Category: Newcastle News

A tasting passport will guide visitors through seven global cuisines and the stories behind them as part of a Refugee Week event designed to create community connections. 

Delivered by City of Newcastle in partnership with the Village in the City Working Group, the Bright Nights Bazaar and Tasting Trail will showcase the talents of craft makers, stallholders, musicians and dancers from newly arrived and refugee communities.

: Carolyn Schofield (Left) who runs programs at Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre, pictured with an attendee at the first event, ‘Twilight Village Kitchen and Market’ in May.Chair of City of Newcastle’s Access Inclusion Standing Committee, Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, said the event reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusion and belonging. 

“This event forms part of a program that was launched last year to mark the 10-year anniversary since Newcastle reaffirmed the city as a Refugee Welcome Zone,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Through food, arts, sport and community events, the Neighbourly Newy program builds connections across our community, creating a place where people feel welcomed and proud to belong.

“Refugee Week is an important opportunity to celebrate and strengthen understandings of the contributions and resilience of people from refugee backgrounds, and strengthen our community.”

The tasting trail will offer $5 sample dishes from Sri Lankan, Egyptian, South Indian, Arabic and various Afghan cuisines. Visitors will receive a stamp at each stall and learn about the origins of the dishes.

The Bazaar will feature live music from refugee artists including local singer Regikay, Earthern Rhythms drumming, an African dance group from Jesmond Public School and an emerging young DJ mentored by the Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre. 

A community dessert competition will also be judged as part of the event, with recipes from all entries to be compiled into a community cookbook in partnership with BaptistCare Jesmond.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager of Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said the Bazaar was one of three events being delivered with the Village in the City Working Group across May, June and July to support communities in Jesmond experiencing social and geographic isolation. 

“The initiative is designed to provide a culturally safe space for residents experiencing challenges such as social isolation, racial tensions and limited access to inclusive community activities,” Ms Duffy said.

“These events respond directly to those challenges, helping strengthen connection and wellbeing in communities that may face barriers to participation due to discrimination, which is part of achieving the goals set in City of Newcastle’s social strategy.” 

“While the events are designed with the Jesmond community in mind, they are open to everyone to come along and enjoy.”

Sixteen-year-old City of Newcastle Youth Council member Hamza Mamond, who is originally from Afghanistan, said these events provide an important opportunity for connection and inclusion. 

“Coming from a refugee background, I understand how important it is for people to feel included, supported and represented,” Mr Mamond said. 

“Events like this help people share their stories, celebrate culture and build understanding between communities. They create connections and show that diversity is one of our greatest strengths.” 

The free community events kicked off in May with a Twilight Village Kitchen and Market, featuring cooking stations, market stalls, facepainting, live entertainment, workshops and reptile encounters. 

The Bright Nights Bazaar Tasting Trail will be held this Friday from 4pm – 7.30pm at the Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre.

The series will wrap up at Heaton Park on 17 July with the Lantern Night Picnic & Community Showcase, which will bring the community together for a winter picnic with music, poetry and performances.  

Refugee Week is an annual national initiative coordinated by the Refugee Council of Australia to promote greater awareness of refugees, the issues they face and the contributions they make to the Australian community. This year it runs from 14 to 20 June with the theme “A Million Stories”. 

The future of Maitland Grossmann High School has been secured, with the Minns Labor Government today announcing that it will relocate and expand the school to ensure students and teachers have world-class facilities for generations to come.

The expanded Maitland Grossmann High School will deliver modern, purpose-built facilities on a larger site for up to 1,500 students, ensuring the school is equipped to meet the needs of a growing community while continuing its proud legacy of public education.

The school is set to open on a new site in 2030; in the meantime it will continue operating from its current site, ensuring continuity of learning for students. Further details, including the new location, will be shared with the community later this year once commercial negotiations for the site have been finalised.

Significant refurbishment and revitalisation works have been undertaken on the existing school site to respond to the necessary closure of Block E after years of neglect under the Nationals and Liberals.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car and Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison shared the plan with the school community while touring recent improvements to existing facilities.

Completed works include new covered walkways, shade structures and outdoor seating, a vocational education and training (VET) hospitality kitchen, replacement of timber retaining walls, and fresh external paintwork.

The school’s 140-year legacy and heritage will be honoured as part of the design process for the new buildings.

