Newcastle residents might have noticed a faint glow ascending from the Port Waratah Carrington Shiploaders at night.
But, don’t be alarmed as it’s all for a worthy cause.
During the month, the company is supporting people experiencing homelessness – and relevant services – in the region in two ways: one symbolic and the other substantive.
Every evening until Sunday 25 August, the terminal will be illuminated in purple light in recognition of National Homelessness Awareness Week and to help raise community awareness.
Port Waratah is partnering with Hunter Homeless Connect Inc, too.
It’ll sponsor the organisation’s Hunter Homeless Connect Day at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Wednesday 21 August.
The annual event links vulnerable people to vital services such as accommodation and housing providers, health and wellbeing, legal and financial assistance, employment, study and general support in a caring and dignified environment.
Port Waratah CEO Hennie du Plooy said he was pleased to lend their assistance again.
“This is a significant social issue for our community,” he explained.
“So, it’s important to do our part to raise the profile during National Homelessness Awareness Week and contribute to the support of those experiencing or at risk of homelessness in our city in a meaningful way.
“We’re proud to partner with Hunter Homeless Connect to ensure this crucial event is a success and that those in difficult circumstances can easily access services they need.
“Our team will volunteer on the day, cooking a BBQ to ensure no one goes hungry, with a steady supply of breakfast and lunch rolls.”
Hunter Homeless Connect Day coordinator Michelle Faithfull, of Home in Place, expects the event to grow to more than 3,000 guests in 2024.
“The need for emergency and social housing has increased significantly over the past few years through the COVID-19 pandemic, cost of living and housing increases, and surges in domestic and family violence,” she said.
“Homelessness is not just living on the streets.
“Rough sleeping constitutes about 7% of people experiencing homelessness.
“It also includes those who are living in their cars, couch surfing with friends and family, staying in refuges, boarding houses and insecure and temporary, emergency housing.
“We can never get the whole scale of the issue in our area because many go under the radar.
“Thankfully, Hunter Homeless Connect Day helps people access all of the services they need under the one roof and provides a unique and very important opportunity for services to collaborate with their support.
“But, this event can’t happen without the sponsors, like Port Waratah, and the services and volunteers who foster a culture of wellbeing and social connectedness for guests and encouraging a sense of being valued as a member of the community.”
For more community stories:
- Mining industry backs WRHS for another five years
- Call for community input on future of Tomaree Headland
- New report highlights Hunter youth transport challenges
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