Geelong vehicle modifications specialist VMS Group has won a Premier’s Design Award for building a food truck especially for asylum seekers.
The Food Justice Truck was a joint winner in the prestigious awards along with Blackmagic, the world’s smallest studio camera.
Believed to be a world first, the Food Justice Truck was an initiative of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.
The truck is a zero emissions mobile grocery store providing fresh local produce to asylum seekers at significant discounts.
It was designed by Melbourne creative product development group CobaltNiche – the designers behind Melbourne’s new E-Class trams – and built by North Geelong’s VMS Group.
Workshop manager Darren Owen said the project had been one of the most rewarding ever undertaken by the business.
“We do a wide array of projects, from limo to buses, but this one was for a really good cause and we were so pleased to be involved from the start,” Mr Owen said.
“Everyone was so enthusiastic about the whole project and the enthusiasm was infectious.”
Mr Owen said he had the opportunity to see the Food Justice truck in action after it was launched in August.
“You go out and meet the customers and they are so appreciative of it, it’s really heart-warming,” Mr Owen said.
“You realise that more people should talk to them and listen to their stories and become more appreciative of their position in the world.
“They have been so much to get to Australia and yet they are the happiest and most welcoming people.
“It opens your eyes and you realise how appreciative everyone is, and maybe some of us are a little ungrateful.”
Mr Owen said it was “nice to get a bit of recognition and feedback for the lads on workshop floor”.
“It’s good to know the extra effort is appreciated.”