Funding to support the relocation of Maitland Grossman High School will be included in the Minns Labor Government’s 2026-27 Budget, which also includes a brand new public school and preschool in rapidly-growing Chisholm.

These projects further expand the Minns Labor Government’s pipeline of new and upgraded schools across growing parts of the Hunter region, ensuring local families have access to a world-class public education close to home.

This includes a new public preschool, primary school, and high school in Huntlee, the redevelopment of Gillieston Public School, the upgrade of Thornton Public School, and the brand-new Medowie High School, as well as 12 new public preschools across the broader Hunter region.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“Maitland families are watching their community grow every day, and the Minns Labor Government is ensuring we support that growth by delivering world-class new and upgraded schools in growing neighbourhoods.

“The relocation and expansion of Maitland Grossmann High School on a new site will ensure the next generation of Maitland students have access to the world class public education they deserve.

“The story of Maitland Grossman High School, which was neglected and ignored by the Nationals and Liberals, shows the important of having a government and local member which prioritises public education.

“I want to thank teachers and students for their patience during what has been a difficult time, but I am proud the Minns Labor Government can now give them certainty that a new school is on the way.”

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said:

“Maitland Grossman High has an important place in the history of our city. One of the first high schools alongside Maitland High, and originally in Church Street Maitland, the school has more than outgrown its current site.

“A brand new site will ensure current students get to continue their learning journey without the disruption of construction, while we build Maitland’s first 21st century public high school.

“When I met with students and staff from Maitland Grossman High School last week, they were excited to know that a new school would be built while we continue to work on improving their current learning environment.

“I am incredibly proud to welcome this investment for our community.”

Maitland Grossman High School principal Neil Fara said:

“As principal of Maitland Grossmann High School, I feel an enormous sense of pride and optimism following this announcement.

“This investment is a powerful acknowledgment of the advocacy of our students, families, staff and broader community, who have worked tirelessly over the last three years to ensure Maitland Grossmann High School’s future is supported.

“It reflects the strength of our growing community and ensures future generations of young people will have access to world-class learning environments and opportunities close to home.”

Novocastrians are set to benefit from a major boost to local community assets, services and programs, with the iconic Paymasters Café among seven projects sharing $1 million through the NSW Government’s Newcastle Port Community Contributions Fund.

A $250,000 grant has been awarded to City of Newcastle to restore Paymasters Café, conserving original heritage features and upgrading safety elements to meet heritage standards while reopening the facility for public recreation and community use.

A further $176,000 has been provided to Spiritual Water Ways Indigenous Corporation to deliver Nan’s Place, an Indigenous cultural meeting circle and healing landscape on Worimi Land.

The project will protect a recognised Ceremonial and Dreaming Place while fostering cultural learning, community wellbeing and connection to Country through a meeting circle, healing landscape, memorial mural honouring Elder Aunty Beryl Dates and ongoing cultural engagement initiatives, which include language workshops and caring for Country programs.

Meanwhile, a $75,000 grant from the Fund will support rigging, sail and electronics upgrades to the Aurora, the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s community training vessel, ensuring a safe, modern and accessible platform for veterans, young people, first responders and aspiring sailors to participate in maritime training and development programs.

The seven initiatives supported through the fund will help activate and enhance the Newcastle Port Precinct, boost visitation, strengthen community connections, supports jobs, and encourage greater participation in cultural and artistic activities.

Successful projects in this round include:

• $250,000 – City of Newcastle for Restoration heritage-listed Paymasters Cafe
• $240,000 – Breast Cancer Trials for Portraits of Hope Breast Cancer awareness exhibition
• $176,000 – Spiritual Water Ways Indigenous Corporation for Nan’s Place – Cultural Meeting Circle and Healing Landscape
• $175,000 – City of Newcastle for Foreshore Fairy Light Activation
• $75,000 – Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club for Aurora – Training the Next Generation of Offshore Sailors
• $66,400 – The Mission to Seafarers – Newcastle for Upgrade of male toilet
• $40,616- Destination Sydney Surrounds North for Cruise Ship Arrival Activation Events – Port of Newcastle

The Newcastle Port Community Contributions Fund Round 9 provides grants of between $10,000 and $250,000 to local groups and businesses to deliver initiatives that enhance the environment, public spaces, infrastructure, heritage restoration, smart technology, events and community participation.

