RECAP the Annual Lord Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast 2026

Thank you to all who gathered, participated, gave and prayed in what was blessed time of unity and love that honoured our Heavenly Father and His son the Lord Jesus Christ.

 “But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:13

Acknowledgement of Country – Charlotte Baker

We acknowledge Australia’s First Nations Peoples, the Awabakal and Worimi Peoples, on whose lands and waters we meet. We pay our deep respects to Elders past and present, to emerging leaders, and to all descendants of these nations who have cared for and stewarded this land for generations. We honour and welcome all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are with us today. The Awabakal and Worimi Peoples are the traditional custodians of this land under God. We give thanks for their enduring connection to Country and acknowledge our gratitude that we share this land today, our sorrow for the costs of that sharing, and our hope that together we may grow in reconciliation, justice, understanding, and partnership for the future of our nation.

Lord Mayor Gavin Morris Address and Beneficiary Announcement

Gavin Morris recently elected as Lord Mayor of Newcastle, effective 5 May 2026. He spoke of being raised in Woodberry, and going to primary school at Our Lady of Lourdes Tarro. He spoke of his journey of faith and life being impacted by his families Catholic heritage and his appreciation of all in the room who worked and served the community. In line with these beliefs the Lord Mayor announced the beneficiary of the breakfast, New Vine Pantry. 

$10,220

Thank you to the sponsors of the breakfast and donors on the day for raising vital funds for this important food relief ministry.

$193,018

Total donated to local Newcastle charities since the breakfast began in 2009.

Thanks to the generousity of sponsors and donations by the guests of the breakfast.

  • 2026 $10,220 – New Vine Pantry
  • 2025 $13,483 – Healing Path to Wellness
  • 2024 $18,300 – Foster Care (Allambi & Catholic Care)
  • 2023 $17,000 – Livefree Project
  • 2022 $18,000 – Jenny’s Place
  • 2021 $15,155 – Hunter Homeless Connect
  • 2020 $8,560 – Hello Hunter
  • 2019 $16,000 – Mentor Support Network
  • 2018 $16,000 – Zara’s House
  • 2017 $11,000 – DALE Young Parents School
  • 2016 $9,000 – Girl Friday
  • 2015 $4,000 – Hunter Women’s Centre
  • 2014 $1,000 – Grainery Care
  • 2013 $34,000 – CityServe
  • 2012 $500 – CAP
  • 2011 $400 – World Vision
  • 2010 $300 – Soul Café
  • 2009 $100 – Food 4 Life (Baptist Care)


Guest Speaker  – Philip Ryall

Bishop Michael Kennedy introduced his friend Philip Ryall the curator of the book ‘Dear Unity: a powerful exchange of overdue love letters set to heal the wounded Body of Christ. Philip of the wound in the heart of God when we live in disunity and the power of forgiveness and humility.

“Our search for unity together is in fact a search for Jesus hidden within our fellow believer. If we find him there, we will find family and come to recognise that my Father is their Father too!” – Philip Ryall 

Prayers

THE RIGHT REV DR PETER STUART, BISHOP OF NEWCASTLE, ANGLICAN DIOCESE

Prayer for City leaders.

PASTOR SUE IRWIN, THE GRAINERY CHURCH

Prayer for charities and the marginalised.


PAM O’DEA, NORTHLAKES SALVATION ARMY

Prayer of Declaration & Blessing.


PRAYER OF DECLARTION AND BLESSING 2026

Our Father in heaven, Blessed be your name.

Today we gather as one people before you.
From different churches, traditions, backgrounds and callings, yet united in Christ Jesus.

You break down walls of division and make us one.

Lord, teach us to walk together in humility, grace and love.
Help us to see one another through your eyes.
Forgive us where we have allowed pride, offence or division to separate us.
Heal relationships. Restore trust.
Strengthen the bonds of peace across your Church and throughout our city.

We pray for Newcastle and this region.
May this be a city marked by compassion, courage and hope.
A city where the vulnerable are cared for,
where justice and mercy meet,
and where every person has the opportunity to flourish.

We pray for our leaders.
Grant them wisdom, integrity and courage.
May they work together for the peace and prosperity of this city.

Holy Spirit, awaken your people.
May the Church of this city shine with the beauty of oneness.
May our unity become a testimony of your love to the world.

We declare that Newcastle belongs to you.
We speak life, healing and hope over this region.
Let your kingdom come and your will be done,
here in Newcastle as it is in heaven.

To God be the glory.
In Jesus’ mighty name,
Amen.