Around 240 vulnerable and homeless people from Newcastle gathered for a Christmas lunch at Soul Hub's annual celebration, held at NEX. The event was supported by about 60 volunteers who shared stories, gifts, and festive cheer.
The menu featured a traditional baked Christmas lunch, followed by Aussie staples pavlova and Christmas pudding. For volunteers Barbara Siu and Susie Stephens, the event was a reunion. Stephens, a volunteer for over eight years, reconnected with Siu, a former schoolmate from Coogee, at last year's event.
Soul Hub general manager Matthew Ortiger said the day is a highlight of the calendar. 'Christmas can be a very hard time for people facing homelessness or hardship,' he said. 'Our Christmas party creates a moment where our guests and volunteers can sit together, share a meal, and feel part of a community that cares for them. For many, it is the only party invitation they receive all year.'
The event was made possible through partnerships with NEX and The Wests Group, which provided the venue, Newcastle Limousines covering lunch costs, and Port Waratah Coal Services contributing to drinks and live music. Community generosity also played a key role, with hundreds of 'Hampers of Hope' donated through Soul Hub's Christmas Appeal, filled with staples and treats. Guests also received toiletry buckets from Kiwanis, handbags from Share the Dignity's 'It's in the Bag' campaign, and prewrapped children's gifts from Life Church Newcastle.
