City of Newcastle is providing almost $240,000 to fund activities that will strengthen the community by helping to alleviate food insecurity, create social connections, and support women's health.
The funding pool received a $100,000 boost thanks to a Lord Mayoral Minute, which was unanimously supported by the elected Council in May to strengthen the Social Inclusion grant program in light of the cost-of-living crisis.
Twenty-four applications will share in the funding, with grants ranging from $2500 up to $20,000.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at City Hall with recipients of City of Newcastle's Social Inclusion grants.Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle's grants and sponsorship program plays an important role in the community.
"Our Social Inclusion grants often support not-for-profit organisations that become overwhelmed during periods of economic uncertainty," Cr Nelmes said.
"Those organisations provide vital community services such as outreach programs, assisted community living and pop-up food services.
"Our grants also support activities that strengthen our diverse communities by increasing connection, social inclusion, and access for our most vulnerable citizens.
"This aligns with City of Newcastle's Social Strategy 2030, which aims to remove barriers to inclusion and equal opportunity, celebrates our social and cultural diversity and strengthens community health and wellbeing."
A range of the successful applicants are aiming to tackle food insecurity, including Grainery Care, which will increase its capacity to provide a safe place and free meals for people who are struggling with mental health, disabilities, and social isolation.
Reach Newcastle Limited will expand its successful weekday breakfast program to include weekend services in Hamilton, while the Hamilton Seventh Day Adventist Church will upgrade its kitchen, which provides equitable access to healthy, free, nutritious meals. The renovation is expected to help the program increase its capacity from 60 to at least 120 people per week.
Enhancing social wellbeing is at the heart of a successful application by NSW Rugby Union, which will look to emulate the success of a well-established program in Coffs Harbour by starting 'Rugby in the Park' in Newcastle, allowing homeless people to make important connections while supporting their physical and mental wellbeing.
Hunter Homeless Connect will create a Pay it Forward model for raising funds to provide information for people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable members in our community.
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities will receive a range of support from City of Newcastle grants through initiatives such as the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot, where Newcastle's first Community Supporter Group will provide 12 months of practical support to a newly arrived refugee family.
The Shared World Collective will promote the health and well-being of newly settled Afghan refugee women.
Co-Director Katrina Gulbrandsen said the City of Newcastle grant will help them launch Shodan Fit: A Health and Well-Being Program for Afghan Women.
"Shodan Fit offers women-only gym memberships and social outdoor fitness activities to support the physical and mental well-being of Afghan refugee women in our community," Ms Gulbrandsen said.
"Shared World Collective was also able to secure another Social Inclusion grant to deliver intercultural workshops that foster intercultural dialogue and empower CALD women leaders.
"Through creative storytelling, participants will enhance communication, leadership, and peacebuilding skills, while developing intercultural understanding and strengthening their social and professional networks."
Surfing the Spectrum will provide free learn to surf lessons at Nobbys Beach for neurodivergent individuals, promoting water safety to vulnerable groups in Newcastle, while Curious Legends will use theatre and parkour to improve the social development of high school students who have faced trauma, disability, mental health conditions or social disadvantage.
