Food Not Bombs (FNB) Newcastle is planning to continue community food-sharing at Awaba Park, despite the removal of its pantry from the Hamilton precinct.

City of Newcastle (CN) announced during the week it would transform Hamilton Station Park following a collaborative approach with NSW Police and the state government to improve safety within the suburb.

The $290,000 project includes the installation of ambient and security lighting, new landscaped areas and garden beds, a public noticeboard incorporating cultural and local stories, as well as a ramp to enhance access from Beaumont Street.

But, it also comes at a cost, with the popular local outlet affected by the undertaking.

While the Hamilton upgrade is set to be completed later this year, council has not provided a clear timeframe for the pantry’s reinstatement.

The store provides food, clothing and sanitary products to those in need.

“To the best of our knowledge, the pantry is the only 24-hour access point for support and resources in the region,” FNB participant Maddox Gifford said.

“No stopgap measures appear to have been put in place to ensure the continued ability of the community to access this service.

“We’re not against the upgrades.

“However, what we’re dealing with is people’s lives.

“In our consultation with council, they told us they are prioritising installing the new and improved pantry, with lighting and waterproofing and everything.

“That’s great.

“But, we’re prioritising people’s access to resources they need right now: blankets, clothing, food, hygiene and harm minimisation products.

“There any many individuals who rely on this pantry to access those things.

“We’ve had homeless women tell us this is the only place they can come to get menstrual products, or a change of clothes, without shame.

“They know they can sleep here in this park without fear of being assaulted.

“Where are they going to go to access those resources? Where are they going to sleep in safety?”

Food Not Bombs has operated in the area for more than six years, offering free hot meals, tea and coffee, and harm minimisation resources on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5pm-6pm in Awaba Park (situated next to Hamilton Station).

Additionally, its members maintain and regularly supply the pantry.

“We’re more concerned about the overall impact,” Mr Gifford said.

“We don’t think removing this vital resource from the community that needs it is the answer.

“It won’t stop people being homeless… it will only limit their access.”

As the area continues to battle anti-social behaviour, some residents believe the presence of the pantry does more harm than good.

A petition was launched, which has amassed 300-plus signatures, requesting a new store is excluded from the upgrade. 

However, what may seem like a problem to some is a lifeline to others. 

“Even with alternative options, with other local charities, many of those using the pantry don’t have the ability to know where else to go,” Mr Gifford said.

“They know to come here to get food and supplies.

“We don’t want to be a big disruption… we just want to feed and support people.”

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