This round follows extensive feedback from the local community and Newcastle City Council, prompting the NSW Government to refine how funding is delivered to ensure stronger outcomes for the precinct.

The fund is enabled by the long-term lease of the Newcastle Port and has now provided more than $9.8 million to 56 projects since 2014.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“The successful projects announced today show just how much passion and innovation exists within the Newcastle community – each initiative will play a role in strengthening the precinct and creating spaces that locals and visitors can enjoy for decades to come.

“This funding is about backing the people who know their community best. By supporting locally driven ideas like the Paymasters Cafe, we’re ensuring the Newcastle Port continues to grow in a way that reflects the region’s identity and future ambitions.

“These projects demonstrate the kind of forward‑thinking investment that will keep Newcastle thriving. We’re proud to support initiatives that enhance the area, protect its heritage and create new opportunities for the region.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“The region continues to build incredible momentum, and these projects will add even more energy to the Newcastle Port. It’s exciting to see local organisations leading the way with ideas that celebrate our region’s strengths.

“This funding is a testament to the creativity and determination of our community. These projects will help shape the area that locals can be proud of and visitors will want to experience.

“Newcastle is evolving into a dynamic destination, and these projects will help accelerate that growth. Whether it’s boosting tourism, enhancing public spaces or supporting local culture, this investment will deliver real benefits for the region.

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorpe said:

“It’s fantastic to see such strong local ideas being brought to life through this funding. The successful projects will make a meaningful difference to the precinct and to the people who use it every day.

“The Port of Newcastle has always been central to our city’s story, and these projects will help carry that legacy forward. This funding supports initiatives that honour our past while building a vibrant future.

“These projects reflect what can be achieved when community groups, businesses and government work together. I’m proud to see local organisations stepping up with ideas that will strengthen and enrich our city.”

Chief Executive Officer Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, Mr Paul O’Rourke said:

“This funding is a gamechanger for Aurora and for the hundreds of people who will step aboard her in the years ahead.”

“We’re deeply grateful for NSW Government support – Aurora has been at the heart of our training programs for many years and, as a 40-year-old yacht, she has reached the point where critical upgrades are needed to ensure she remains safe, reliable and fit for the next generation of sailors.

“From young people taking their first steps into the sport to Veterans and First Responders seeking new challenges, this investment will create more opportunities for Novocastrians to learn, compete and connect through sailing, while strengthening the community that makes our club and sport so special.”

Proud Worimi and Yorta Yorta woman, Cultural Authority and Secretary of Spiritual Water Ways Indigenous Corporation, Aunty Theresa Dargin said:

“Nan’s Place is much more than a physical space, it is a place of healing, connection, learning and belonging. This funding allows us to honour the legacy of our beloved Elder, Nan Dates, whose love for family, community and Country continues to guide us today.

“For generations, this site has been a place of ceremony, storytelling and cultural practice. Nan’s Place will provide a safe and welcoming place where people can connect to Country, strengthen wellbeing, learn about our culture and create lasting community connections.

“We are deeply grateful to the Newcastle Port Community Contributions Fund for recognising the importance of preserving Aboriginal cultural heritage and investing in a project that will benefit our whole community for generations to come.”

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a girl reported missing from the Hunter region.

Jacinta Horder, aged 12, was last seen at an address on Ibis Parade, Woodberry, about 1.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 16 June 2026).

When she could not be located, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified today and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Jacinta may have travelled by train to the Newcastle area.

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to her young age.

Jacinta is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall with medium build and long wavy/curly hair dyed dark red/maroon.

She is known to frequent the Woodberry, Beresfield and Newcastle areas.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to contact Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A tasting passport will guide visitors through seven global cuisines and the stories behind them as part of a Refugee Week event designed to create community connections. 

Delivered by City of Newcastle in partnership with the Village in the City Working Group, the Bright Nights Bazaar and Tasting Trail will showcase the talents of craft makers, stallholders, musicians and dancers from newly arrived and refugee communities.

: Carolyn Schofield (Left) who runs programs at Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre, pictured with an attendee at the first event, ‘Twilight Village Kitchen and Market’ in May.Chair of City of Newcastle’s Access Inclusion Standing Committee, Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, said the event reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusion and belonging. 

“This event forms part of a program that was launched last year to mark the 10-year anniversary since Newcastle reaffirmed the city as a Refugee Welcome Zone,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Through food, arts, sport and community events, the Neighbourly Newy program builds connections across our community, creating a place where people feel welcomed and proud to belong.

