Major grants boost to help Newcastle’s most vulnerable

City of Newcastle is allocating nearly $240,000 to fund projects aimed at addressing food insecurity, fostering social connections, and supporting women’s health. This comes after a $100,000 boost to the Social Inclusion grant program, endorsed unanimously by the elected Council in May, in response to the rising cost-of-living pressures.

Twenty-four successful applicants will share in the funding, with individual grants ranging from $2500 to $20,000.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes highlighted the crucial role of City of Newcastle’s grants and sponsorship program in supporting the community.

“Our Social Inclusion grants provide essential backing to not-for-profit organisations, which often face increased demand during times of economic difficulty,” Cr Nelmes said.

“These organisations deliver important services, including outreach programs, community living support, and food relief initiatives. Our grants also help to foster connection, inclusion, and accessibility, especially for our most vulnerable residents.”

Cr Nelmes noted that the funding aligns with City of Newcastle’s Social Strategy 2030, which focuses on breaking down barriers to inclusion, celebrating diversity, and enhancing community health and wellbeing.

Several of the successful projects are set to tackle food insecurity. Grainery Care will use the funds to expand its capacity, offering free meals to those struggling with mental health issues, disabilities, and social isolation. Reach Newcastle Limited will extend its breakfast program to weekends in Hamilton, while Hamilton Seventh Day Adventist Church will renovate its kitchen to increase its ability to serve healthy meals, aiming to double its outreach to 120 people per week.

On the social inclusion front, NSW Rugby Union will bring ‘Rugby in the Park’ to Newcastle, replicating a successful program from Coffs Harbour that helps homeless individuals connect through physical activity, supporting both mental and physical wellbeing.

Hunter Homeless Connect will introduce a Pay it Forward initiative, raising funds to provide resources for people experiencing homelessness and other forms of vulnerability.

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities will also benefit, with projects like the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot offering a newly arrived refugee family 12 months of practical support. The Shared World Collective will promote the health and wellbeing of Afghan refugee women through its Shodan Fit program, providing women-only gym memberships and outdoor fitness activities.

Co-Director Katrina Gulbrandsen expressed gratitude for the funding, which will also support intercultural workshops aimed at empowering CALD women leaders through creative storytelling, helping participants build leadership and communication skills while enhancing social networks.

In addition, Surfing the Spectrum will provide free surfing lessons at Nobbys Beach for neurodivergent individuals, promoting water safety among vulnerable groups, and Curious Legends will use theatre and parkour to support high school students dealing with trauma, disability, and social disadvantage.

For more information about City of Newcastle’s Grants and Sponsorships program, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-and-sponsorships.