Media Release
15 July 2008
Centrelink fundraiser to help Newcastle's homeless
The Minister Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, has welcomed a special fundraising initiative of local Centrelink staff, who will be raising money to help Newcastle’s homeless.
Centrelink's Indigenous Ambassador and Rugby League legend, Artie Beetson will kickoff the launch of the agency’s “Sleeping Rough” fundraiser on Wednesday, 16 July at Newcastle West.
The event will culminate next month in 40 Centrelink managers from across the Central Coast, Hunter and Mid-North Coast sleeping in the car park of the Charlestown Centrelink office, with funds raised going to the Wesley Newcastle City Mission and the Samaritans’ Emergency Relief Centre.
Senator Ludwig said “Sleeping Rough” is the first of several activities organised by Centrelink over the winter months to raise over $10,000 for new and existing services.
“I'm delighted with Centrelink's involvement in these fundraising activities, which will assist Wesley Mission and the Samaritans continue their wonderful work with some of the most marginalised people in the community," Senator Ludwig said.
Senator Ludwig said the Australian Government, through agencies such as Centrelink, is committed to assisting the nation's homeless.
“Addressing the issues that lead to homelessness is a major priority for this Government,” he said.
“We have been consulting widely within the community on the homelessness green paper which will form the basis for a new approach to the issue within Australia.”
Regional Manager Wesley Newcastle City Mission Brian Kennaugh said Centrelink's efforts will go a long way to helping the homeless in the Greater Hunter region.
"We are all seeing an increase in the number of homeless people needing help in Newcastle, indeed across the country. The community needs to work together on this, and Centrelink has responded with an offer of extra support,” he said.
“We are very grateful to Centrelink for initiating their 'Sleeping Rough' fundraiser."
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