“Refugee Week is an important opportunity to celebrate and strengthen understandings of the contributions and resilience of people from refugee backgrounds, and strengthen our community.”

The tasting trail will offer $5 sample dishes from Sri Lankan, Egyptian, South Indian, Arabic and various Afghan cuisines. Visitors will receive a stamp at each stall and learn about the origins of the dishes.

The Bazaar will feature live music from refugee artists including local singer Regikay, Earthern Rhythms drumming, an African dance group from Jesmond Public School and an emerging young DJ mentored by the Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre. 

A community dessert competition will also be judged as part of the event, with recipes from all entries to be compiled into a community cookbook in partnership with BaptistCare Jesmond.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager of Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said the Bazaar was one of three events being delivered with the Village in the City Working Group across May, June and July to support communities in Jesmond experiencing social and geographic isolation. 

“The initiative is designed to provide a culturally safe space for residents experiencing challenges such as social isolation, racial tensions and limited access to inclusive community activities,” Ms Duffy said.

“These events respond directly to those challenges, helping strengthen connection and wellbeing in communities that may face barriers to participation due to discrimination, which is part of achieving the goals set in City of Newcastle’s social strategy.” 

“While the events are designed with the Jesmond community in mind, they are open to everyone to come along and enjoy.”

Sixteen-year-old City of Newcastle Youth Council member Hamza Mamond, who is originally from Afghanistan, said these events provide an important opportunity for connection and inclusion. 

“Coming from a refugee background, I understand how important it is for people to feel included, supported and represented,” Mr Mamond said. 

“Events like this help people share their stories, celebrate culture and build understanding between communities. They create connections and show that diversity is one of our greatest strengths.” 

The free community events kicked off in May with a Twilight Village Kitchen and Market, featuring cooking stations, market stalls, facepainting, live entertainment, workshops and reptile encounters. 

The Bright Nights Bazaar Tasting Trail will be held this Friday from 4pm – 7.30pm at the Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre.

The series will wrap up at Heaton Park on 17 July with the Lantern Night Picnic & Community Showcase, which will bring the community together for a winter picnic with music, poetry and performances.  

Refugee Week is an annual national initiative coordinated by the Refugee Council of Australia to promote greater awareness of refugees, the issues they face and the contributions they make to the Australian community. This year it runs from 14 to 20 June with the theme “A Million Stories”. 

Motorists travelling through Newcastle are a step closer to bypassing 11 sets of traffic lights and reduced peak travel times, with the Newcastle Inner City Bypass now fully connected between Rankin Park and Jesmond for the first time.

The project is backed by a $488.2 million investment from the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments, with $390.6 million from the Commonwealth and $97.6 million from New South Wales.

The fifth and final section of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass will improve safety, ease congestion and deliver faster, more reliable journeys for motorists.

Once complete, the bypass is expected to remove up to 30,000 vehicles a day from Newcastle Road, which is currently used by around 40,000 to 60,000 vehicles daily, as well as Croudace Street and Lookout Road – reducing pressure on local roads and improving travel times across the network.

Motorists travelling north–south on the new section of bypass will benefit from peak-period travel times expected to be more than halved. Completing these earthworks enabled crews to connect the main bypass alignment for the first time and continue work on road surfacing, safety barriers and noise walls.

With all major bridges now complete and the route connected, work is now focused on finishing the northern interchange ramps, final road surfacing, shared user path connections, traffic systems and landscaping ahead of opening.

The Rankin Park to Jesmond section is expected to open to traffic before the end of 2026, weather permitting.

The project will also strengthen connections to key destinations including Bennetts Green, Charlestown and Jesmond shopping centres, the University of Newcastle, the Pacific Highway and the John Hunter Hospital precinct.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:

This transformational $488.2 million investment has supported local jobs and businesses during construction as well as delivering long-lasting productivity and liveability benefits for the entire Newcastle community.

By delivering this vital missing link, we are slashing congestion, significantly improving safety, and keeping Newcastle moving.”

NSW Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

This is a major milestone for Newcastle and the Hunter, connecting Rankin Park to Jesmond for the first time on a road our region has needed for decades.

As a Hunter local, I know how much pressure growth is putting on our roads, our hospital precinct and our key centres.

