In a powerful display of community spirit, the 25th Samaritans Christmas Lunch is set to provide festive cheer and a hearty meal for up to 1200 people in Newcastle on Christmas Day. The event, held at the Railway Carriage Shed in Foreshore Park, comes at a critical time as many in the Hunter region grapple with severe cost of living pressures and housing affordability issues.
A Festive Feast Prepared with Heart
Months of meticulous planning culminated on Christmas Eve, with 150 volunteers transforming the historic shed into a hub of generosity. The scale of the operation is immense, designed to ensure no one in the community spends the day alone or hungry. The menu is a testament to the event's magnitude, featuring 100 kilograms of carved leg ham, 1000 packs of barbecue chicken, and 1000 freshly baked bread rolls. Volunteers also prepared 1000 tubs of potato salad, coleslaw, and tossed salad, alongside 3000 bottles of water and soft drinks. The feast will conclude with a classic 1000 servings of pudding and custard. Toys and games will be available to bring joy to attending children and families.
Volunteers Driven by Compassion and Community
For event coordinator Dana Pichaloff, who is overseeing her tenth lunch, the motivation is simple yet profound. "Our phones are running hot all the time," she noted, highlighting the increased need. "We encourage them to come along on Christmas Day for the sole purpose of having a meal with us, so they're not lonely and they're individually welcomed." She described the day as a "day of celebration and a day of joy" for her and her family, who volunteer together.
Therese Sciberras, a volunteer for all 25 years since the lunch began in King Edward Park in 2001, sees the attendees as extended family. "I love being with people," Ms Sciberras said. "I don't have any family here, so this is my family." Her long-term commitment underscores the event's deep roots in the local community.
Newcomer Jo Garrone, volunteering for the first time after an experience with Oz Harvest, discovered a passion for service. "Nobody should go hungry because there's loads of food out there," she stated, reflecting the core belief driving the charitable effort.
Addressing a Growing Need in the Hunter
Samaritans president, Bishop Peter Stuart, confirmed the charity has seen a significant uptick in demand leading into the festive season, directly linked to economic strains. "We know people are doing it tough because supermarket prices have gone up and the cost of housing is taking so much more out of people's pay cheques," Bishop Stuart explained. He emphasised that the lunch represents "care and action", offering unconditional support. "We don't ask anyone why they're here," he said. "It's an environment of no questions asked and full support."
The 25th anniversary of the Samaritans Christmas Lunch stands as a vital beacon of hope and practical aid in Newcastle, demonstrating that community solidarity is more essential than ever during challenging times.
