Speers Point residents can now shop for fresh, local produce, thanks to a community food Hub run from Rebecca Hazell’s garage each Tuesday.
What started as a simple way to buy groceries has quickly grown into a weekly gathering for about 50 local households.
The idea for Ms Hazell came after years as a theatre nurse during the COVID pandemic, when long shifts and high-pressure work prompted her to reassess her pace of life.
Wanting more time with her young family and a stronger connection to her local area, she began searching for something more flexible and community-driven.
“I still love nursing, but after those years I really wanted to slow things down a little and feel more connected to people locally,” Ms Hazell said.
“I was looking for something that gave me more flexibility while still feeling part of the community.”
While on maternity leave with her second child, she decided to start a Box Divvy food Hub from home, a model she had already experienced.
The concept allows residents to order groceries online throughout the week, before collecting them together from a central, local point.
“It’s such a simple system,” Ms Hazell said.
“People order what they need during the week and then pop in to collect it.
“Some grab their groceries and head straight home, others stay for a chat.
“It’s relaxed and it works really well for families.”
The response from locals was immediate.
Interest spread quickly through the community and, within months, the number of members had doubled.
This transformed Ms Hazell’s garage into a busy collection point filled with fresh produce and pantry items.
“At one point my husband had to move his boat out of the garage to make room for the deliveries,” she said.
Each Tuesday, the space comes to life as families arrive with reusable tubs and boxes in hand.
Children play together in the driveway while adults catch up, turning what could be a routine errand into a social gathering.
The appeal, Ms Hazell says, isn’t just about convenience.
Many members are drawn to the ability to shop more sustainably, cut down on packaging, and feel confident about where their food is coming from.
“People really like knowing that farmers are being paid fairly,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.
“There’s very little packaging and everything is really fresh.
“It just feels like a better way to shop.”
For Ms Hazell, one of the most rewarding parts has been watching relationships form among people who may not have otherwise met.
“We moved here from Sydney before we had kids, so it’s been such a lovely way to meet people in the area,” she said.
“My son loves Hub day – all the kids want a turn driving his little tractor while their parents pick up groceries.”
That sense of connection has extended well beyond the weekly shop.
Members have come together to support others in times of need, organising care packages.
“People don’t expect it, but they’re incredibly touched when the community comes together like that,” Ms Hazell said.
Although she still balances hospital work two days a week, the Hub has taken on a life of its own.
“It started as a practical way to shop, but it’s turned into something much more,” Ms Hazell said.
“It feels like it’s bringing a bit of community back.”
With demand continuing to grow, Ms Hazell says there are only a handful of spots left for locals hoping to join.
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