As we step into a new year, we wanted to pause to take a look at some of the big changes that happened in Kairos in 2025.

Goodbye and Hello

In 2025, we farewelled some favourite faces and welcomed a few new ones.

Stuart

Sarah

Brydie

Alex

Kevin

Grace

November marked the end of a season as Stu stepped down from his role as General Manager, along with with his wife, Sarah. The leadership of Stu and Sarah took Kairos from its humble beginnings in a container in a carpark to the city-wide food rescue organisation that it is today. We are endlessly grateful for their dedication and innovation that helped power Kairos through its formative years. We wish them well in whatever their future holds.

In their place, we welcomed Kevin, our new General Manager. Kevin brings a wealth of experience in not-for-profit operations and management. Kevin’s strength is in the details, enabling him to carry on and secure the vision of Kairos.

Anyone who came into the Kairos warehouse will remember the warm smile of Brydie, who finished her tenure as Warehouse Lead last April. Brydie left some big shoes to fill, but her role is ably taken over by Grace, who now manages our warehouse with energy, focus and professionalism.

Alex, our Free Store Lead, left us early in 2025 for a full-time youth leader role. Free Store/Community Hub management has been taken over by Finn, our Volunteer Lead.

The Big Move

When Kairos Free Store outgrew its container space and needed room to grow, we were offered the temporary use of a warehouse property on Tuam Street. It was a great space for both the warehouse and the Free Store, but we always knew it was only for the short-term, as the site was slated to be the future home of Grace Vineyard Church. Demolition of the warehouse was scheduled to begin in October of last year, which necessitated the relocation.

We celebrated the final Free Store at Tuam Street on 3 September. Shortly afterwards, the warehouse moved to its current premises on Mowbray Street.

Unfortunately, the new warehouse site was not suitable for the Free Store. Grace Vineyard once again offered their hospitality. Our new Free Store, now known as the Community Hub, opened at the church entryway on Ferry Road on the 3rd of October, where it continues to be held every Friday at 4pm.