A $500,000 grant will help Soul Hub reach its fundraising goal to move into a larger space as part of a $1.8 million funding announcement for Newcastle community projects.
Soul Hub was one of nine projects awarded money from the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund, which is funded through the long-term lease of the Port of Newcastle.
Soul Hub was offered a floor in the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation building for 10 years lease-free, however the cost to fit out the new space was valued at $1.8 million - which sparked a community fundraising campaign.
Soul Hub chief executive Rick Prosser said the $500,000 grant was "a total game changer".
"Soul Hub is a grassroots community response to some deep community needs," he said.
"There's a lot of pain in our community and it revolves around a meal in a conversation and then a wrap around of a convergence of help offering services, advocacy and practical help.
"We put out a bit of a campaign - The Big Ask, Donate to 1.8.
"The community response has been phenomenal. Great communities rally together and we have a great community here and so on behalf of us all, thank you for your generous response to what has been for us a bold ask."
Other recipients of the port fund included City of Newcastle receiving $125,000 for the Newcastle RAAF Air Show, while $407,295 will go to William the Fourth Inc to restore the deck of the fully operational replica of Australia's first ocean-going paddle wheel steamship.
Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund recipients:
- $500,000 - Soul Hub fit-out of new location including kitchen and dining areas to support a broad spectrum of vulnerable community members
- $105,542 - Marine Rescue Base Stockton for a pontoon extension for rescue vessels and upgrades including state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment
- $50,000 - Fort Scratchley Historical Society to support the display of items of historical interest including artifacts and photographs
- $315,000 - Ship4Good Inc to establish a dedicated Innovation, Arts and Maritime precinct on Newcastle Harbour for the MV Steve Irwin and visiting ships of significance
- $125,000 - City of Newcastle, for the Newcastle RAAF Air Show
- $81,578 - Newcastle Outrigger Canoe Club to supply new canoes suitable for recreational paddling and competitive racing, and improving access for school and college groups
- $67,655 - Delprat Cottage for a virtual restoration using Extended Reality technology to create an immersive experience for visitors
- $150,000 - Cottage Creek public domain artwork that complements the landscape and cultural narrative of Honeysuckle and the waterfront
- $407,395 - William the Fourth Inc to restore the deck of the fully operational replica of Australia's first ocean-going paddlewheel steamship.
