Holmesville centre reopens after $289,000 Mums’ Cottage upgrade

newy.com.au – The upgraded Mums’ Cottage Community Coffee and Training Centre at Holmesville officially opened today, with Federal Member for Hunter and Special Envoy for Men’s Health Dan Repacholi attending the launch.

The $289,000 project was supported by a $250,000 Albanese Labor Government contribution through the Investing in Our Communities Program, and is aimed at helping the service continue supporting families, carers and volunteers across West Wallsend and Holmesville.

Mums’ Cottage operates from the heritage listed Sugarloaf Uniting Church site at 29 St Helen Street, Holmesville, and is described by the organisation as a community-based service offering practical support and social connection for people doing it tough.

Works funded through the upgrade included structural repairs to the portico, piers and wall-to-roof junctions, as well as larger gutters and new external paintwork. The site also received repairs to windows and doors, stained timber floorboards in sitting areas, and modifications and fit-out of kitchen, learning, training and respite spaces.

Accessibility improvements formed a key part of the refurbishment, with new concrete access ramps and handrails installed and a dedicated disability parking area constructed. The release said the changes would provide a safer, more accessible space for community gatherings while conserving the building.

The project supported four local jobs during construction, delivering what Repacholi’s office described as additional economic benefits for the community. Repacholi also thanked Mums’ Cottage Incorporated, Hunter Presbytery, Lake Macquarie City Council and volunteers for their contribution to the works.

“Mums’ Cottage has long been a safe and welcoming place for people who need support, connection and companionship, and these upgrades will ensure they can continue providing that support for years to come,” Repacholi said. “The Hunter has always been built on people looking out for one another – and places like Mums’ Cottage are the heart of that Hunter spirit.”