Proud history of helping the Cessnock community

It’s a vital hub that has helped build connections and supported thousands of people in need for more than three decades.

Samaritans Information and Neighbourhood Centre (SINC), located in the heart of Cessnock, offers information, support, emergency assistance, and centre-based activities.

Over the years, SINC has worked alongside volunteers and workers in the Cessnock Emergency Relief (ER) Assistance Centre to facilitate food and Christmas toy donations.

Two other Samaritans services also operate at the centre – Coalfields Healthy Heartbeat, a program that assists people to live healthier lifestyles, and financial counselling.

Senior Worker Denise Crossley has been working at SINC for more than 15 years.

She is proud of its impact on the local community.

“We have made many community connections throughout the years. Several businesses, community groups and services have used our centre and donated food, toys and other items over time,” she says.

“I’m very proud of the Cessnock community. It has very kindly provided food and gifts for those who have been in crisis over these past 30 years. All items donated have remained in Cessnock to be given out to those in need throughout our local area.”

Apart from Samaritans, Carrie’s Place Domestic Violence and Homelessness Service and Maitland Corrections also operate at SINC.

The history of the hub began in 1993 when the former St Alban’s Community Centre was relocated and became the Cessnock Community Centre.

Four years later, its name was officially changed to Samaritans Information and Neighbourhood Centre.

In 2009, staff moved to a new space at the Cessnock Performing Arts building before relocating 10 years later to its current premises on Vincent Street.