newy.com.au – Five faith organisations in Newcastle and Port Stephens will receive support under the latest $5 million round of the NSW Government’s Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants.
Adamstown Uniting Church and BelAir Baptist Church in Newcastle, along with Our Lady of Help Christians in Mallabula, St Johns in Raymond Terrace and St Stephens in Tea Gardens, have been named among recipients of the program, which is aimed at improving safety and security at places of worship and other regular gathering places for religious communities.
The funding is part of the NSW Government’s $15 million commitment over four years to support faith communities across the state. Since 2023, 355 organisations have been supported through the program.
The grants take a resilience-based approach, helping organisations prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from incidents. Funded projects can include security system and infrastructure upgrades, incident management measures, first-aid training, and safety and wellbeing support services.
NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said faith communities should be able to gather safely.
“All faith communities in NSW have the right to gather and practise their religion in safety and without fear.
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting our diverse communities, and our $15 million investment in strengthening security at places of worship reflects that commitment.”
“This funding will help grant recipients deliver practical upgrades that make their communities safer and more secure.”
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the funding would help local places of worship plan for the future.
“Newcastle is a city that everyone can call home.”
“These organisations will benefit from this support to keep their places of worship safe and secure into the future.”
Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said the grants would provide reassurance for local congregations.
“Port Stephens is home to many faith communities, so I’m pleased to see local churches strengthening their security systems and providing comfort to parishioners.
“I’m delighted that Our Lady of Help Christians in Mallabula, St Johns in Raymond Terrace and St Stephens in Tea Gardens will benefit from this support to keep their special places of worship safe and secure into the future.”
