Standing Together

Lake Macquarie Mayor’s Prayer Evening 2026

On Wednesday 21 October, people from across the Lake Macquarie community gathered at Belmont 16s for the 2026 Lake Macquarie Mayor’s Prayer Evening. Centred on the theme Standing Together, the evening brought together civic, church, business and education leaders, along with community members, to pray for our region and its people.

It was an evening marked by connection, generosity and a shared commitment to seeing Lake Macquarie flourish.

Praying for Our Region

Hosted by Pastor Chris Gleeson, HopeUC Newcastle, the evening included an address from City of Lake Macquarie Mayor, Adam Shultz, who reflected on the importance of standing together as a community. He highlighted the challenges of homelessness and the need to work together to bring solutions. The mayor also welcomed the NSW Government’s decision to nominate Teralba as its preferred site for a Future Fleet train manufacturing facility, describing it as a transformative investment that will help secure the Hunter’s future as a national manufacturing powerhouse. This project is expected to create employment and bring an economic boost to the area.

Prayers were offered for the Church, business, education and families, and the wider region, led by Pastor Glen Devenish from Cardiff Heights Baptist, Elinor Chapman, GravityIT, Principal Benton Craig, Charlton Christian College and Pastor Craig Stephens, One Church, Central Coast. Prayers were brought before the Lord for the people of Lake Macquarie, honouring the Lord and his presence and plans to see the region flourish.

PRAYER FOR CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILIES BY BENTON CRAIG, PRINCIPAL CHARLTON CHRISTIAN COLLEGE.

Thank You for the privilege of serving the children, young people and families of Lake Macquarie through our schools and educational communities.

We pray that every school would be a place of belonging, hope and encouragement. May our classrooms, playgrounds and staffrooms be places where students are known, valued and inspired to become all that You have created them to be.

We pray for the families entrusted to our care. In the joys and challenges of life, may they feel heard, understood and supported. For parents, grandparents, carers and guardians, and for every family in all its shapes and circumstances, grant wisdom, strength and peace for the journey of raising young people.

Lord, help us as educators to serve with compassion, grace and integrity. Give us eyes to see those who are struggling, hearts that listen well, and courage to speak truth with kindness. May Your love be evident in the way we teach, lead, encourage and care for others.

We pray especially for our students. Nurture in them character, resilience, curiosity and faith. Help them discover the gifts You have placed within them and use those gifts to make a positive difference in the world. May they grow in wisdom and confidence, with bright futures filled with purpose and hope.

As we work together across our schools and communities, unite us in a shared commitment to love well, serve faithfully and seek the flourishing of every child and family.

We ask these things in Your name. Amen.

A Challenge to Stand Closer Together

Pastor Mindy Newsome from Macquarie Life Church brought a word of encouragement, drawing on the Old Testament story of Nehemiah and the relationship of trust between Nehemiah, the king’s cupbearer, and the king himself.

Her message went beyond the call to simply stand together. She challenged those present to “stand closer together” a reminder that meaningful unity calls us to move beyond good intentions and build relationships of trust, care and genuine connection.

In a community where people are facing hardship and isolation, this invitation is particularly significant. Standing closer together means recognising the needs around us and responding with compassion, practical support and a willingness to walk alongside one another.

Supporting Two Local Charities Making a Difference

A highlight of the evening was the announcement that the 2026 beneficiary award would be shared between two Toronto-based charities serving people experiencing homelessness, food insecurity and hardship across Lake Macquarie.

Lakes Salvos, Community of Hope

Represented on the evening by Salvation Army Officer Major Leanne Bennett, Lakes Salvos provides practical assistance, outreach and compassionate care to people experiencing homelessness and hardship across Western Lake Macquarie.

Through its Community of Hope shop, people can access food, essential items, showers, laundry facilities and a friendly listening ear. Outreach to Freemans Waterhole Caravan Park offers practical, emotional and spiritual support, while the community food market provides affordable groceries and free fresh food with dignity and choice. Emergency relief, including food vouchers and bill assistance, also helps local people navigate difficult circumstances and the rising cost of living.

NourishED Australia

NourishED Australia, represented by Nic Cade, is a volunteer-led charity working to reduce food insecurity, social isolation and homelessness across Lake Macquarie.

Based at its Toronto community hub, NourishED provides affordable grocery hampers, free hot meals, a community café, rescued food, hygiene essentials, pet food support and referrals to local services. Just as importantly, it creates a welcoming place for connection and friendship, where people from all walks of life can find practical help and a sense of belonging.

Since opening in September 2024, NourishED has welcomed more than 7,300 visits, supported by a team of over 50 volunteers committed to building a more connected and compassionate community.

Together, these organisations demonstrate what it means to stand alongside people doing it tough, not simply by meeting immediate needs, but by offering dignity, friendship and hope.

Generosity in Action

Thanks to the generosity of those attending and the support of the evening’s sponsors, more than $7,000 was raised to support the work of these two local charities.

This generosity is a practical expression of the evening’s theme. Standing together is about more than gathering in the same room; it is about recognising the needs within our community and choosing to respond together.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the Mayor, our speakers and prayer leaders, our sponsors, to  the organising team and everyone who attended and contributed to making the evening such an encouraging occasion.

As we look ahead, may we continue to stand together and, as Mindy challenged us, stand closer together in prayer, in service and in our commitment to the people of Lake Macquarie.

Together, we can help build a community where hope is strengthened, needs are met, and no one has to face hardship alone.