had set out to help. She passed away on 23 July 2023, aged just 60.

Viv's ReCare is her legacy. Brian, together with a devoted community of volunteers, continues the mission she helped create, providing love, care, friendship, and vital support to those who need it most.

Upcoming Lunches

Our next lunch is on November 11, 2026

The lunch theme is Remembrance Day Lunch

Time: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm

Venue: St. Simon's Parish Church

Location: 2 Taylors Lane, Rowville, 3178

All are welcome. There is no cost to attend.

OUR IMPACT

Since 2018, Viv's ReCare has been quietly making a difference in the Knox community.
One lunch at a time.
Every fortnight, up to 65 guests come together at St Simons Parish Centre. Over the course of a year, that's 20 lunches, 1,300 meals served, and countless moments of connection that simply can't be measured.
For many of our guests, the Viv's ReCare lunch is the highlight of their fortnight — a rare opportunity to be somewhere warm, welcoming and completely free of worry, even just for a few hours.
For carers especially, that respite is invaluable.
Our volunteer team of 10 dedicated people gives generously of their time, skills and heart to make every lunch happen — from the kitchen to the dining room, and everything in between.
None of it would be possible without the generosity of our community. If our story moves you, please consider making a tax-deductible donation through our RAWCS partnership. Every contribution, large or small, goes directly to keeping these lunches on the table.

VOLUNTEER WITH US

Viv's ReCare runs entirely on the generosity of volunteers. If you have a few hours to spare every fortnight and a warm heart to match, we'd love to hear from you.

Our dedicated cooking team already has things covered in the kitchen — but we're always looking for friendly faces to sit with guests, and simply be present. No special skills required. Just kindness.

Volunteering with Viv's ReCare is also one of the most rewarding things you can do with a Wednesday morning. Our guests and their carers are remarkable people, and the connections you'll make around that lunch table will stay with you.

What's involved:
Every second Wednesday, 10:00am to 3:00pm, St Simons Parish Centre, Rowville.
Interested? Fill in the cpntact form and we'll be in touch.

SUPPORT US

Viv's ReCare is run entirely by volunteers and funded entirely by the generosity of the community. There are no government grants, no membership fees, and no cost to our guests. Just people helping people.
To keep our fortnightly lunches running, we rely on the support of local businesses and community organisations who share our values of compassion, connection, and care.

Why sponsor Viv's ReCare?

Sponsoring Viv's ReCare is more than a business decision. It's a statement about the kind of community you want to be part of. Your support directly funds the meals, ingredients, and resources that make every lunch possible.

In return, sponsors receive:

Recognition on our website
Acknowledgement at every lunch
The knowledge that your contribution is making a real and tangible difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our community

How you can help:

Financial sponsorship — contributions of any size are welcome, and go directly to funding our fortnightly lunches.

In-kind support — donations of fresh produce, pantry staples, or other supplies are always gratefully received.

Community fundraising — if your organisation would like to hold a fundraising event in support of Viv's ReCare, we'd love to hear from you.

Make a donation — individuals can also support Viv's ReCare with a direct donation. Thanks to our partnership with RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service), all donations are tax deductible. Every dollar goes directly to funding our fortnightly community lunches.

Make a Tax-Deductible Donation

Find Us

Viv's ReCare lunches are held every second Wednesday at:
St Simon's Parish Centre 2 Taylors Lane Rowville VIC 3178

Get in Touch

Whether you'd like to attend a lunch, volunteer your time, or discuss sponsorship, we'd love to hear from you.

Where lunch comes with love

A safe, friendly space where people living with dementia or terminal illness, and the people who care for them, can relax, recharge, and enjoy a few hours of great food, live music, and warm company.

Community | Care | Compassion

Our Story

Viv's ReCare began with two strangers and a shared belief that caregivers deserve care too.