Newcastle Permanent and Habitat Australia unite to give the Hunter a Brush with Kindness.

Habitat for Humanity Australia is thrilled to announce a new and exciting partnership with the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation (NPCF). This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our commitment to fostering community well-being and support across New South Wales, specifically in the Hunter Valley region through our Brush with Kindness program. We launched our partnership with an inaugural day of action last week at the Matthew Talbot Hostel. The Matthew Talbot Hostel provides temporary shelter and other support services to both men and men with children who are homeless, or at risk of being homeless, it is run by the St Vincent de Paul society.  

A day of kindness and community spirit! 

Our Brush with Kindness program mobilises volunteers to provide  painting, landscaping, and minor repair services to community centres, emergency housing and, on occasion, private homes of vulnerable Australians. Last week, Newcastle witnessed the power of community spirit as volunteers from Newcastle Permanent, Hunter Young Professionals and Newcastle Business Hub dedicated their time and skills to refurbishing two apartments at the Matthew Talbot Hostel. 

“We are so pleased to partner with an organisation that prides itself on the work of volunteering and also to be able to provide people with a rejuvenated, safe, comfortable place to lay their head at night”

Carly, Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation

Why Newcastle needs Brush with Kindness 

Newcastle, like many communities, faces its fair share of challenges, including housing instability and the need for supportive community spaces. Programs like Brush with Kindness are crucial because they not only address the immediate physical needs for facilities and homes but also adopt a sense of community and belonging. Through these projects, volunteers can directly contribute to improving the living conditions and communal areas for others, making a tangible difference in their lives. 

The Importance of partnerships 

The partnership between Habitat and NPCF is a testament to the power of collaboration. Newcastle Permanent has a long history of supporting community initiatives through grant giving. This partnership allows us to extend our reach and impact in New South Wales. By pooling resources, expertise, and the passion of volunteers, we can achieve a far greater impact than we could alone.  

“We are excited to bring our Brush with Kindness program to Newcastle for the first time. Our Corporate partners play a vital role in amplifying the impact on the lives of families and communities, like the residents of Matthew Talbot Hostel. 

We encourage corporate teams to join us through volunteering, to transform lives by lending a helping hand to restore and repair crisis and transitional accommodation for vulnerable groups including women and children escaping domestic violence.”

Melinda King, Strategic Partnerships Manager, Habitat for Humanity Australia 

How You Can Help! 

Interested in making a difference in Newcastle? We’re looking for more corporate and community volunteers! Every action, big or small, contributes to our mission of building stronger, more resilient communities. 

For more information on how to get involved, please visit our website 

Together, we can continue to paint a brighter future for Newcastle, one brushstroke at a time.