This bypass will help take that pressure off, cut congestion and keep people moving across the region.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

Projects like the Newcastle Inner City Bypass are about something simple: helping people get where they need to be so they can spend more time with their family, doing things they love and less time on the road.

This milestone means we’re closer to delivering a bypass that will make every-day travel simpler, faster and more reliable for thousands of locals across Newcastle and the Hunter.

“Delivering major construction at one of the busiest intersections in the Hunter while keeping traffic moving is an enormous task, made even more challenging by periods of wet weather.

This milestone is a credit to the 900 workers who have safely delivered this complex work under difficult conditions, and I want to thank them for their commitment to keeping this project moving forward for the people of Newcastle and the Hunter.”

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon:

The Albanese Labor Government is making a massive investment in Newcastle’s future, delivering safer roads and faster journeys for thousands of local motorists every day.

“By bypassing up to 11 sets of traffic lights and peak travel times expected to reduce by half, this project will save people time and ease pressure on our local road network.

“This is the infrastructure Newcastle needs – reducing congestion, improving safety and helping our city keep moving.”

Federal Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson:

Connecting these final pieces means taking up to 30,000 vehicles a day off the existing Lookout Road, Croudace Street, and Newcastle Road routes.

By bypassing up to 11 sets of traffic lights, motorists will see peak travel times reduced by more than half, meaning less time in traffic and more time at home with family.”

NSW Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery:

“People in Newcastle have been talking about the need for this connection for years, so seeing the bypass fully connected for the first time is a significant moment for our community.

“This project will take pressure off local roads, make trips more predictable and help people spend less time sitting in traffic.

“With the major structures complete and the route now connected, local residents can see the finish line. We’re getting closer to opening a piece of infrastructure that will improve the way people move around Newcastle every day.”

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the states Hunter Region.

Peter Bates, aged 42, was last seen leaving a medical facility in New Lambton Heights – after presenting with a stomach wound – and boarding a bus about 3pm yesterday (Thursday 11 June 2026).

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries to locate him.

There are extremely serious concerns for Peter’s welfare as he requires urgent medical assistance for the wound.

The cause of the wound is not known.

Peter is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, medium build with short brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a grey beanie, black hooded jumper, light grey track pants, red shoes and carrying a white plastic bag.

Peter is known to frequent the surrounding areas of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

A new disability centre in Beresfield has officially opened marking a major investment by the Minns Labor Government in improving the lives of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities across the Hunter region. 

Backed by a $3.38 million investment from the NSW Government’s Regional Development Trust, in addition to $4.38 million from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, the project delivers a total investment of $7.76 million into modern accessible care services.

Under the project a former industrial warehouse has been transformed into a customised centre featuring multi-disciplinary therapy rooms, flexible spaces for group programs and an early diagnosis clinic. 

The centre aims to meet growing demand for services in the region by providing access to evidence-based therapies, leading technologies and tailored programs for babies, children and adults with disability and support for their families.

The centre also includes a dedicated training space which will support more than 300 workers from the disability sector in the Hunter region.

The Cerebral Palsy Alliance has been supporting people with disability in NSW for 80 years and has been present in the Hunter for more than four decades with accommodation and services being delivered across the region. 

More than $220 million from the NSW Government’s Regional Development Trust Fund is currently being delivered through programs and projects that provide strategic and sustainable investment where it is needed to support regional and rural industries, businesses and communities to grow.

For more information, go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:

“This is a major investment in the Hunter and, most importantly, in the lives of people with disability and the families who love and support them.

“For more than four decades, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance has stood alongside Hunter families, and this centre means they can reach more people, with better facilities.” 

Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said:

“I’m grateful to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance for expanding its services here in the Hunter. The NSW Government is proud to partner with this impressive organisation on this important, life-changing project. 

“The Cerebral Palsy Alliance is a highly respected organisation that’s been innovating and improving lives for 80 years. This state-of-the-art facility means they can keep doing what they do best, providing quality therapies to Hunter babies, children and adults with disability.”

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“This new disability centre in the Hunter is exactly the kind of investment our government is committed to—projects that improve essential services and strengthen regional communities. 

“It will provide world-class care and support closer to home, ensuring people living with disability and their families in the Hunter have access to the services they need without having to travel further afield. 

“By investing in this project, we’re not only improving infrastructure, we’re building stronger, more inclusive communities.”

Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery said:

“I was pleased to be able to help secure this funding, with more local families and people with cerebral palsy now set to benefit from world-class support thanks to our investment and partnership with an exceptional organisation as Cerebral Palsy Alliance.”

Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison said:

“This new centre is a wonderful addition to Beresfield and will make a real difference for people with disability and their families across Maitland and the wider Hunter. 

“Families will be able to access high-quality therapies, early diagnosis services and tailored support closer to home, in a modern facility designed around their needs. 

“The Cerebral Palsy Alliance has supported our community for decades, and this new centre will help them continue that important work for generations to come.” 

Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr said:

“The Minns Labor Government is not only delivering high-quality disability services but also investing in the future of the local workforce too. This new facility delivers high-quality training space for Hunter disability workers – an additional benefit for our growing and increasingly specialised disability services workforce.”

Cerebral Palsy Alliance CEO, Rob White said:

“CPA has proudly supported the Hunter community for over 42 years, and this new centre in Beresfield marks an important step in expanding services across high-need areas of NSW. 

“This development strengthens support for families, improves access to services, and reflects our ongoing investment in innovative therapy and community support for the future.”

People experiencing homelessness can receive a range of vital services in a new safe space in Hamilton thanks to a collaboration between City of Newcastle and two charitable organisations.

The Salvation Army’s Community Centre in Cleary Street is now also a permanent home for Reach Homeless Services, with volunteers setting up every morning and on Friday evenings to offer food, connection and necessities.

Chair of the Reach Homeless Services board Alex Rees, Cr Jenny Barrie and Salvation Army Corps Officer Major Leanne Bennett at the Cleary Street Community Centre.

After 12 years operating in various public locations in Hamilton, Reach now has dedicated access to a kitchen, storage, tables and chairs, providing a space for those in need, as well as a location for volunteers to pack emergency food and hygiene kits, and breakfast packs.

To facilitate this community service, City of Newcastle provided the Salvation Army with specialist planning advice to assist with the development application for the new arrangement.

Having coordinated the initial meetings between Reach and the Salvation Army, Councillor Jenny Barrie said she was pleased to see the service up and running.

“As a Council, we’ve committed to reviewing free food supply services in Hamilton to better meet the needs of the community,” Cr Barrie said.

“Addressing food insecurity in a permanent, indoor location provides advantages over public spaces, including kitchen facilities and refrigeration.

“Open-air food distribution is highly visible and can deter people from accessing aid due to social stigma.

“Sadly, food insecurity affects one in three households across NSW. This is a positive collaboration that will deliver real benefits for people in need in Newcastle.”

Reach Homeless Services Executive Director Gary Parsisson said the cost-of-living crisis has led to an increase in people doing it tough.

“We help a wide range of people who could be experiencing homelessness, drugs and alcohol struggles, mental health issues, domestic violence, financial hardship or loneliness,” Mr Parsisson said.

“Reach has been providing food insecurity services in Hamilton for more than a decade in temporary locations such as James Street Plaza and Hamilton Station Park.

“Having a permanent, secure location ensures we can operate in any type of weather, allowing people who might be suffering from a sense of isolation to make some much-needed connections.

“Our friends now have the chance to sit down and enjoy a hot coffee on a cold morning, share a Friday night meal under a roof, and access support in a space that feels safe, consistent and dignified.

“We’re very grateful to be able to collaborate with City of Newcastle and the Salvation Army to provide this service.”

Salvation Army Corps Officer Major Leanne Bennett said the arrangement with Reach is a wonderful addition to the services offered by the Salvos.

“We aim to serve the wider community of Newcastle, meeting needs as they arise without judgment or discrimination,” Ms Bennett said.

“Our community involvement includes a range of activities that care for people such as our Emergency Relief service, community meals, homeless packs, shower facilities and much more.

“Collaborating with Reach complements the other services we host in Cleary St including Street Side Medics and Orange Sky.

“There are Salvation Army services such Employment Plus, Moneycare and Doorways programs, as well as other contributors such as Oz Harvest, Foodbank, Coles SecondBite and RSPCA Hunter Supporters Group.

“We’re proud to partner with Reach as we fight the severe cost-of-living and food insecurity crisis impacting the region.”

City of Newcastle is committed to working closely with all local support services, businesses, residents and NSW Police to support a safer and more welcoming environment in Hamilton.