Major funding boost will see Coast Shelter expand its services

Coast Shelter is set to expand its services thanks to $818,000 in funding from the NSW Government as part of The Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF).

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch joined Coast Shelter CEO Michael Starr to announce the expansion project recently.

It will repurpose an existing storeroom into a multi-purpose open plan space in which to run

ADVERTISEMENT targeted wellbeing programs for females experiencing homelessness, domestic and family violence, and other trauma.

Starr said the funding would be an “absolute gamechanger” for the Central Coast community and the services provided at Coast Shelter’s Community Centre in Gosford.

“We will be able to accommodate and service more women with accompanying children, people who need access to mental health support, people who need access to alcohol and other drug counselling, and people who are feeling more vulnerable than in any other time in their life,” he said.

“As the rising costs of living start to bite hard for people across the Central Coast, we are seeing people access our services that we have never seen before in 30 years, but we are here to support them.”

Crouch said the Stronger Country Communities Fund has been a “godsend” to regional communities like the Central Coast, delivering funding to grassroots projects.

“Coast Shelter already does a fantastic job, providing a range of services and personal support for people experiencing homelessness or domestic and family violence,” he said.

“This funding will further enhance their services by helping Coast Shelter develop The Retreat, a wellbeing studio specialising in support for those in our community who need it most.”

As voters prepare to go to the polls on March 25, we have compiled a rundown of candidates in all five electorates which cover the Central Coast. Candidates are profiled in the order in which they appear on the ballot paper.

GOSFORD

Hilary van Haren, The Greens

Hilary van Haren is a lawyer, mother and community volunteer with a commitment to social justice.

After leaving a career in the State Government, she is committed to working alongside not-for-profits and grassroots organisations to make sure politicians act in the interests of the community.

Liesl Tesch, Labor Party

Liesl Tesch has held the seat of Gosford since the 2017 by-election.

She was a school teacher for 20 years and represented Australia at seven Paralympic Games.