Empowering Communities: Hunter Adults Financial Collaborative Makes a Difference

In the heart of the Hunter region, a remarkable not-for-profit organisation is transforming lives one person at a time. The Hunter Adults Financial Collaborative (HAFC) supports financially disadvantaged adults across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Lower Hunter, helping them develop business ideas, find employment, and achieve self-sufficiency.

Since its establishment in April 2022, HAFC has been on a mission to help unemployed, disadvantaged, and often isolated adults gain meaningful employment. Through personalised training, mentoring support, micro-loans, and assistance with business paperwork and marketing strategies, HAFC provides comprehensive support that makes real change possible. What makes this organisation truly special is that all board members are volunteers, meaning every dollar raised goes directly into programs that help local people in need.

The organisation's latest initiative, the "Survive the Future" Project, exemplifies HAFC's innovative approach to community empowerment. This project focuses on upskilling long-term unemployed and isolated refugee women in sewing capabilities, with the goal of forming a sustainable sewing cluster that provides both employment and community connection.

Thanks to generous sponsorship from Newcastle Council, Orica, Hillview Op Shop, and the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation, HAFC has successfully trained multiple groups of refugee women to achieve professional sewing standards. The community response has been overwhelming, with locals donating 19 sewing machines, two overlockers, and a wealth of sewing materials, including fabric, scissors, threads, and needles.

This training has now culminated in the launch of Clothing Alteration Services (www.clothingalterationservices.com), an online business offering alterations, repairs, upcycling, and clothing recycling services—including school uniform alterations. State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp officially launched the service at the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation building in Hunter Street, marking a significant milestone for the project.

The sewing cluster operates from the Survivors R Us workshop in Cardiff two days a week, where team members work on customer orders under the expert supervision of highly qualified trainer Lin Trigg. Federal Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy MP recently visited the workshop, witnessing firsthand the incredible impact this initiative is having on the lives of refugee women.

Led by team leader Faranaz, the cluster is currently focusing on school uniform alterations and repairs, connecting with uniform shops throughout the region to provide essential services while creating meaningful employment opportunities. The business offers convenient pickup and delivery for all customer orders across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

HAFC's work extends far beyond sewing training. The organisation continues to offer free services, including resume writing, interview preparation, and assistance in starting or growing small businesses. Their track record speaks volumes, with numerous successful business launches including Golden Star Cleaning Service and various other microenterprises.

This is community support at its finest—local volunteers, generous sponsors, and dedicated participants working together to create lasting change. By supporting HAFC through donations, volunteering, employing participants, or becoming a sponsor, you can help build a stronger, more inclusive Hunter community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

For more information or to support HAFC's mission, email info@hunteradultsfc.org.au or call 0407 290 861.