We're putting on a football (soccer) skills clinic in Centennial Park. 22 March 2010. Just $15 each child ($10 if Friends of Centennial Parklands member). 
All sports fields in Centennial, Moore and and Queens Park are closed from Mon 22-26 March, in preparation for the winter sports season. 
The April school holiday program is out now. Jam packed with fun activities to inspire and delight. 
We're running out our remaining stock, so pick up a Centennial Parklands 2010 Calendars with stunning photography for just 
Mobile Food Van
Location: Shelter Pavilion, Centennial Park (see map)
Type: Takeaway kiosk
Centennial Parklands Mobile Food Van operates every Saturday and Sunday in Centennial Park offering a range of food and drink.
The Mobile Food Van is located adjacent to the Shelter Pavilion, Duck Pond on Parkes Drive on weekends and public holidays.
The menu includes takeaway coffee and tea, sandwiches, foccacias, pies, sausage rolls and hot dogs.
Learn more about this business
Since the early 1980s, husband and wife team, Robert and Janet Carafa operated Centennial Park’s popular Mobile Food Van. From 2010 the business is now operated by their niece Diana Portela and her husband Andrew. They will continue to run this popular kiosk which has become a Sydney institution for the thousands that patronise the Park on weekends and public holidays.
The family credit the long term success of the business on the good service, great food and cleanliness of the kitchen.
About 80% of their customers are regulars, including many cyclists and sport enthusiasts – many of whom are on a firstname basis with the staff. ‘Our bacon and egg rolls are very popular, as well as the coffee,’ says Diana. ‘But despite the food, many people just seem to enjoy eating in the wonderful surrounds of the Park.’
Whilst operating in the scenic environment of Centennial Park is a drawcard for many customers, nature can have its issues.
‘We had to evacuate the Park one day, when there was a huge storm and there were branches coming off trees; and another time the Park flooded and we all had to go home,’ recalls Diana. 'And working in the 45 degree heat of New Years Day was no fun either – there is no air conditioning in the van, just hot plates!’
Given their key location, opposite the Duck Pond, the staff of the Mobile Food Van often become defacto ‘Rangers’, dealing with lost children and dogs, and once even having to help put out a fire that started in the nearby Lachlan Swamp.
It seems the combination of family, food and friendly service is a successful formula for the Mobile Food Van, so take the time to sample their fare next time you visit Centennial Park.
