Newcastle Faith Groups Secure Funding to Enhance Safety at Places of Worship

newy.com.au – Two Newcastle faith organisations have received funding through the NSW Government’s Safe Places for Faith Communities grant program, aimed at bolstering security at places of worship.

Livefree Church in Adamstown has been awarded $15,300 to install a comprehensive security system, including alarms, surveillance cameras, and perimeter monitoring. The funding will also support training for volunteers on cultural safety, equipment use, and emergency protocols.

Meanwhile, Hamilton Uniting Church has received $7,000 to upgrade its security infrastructure with exterior perimeter cameras, motion detectors, and internal alarm systems. Additionally, the church will use the grant to provide Cultural Safety and Inclusion training for staff and volunteers.

The $5 million funding initiative is part of the NSW Government’s broader $15 million commitment over four years to enhance security measures at places of worship. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 are being allocated to faith groups to improve safety, train religious leaders and staff in risk mitigation, and strengthen community resilience.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp highlighted the program’s importance, stating, “Both Hamilton Uniting Church and Livefree Church contribute immensely to their local communities and are an important part of the social fabric here in Newcastle. This program focuses on prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery measures to enhance community resilience.”

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper echoed the sentiment, adding, “This funding will assist faith communities to maintain and improve the security of their places of worship so they can continue to be places of guidance and peace for attendees.”

The program reflects the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that faith organisations can continue to provide safe, welcoming environments for their communities.