21,000
Free meals distributed in 2025
3,000
Emergency hampers handed out
2,500
Toiletry packs prepared
500+
Families & seniors helped weekly

Community Reach Food Support

Food Pantries

Since 2013, we’ve operated two-walk in foodbanks, located in Lake Macquarie, Central Coast and in 2024 we started a community pantry in Gulargambone.

At these locations, we provide discounted groceries and frozen foods. Additionally, we offer complimentary bread sourced from our collaboration with SecondBite, as well as fresh fruit n vegetables through our partnership with OzHarvest.

Our doors are open to everyone, without any membership fees.
Every purchase made contributes directly to our Free Essential Hamper Program

Cooranbong - behind the community hall at Cooranbong Community Centre - Monday and Wednesday 9.30 to 12.30
Dunedoo - Opposite the Truck Stop
Lake Munmorah - Colongra Bay Hall - Thursdays 9.30am
Mendooran - Opposite the PUB.
Merriwa - Opposite the PUB
Gilgandra - Carpark of the Coo EE Info Center.
Gulargambone - Indigenous Op Shop - 4th Thursday of the month 9.30 to 3.30pm

TLC Free Meal Service

Each Monday evening, we extend a warm invitation to join us at The Entrance Primary School for a free sit-down meal from 6.30 to 7.30 pm. Beyond nourishing the body with dinner, dessert, and hot beverages, our gatherings foster meaningful connections and conversations.

In 2023 we distributed 15,000 free meals, handed out 200 emergency hampers, prepared 450 toiletry packs, offered 220 free haircuts, and provided unwavering support to our clients

School Welfare Program

Each week, we distribute our free Essential Food Hampers to 10 schools across Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast.
Recognizing that many parents may face challenges accessing our two walk-in food banks, we are committed to ensuring no child goes without nourishment.

These Essential Food Hampers are delivered directly to the schools and distributed by the School's Wellbeing Officer.

We also provide fresh bread, jam, and vegemite to 4 schools' breakfast programs.

Emergency Food Hampers

Week after week, for 52 weeks of the year, we provide a helping hand to more than 100 families and seniors by offering essential food hampers at no cost. These families are referred to us by various agencies including Centrelink, the Department of Health, social workers, neighbourhood centres, non-profit organizations, domestic violence refuges, homeless shelters, and individuals recently reintegrating into society after incarceration.

If you are struggling and need assistance email us at info@southlakesincorporated.org or message us on Facebook


12,000
Free haircuts provided in 2025
100%
Volunteer-run hairdressing service

Community Hair Project

Community Hair Project is dedicated to bringing professional hairdressing and barbering services to those who need it most, while fostering a sense of belonging and support within our local communities. We understand that access to quality grooming services can be limited for individuals and families facing various challenges, such as homelessness, financial hardships, or health issues. That’s why our dedicated team of volunteer hairdressers is committed to making a positive impact by providing free haircuts and styling services to those in need. Check out our website www.communityhairproject.org


8
Trailer loads of water to Murrurundi
8 Tonne
Food & clothing to Mid North Coast floods
$150 Vouchers
35 Families assisted in Dora Creek floods

Community Reach Relief

EAPA Assistance

Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) helps people experiencing difficulty paying their energy bill because of a short-term financial hardship, crisis or emergency. An eligible hardship, crisis or emergency may include: loss of income, unexpected medical costs and natural disaster (flood, bushfire, or drought) Make an appointment with us today and if eligible we can assist with up to $400 of your electricity and gas bill

Essentials for Children and teens in Foster Care

Through our collaboration with Hope in a Suitcase Australia, we organise two collection drives annually for new suitcases packed with clothes, arts and crafts, shoes, and school supplies. These donations are then distributed by Hope in a Suitcase across NSW, QLD, Victoria, and Tasmania.

The aim is to provide children across Australia, entering foster care or out-of-home care, something to call their own. To send them a message that they are important and cared for by our community.

Disaster Relief

We have been committed to supporting communities affected by natural disasters—getting on the ground as soon as it's safe to do so.

NSW Hub for Homeless and Domestic Violence support

As the primary hub for homeless and domestic violence support in NSW, we offer essential provisions such as food, clothing, toiletries, and supplies for the homeless (including tents, sleeping bags, and hot plates).

Our services span across various regions, including Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Central Coast, Sydney, Western Sydney, Wollongong, Bega, Nowra, Gulargambone, Gilgandra, Coonamble, and Canberra.


3,000+
Children gifted toys each Christmas
$1,000,000+
Total toy value since 2013
1,500+
Hand-sewn Santa sacks made annually

Community Reach Events

Christmas Time

At Southlakes Inc. we LOVE xmas. Since 2013, we've been dedicated to spreading joy by providing toys to 10,000 children aged 1 to 15 years old, totalling an incredible $450,000 in value.
In our commitment to sustainability, we made the eco-conscious decision to cease paper wrapping in 2018.

For the past six years, our wonderful local community members have generously sewn Christmas Santa sacks for us, resulting in the annual receipt of 1000 beautifully crafted sacks.

Colongra Bay Community Café

Starting in 2018, each Seniors Week, Mother's Day, Christmas in July, and Father's Day, we come together for a heartwarming tradition: a free community lunch at Colongra Bay Hall, Lake Munmorah.

None of this would be achievable, without our cherished partnerships with Uniting, Table Church, and Omni-Inclusive Disability Services. We serve a nourishing 2- course meal prepared by the talented participants of Omni-Inclusive, accompanied by tea coffee, and lively entertainment throughout the two-hour lunch.

Held at Colongra Bay Hall, Lake Munmorah. To book please call 1300 934 483

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