This December, Commune Group celebrates a significant milestone as it enters its tenth year supporting StreetSmart’s DineSmart campaign. Over the past decade, the group’s beloved venues – Studio Amaro, Hanoi Hannah Express Lane and Vol. II, Tokyo Tina, Firebird, New Quarter and Moonhouse, have raised more than $70,000 in vital funds to support grassroots homelessness services across Southeast Melbourne and surrounding communities.
DineSmart, the flagship campaign by StreetSmart Australia, asks diners to add an optional $2 donation to their bill throughout December. This small act of generosity, multiplied across many participating venues, turns festive goodwill into life-changing action, by funding programs that provide essential support services for Australians at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation, which provides Indigenous men, women, families, and youth with access to crisis accommodation, is just one of the impactful programs that Commune has supported through DineSmart over the years.
With over twenty years of success, DineSmart highlights the invaluable contributions of the hospitality industry and renowned groups like Commune Group, who have consistently shown up to create impact year after year. StreetSmart’s Founder and Chief of Impact Adam Robinson notes “Small charities like StreetSmart need loyal, long term partnerships to make events like DineSmart work. The commitment to community shown by the team at Commune Group underpins and energises our campaign, encouraging other restaurants to join and resulting in countless grants for local homelessness services across Prahran, Richmond, South Yarra, St Kilda.”
Commune Group’s decade-long support is a testament to the impact of sustained partnerships. Its participation in DineSmart showcases how seamlessly social good can be woven into a business’ culture, turning everyday dining experiences into opportunities for real change. Commune Group’s Managing Director Rob Gringlas shares “At Commune, we believe that supporting our community is a core part of who we are. DineSmart gives us and our diners a way to make a difference together, and we’re proud to have been part of this journey for a decade and hopefully many more years to come.””
This December, supported by Lightspeed as Presenting Partner, DineSmart is calling on venues across Australia to join the movement. Notable partner venues include LK Hospitality’s Yugen Dining and Omnia Bistro, Lucas Restaurants, The Mulberry Group Venues, Beverly Rooftop, Freddy’s, Ten Minutes by Tractor and Lagoon Dining. Commune Group’s ten year milestone shows just what can be achieved through consistent and purpose driven action- a reminder to the hospitality industry of the positive impact that long-term partnerships can deliver.
Restaurants interested in joining DineSmart can sign up at https://streetsmartaustralia.org/dinesmart/.