Tara Moriarty
Minister for Agriculture
Minister for Regional New South Wales
Minister for Western New South Wales
Yasmin Catley
Minister for the Hunter
Member for Swansea
Soul Hub has increased its capacity to deliver life-changing services to Newcastle’s disadvantaged and vulnerable thanks to $500,000 from the NSW Government’s Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund.
Soul Hub’s new facility at 437 Hunter Street, Newcastle, will allow the organisation to provide even more hot meals and support services to people experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges.
Formerly known as Soul Café, the new Soul Hub space is 40 per cent larger than its previous location and includes a new kitchen and dining area, a health and wellbeing zone, and amenities such as a medical clinic and laundry.
With the support of volunteers and donors, it provides 50,000 meals and 6,000 hampers annually to Newcastle’s most vulnerable.
The expansion will allow Soul Hub to offer extra support to those doing it tough in the Newcastle community with free pantry and laundry services, alcohol and substance abuse-based programs and counselling.
Hairdressing and barber services, chiropractors, health clinics, job and housing support services will also be offered within the $1.64 million purpose-built facility.
Soul Hub is one of nine successful recipients of funding under Round 8 of the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund.
The Newcastle Port Community Contribution (NPCC) Fund provides support to projects that revitalise and energise the Port of Newcastle and surrounding areas for the benefit of the community and its visitors.
For a full list of successful applicants for Round 8 of the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund, visit www.nsw.gov.au/npccf.
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
“For vulnerable Novocastrians, Soul Hub is more than a meal service,” Ms Moriarty said.
“They are an unwavering support during tough times and a service people can rely on to access help when they need it.
“By offering support services such as alcohol and substance abuse-based programs, and drug, gambling and mental health counselling, Soul Hub is making a real difference to the lives of people doing it tough in Newcastle, and I am thrilled the NSW Government is able to support such a worthwhile cause.”
Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:
“It’s absolutely vital that we look out for each other in the Hunter and Soul Hub is a beacon for people doing it tough.
“Any of us could need help at some point in our lives and Soul Hub is doing incredible, important work to support those who need it most.”
“I’m proud to be part of the NSW Government that’s backing Soul Hub with $500,000 through the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund. We’re putting cost-of-living front and centre and so is Soul Hub. This is a fresh new facility the Hunter can be proud of.”
Mr Matthew Ortiger, General Manager of Soul Hub said:
“Our new home represents a whole new chapter for us of increased capacity and opportunity to serve vulnerable people, including the homeless, lonely and mentally unwell people of Newcastle,” Mr Ortiger said.
“Soul Hub is committed to being more than a meal and delivers a wide range of judgement-free help and support to everyone who comes through our doors, including anything from haircuts and laundry services to much needed appointments with doctors, chiropractors and social workers.”
“We are deeply grateful for the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund and to all our generous supporters who made our new home in the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation building possible.”
“On behalf of all our guests, we would like to say a big thank you!”
