Peel Community Kitchen secretary Angelo Gangemi is Mandurah’s latest Local Legend, recognised for his leadership in helping vulnerable people in the community.
Angelo was awarded at the March 26 Mandurah Council meeting, with Mayor Rhys Williams thanking him for his service to the community through the Peel Community Kitchen over the past eight years.
“We whole-heartedly thank Angelo for the pivotal role he plays at the Kitchen, and his accepting and non-judgmental approach towards everyone, which creates a welcoming environment for those in need,” Mayor Williams said.
“Angelo has an important job in seeking funding from businesses and applying for grants to keep the kitchen going. This is no small feat.
“His leadership ensures smooth operations and administration at the Kitchen, enabling the team to serve close to 1000 meals to around 400 people every week. This makes a significant impact on the lives of people doing it tough. As well as his secretary role, for the past three years Angelo has been covering the Chairperson’s position and assisting with treasury duties. He's the type of person who goes above and beyond to make it work.”
Angelo said that when he retired from his working life in finance and banking, he wanted to put something back into the community. “I volunteered at Foodbank and then Peel Community Kitchen and joined a team of like-minded volunteers who wanted to make a difference.”
Since joining the Kitchen in 2015, Angelo and the team have consistently supported the community in providing meals and support to individuals and families, including people who are homeless, unemployed, elderly or living below the poverty line.
He was also instrumental in relocating Peel Community Kitchen from the Sutton Street Hall to a custom-built facility on Tuart Street in 2021.
