Minns joins Salvos for $325,000 Hunter appeal launch

29 April 2026

newy.com.au – NSW Premier Chris Minns has joined Salvation Army leaders in Newcastle for the Hunter launch of the 62nd Red Shield Appeal, with organisers aiming to raise $325,000 for local services.

The launch was held from noon on Wednesday at NEX, 309 King Street, Newcastle West, bringing together business and community leaders to support the annual fundraiser.

Money raised through the Hunter appeal will stay in the Newcastle and Hunter region, helping fund Salvation Army services for people experiencing homelessness, family and domestic violence, financial hardship, youth challenges, drug and alcohol addiction and other hardship.

Red Shield Appeal chair Bob Hawes said Premier Minns’ attendance reflected the importance of the annual event to the region.

“We’re delighted that Premier Minns will officiate one of the most important events in the Hunter’s annual calendar. We invite our community and business leaders to support this year’s event and the wider Red Shield Appeal as they do every year, and we thank each person and every business for their ongoing generosity to those less fortunate,” Mr Hawes said.

The Hunter launch comes as the Salvos continue to expand support in Newcastle, including through a partnership with Street Side Medics at the Newcastle Corps. The mobile medical service began operating in March from the corps car park on Fridays during the Salvos’ lunchtime hot-meal service, which supports about 80 people experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, loneliness, isolation, financial stress and other needs.

Orange Sky Australia also provides free laundry services at the site on Fridays.

Nationally, the Red Shield Appeal runs through April, May and June, with the 2026 doorknock weekend set for May 30 and 31. The Salvation Army is aiming to raise $41 million across Australia and recruit 15,000 volunteers.

Last year, The Salvation Army provided more than 1.74 million sessions of care, more than one million nights of accommodation and more than 1.4 million meals through homelessness services.

People can donate to the Hunter Red Shield Appeal online, at Salvation Army locations across Newcastle and the Hunter, or call 13 SALVOS for help or volunteering information.