Where I can heat up food on the road, use a microwave, or get free water in Brimbank? St Albans, Watergardens, Keilor Downs (Melbourne, VIC).
- Julianne Nguyen
- Jul 12, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 16, 2024
Below are my 3 top places to find:
Microwave
Hot Water/Tap drinking water
Spaces to sit, study or work.
I have been hunting around our local Brimbank area to find which places have free utilities so you don't need to travel far into the city. Bookmark/screenshot these three places.
St Albans Tin Shed/St Albans Community Youth Club
Photo by St Albans Tin Shed
Freely walk in and the community kitchen is on the right. There is a conventional oven and microwave for the public to use. There is most likely community programs happening in the space. Feel free to say hi to the local residents, the volunteers and everyone else.
You might be lucky to steal some surplus donated food from the Foodbank that comes every week. Drop by and collect some free bags of bread, fruit and pantry items.
Free stuff:
-Running tap water/sink
-Cups (make yourself a tea, milo/hot chocolate and whatever else in the public pantry)
-If you require financial/food assistance, bring your health care card to receive free food parcels every Tuesday 10am - 12pm.
-Enrol yourself to some free classes such as Craft club, Tai Chi and kids after school club.
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 9am - 3pm
Address: 309A Main Rd E, St Albans VIC 3021
Parking: Free 2P Parking next to Woolworths, 4P parking on Percy Street and other streets (check as they are usually 1P or 2P).
Public Transport: 5-10 minute walk from St Albans Station
2. Sydenham Neighbourhood House/Watergardens
If you are super thirsty and want to refill your bottle while IN the library, go to the far left of room with glass floor to ceiling windows and the kitchenette is on the left.
If you want space to sit, eat with a sink, tea and another space for toilets (beside the library), you will have to enter from outside the library.
This one is a hidden gem right next to Watergardens Shopping Centre and Watergardens Library for those who live around Taylors Lakes, Hillside and Keilor.
You will see a sign that says 'Sydenham Neighbourhood House.' Walk around the back of it and enter through the doors of the lift on ground floor. Go up to level 1 and turn right. There is an open space of tables and chairs and on the left is a public kitchenette.
Free stuff:
-Running tap water/sink + Hot water tap. Microwave your food here!
-If you require employment assistance, Matchworks is located on Level 1.
-There are posters and flyers everywhere on the wall to enrol in low cost/free Zumba, Yoga, Mens/Womens Group classes and meetups. Feel free to wander around!
Opening Hours:
Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 6:00pm
Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Parking: Free. Park at the back of Watergardens Shopping Centre where Timezone, Hoyts and Grilld are.
Public Transport: 1-2 minutes walk from Watergardens Station. By bus, look into your PTV planner online or your app.
3. Keilor Community Hub
This place is the quietest and most secluded community place compared to the other two above (for the introverts and the ones that love nature).
As you go inside, turn right and walk around the curve. Tucked on the back next to community rooms is a public kitchen with everything you need (even a fridge!). Although this kitchen is mainly used for community groups, please be considerate, wash up and turn off anything you finish using.
Free stuff:
-Running tap water/sink + Hot water tap and microwave your food here.
-Cups (make yourself a tea), wooden spoons/forks (check the cupboards)
-Wander further down and turn left to go through the library.
-Keilor Community Hub runs yoga and craft classes for seniors.
The building is located within Keilor Library.
Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday
8.45am-5pm
Address: 704B Old Calder Hwy, Keilor
Parking: Free. Some are 2P(2 hours) and the rest without a sign is All Day.
Public Transport: I recommend driving here as the area is a bit hilly.
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