Last week we all gathered together for another Awesome Newcastle at the Young Street Hotel in Carrington. We welcomed two fabulous returning board members, James White of NCS Group and Kath Bicknell of Intelligent Action.

We were there to listen to three very different and passionate finalists and give away some no-strings attached cash! The presenters were  Daniel Cook of The Long Way Round Show, Joanne Hawkins of Hunter Botanical Garden and Megan Clarke  of Newcastle Mums for Palestine.

Daniel went first. He told the board he spent much of his youth battling addiction and then went to prison. He’s  faced personal tragedies and learning difficulties. Yet he’s managed to turn his life around. Now he’s the host of The Long Way Round Show, which shares stories of resilience — from addiction, trauma, prison, business, purpose and healing. He’s launching The Longway Foundation — a mentorship initiative to walk alongside those rebuilding from the ground up. He would use the money to establish the foundation including registering the business and charity name and setting up website and covering admin costs.

Next up was Joanne. She explained that the Hunter Region Botanic Garden is a 133.3-hetare bushland sight and nonprofit which, through volunteer support has grown to maintain a living collection of over 3,000 plants. They regularly host an annual fundraising event for the garden and the 2025 Spring Fair and Orchid Show in October. The fundraiser invites people to attend and support the gardens and they would use the Awesome sponsorship to pay for the children’s entertainment, including face painters, a band and the required First Aid officers on-site.

Megan was the final presenter. She explained Newcastle Mums for Palestine is a grassroots, women-led group raising funds and awareness for families in Gaza while building a culture of community care and resistance un Newcastle. Since the end of 2023, they’ve helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for displaced Palestinian families through markets, food stalls, community events and solidarity actions. They would use the Awesome money to invest in their own basic infrastructure: gazebos, tables, signage, lighting and display materials.

The board debated and discussed and at last Kath handed the sack of cash to Daniel! Congratulations! We are so excited to see how your efforts impact our community! And thanks again to Megan and Joanne for such great presentations as well. Please stay in touch and remember applications never expire so there’s a chance we might get you back again soon for another Awesome Newcastle!

Until next time!