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Hundreds fed at evacuation centres

By Caitlyn Grant

Oct 17, 2022

Giving back: Jerry Barolli from Chargrilled Chicken handing out free meals and water. Photo by Megan Fisher

As Shepparton and surrounding areas were inundated by flood waters, Chargrilled Chicken stepped up to the plate.

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Owner Jerry Barolli and the team have fed more than 900 mouths at evacuation centres across the region.

Mr Barolli said they provided food at the Ballantyne Centre in Tatura on Sunday night, then another drop at the McIntosh Centre in Shepparton on Monday afternoon and another expected that night, after being engaged by council.

Chargrilled Chicken also donated two pallets of water at Monday afternoon’s drop, along with 32 boxes of apples from Barolli orchards.

Community: Jerry Barolli filled his ute with slabs of water. Photo by Megan Fisher

Mr Barolli also filled his ute’s tray with slabs of bottled water for free collection at the front of the Shepparton store at the Archer St Plaza.

“A lady came up yesterday and started crying; you know, there’s a lot of heartache,” he said.

“She didn’t even have money to buy water, we donated water and will be doing it again tomorrow at the chicken shop.”

Even after working 24 hours straight, with a trip to Melbourne and back to collect supplies included, Mr Barolli has kept a positive attitude.

He said it was the work of the team and volunteers that made it happen, and gave special thanks to Shepparton Chargrilled Chicken manager Cass Clark and the manager of the Kyabram and Tatura stores, Sue Bevilacqua.