Gosford staff give groceries for good cause

Last published on 01 Nov 2021 

Gosford Community Corrections are helping nourish some of the Central Coast’s most vulnerable people, thanks to a generous grocery and donation drive.

Gosford Community Corrections manager Michelle Velebit said her team filled a car boot with bags and boxes of food staples for their chosen organisation, Coast Shelter.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our team to work together to give back to our local community,” Ms Velebit said.

“We’re donating supplies to a fabulous organisation which supports people experiencing homelessness or who are disadvantaged.

“We hope our contribution will provide some relief and sustenance to people in our local community when they need it most.”

Gosford Community Corrections Administration Officer Kieran said the team ran the grocery collection and raised funds through a trivia night on Microsoft Teams.

“We wanted something where all staff could contribute without stretching their budgets - a can of baked beans doesn’t cost much but is significant to someone in need,” Mr White said.

Coast Shelter in Gosford uses donated products in its community kitchen and distributes goods to people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or experiencing domestic and family violence.

“We’re thankful to the Community Corrections staff whose efforts make a difference for people doing it tough in our community and will help them when they need it most,” program manager, Charles Boyton, said

The initiative was part of Hunter Community Corrections Offices Charity drive which ran throughout October.

Corrective Services NSW Acting Commissioner Kevin Corcoran said corrections staff are pillars in their local communities.

“We are proud to have a workforce committed to the safety of NSW and dedicated to seeing their communities thrive,” Mr Corcoran said.

“They have their fingers to the pulse of their areas, whether they’re working in our correctional centres or helping offenders reintegrate into society.”

Community Corrections staff work tirelessly to engage, educate and change the mentality of offenders, so they have the best chance of leading a law-abiding life post-release.

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