When representatives from Hunter Imaging Group hand over a cheque to Mission Australia next Monday (20th Nov), it will symbolise more than seven years and in excess of $100,000 worth of support to a local service assisting the homeless.

Since 2000, the Hunter Region’s largest medical diagnostic imaging organisation has been providing funding and volunteering support to Mission Australia to assist local people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The partnership began with sponsorship of Mission Australia’s Winter Sleepout event and then expanded into providing funding towards the work of the Newcastle Adult Accommodation Support Service (NAASS) based in Newcastle West. NAASS is a unique service offering personalised support to homeless people in Newcastle and the Hunter. Over the years, Hunter Imaging Group staff have also volunteered their time to support the service and its clients by painting units, gift collections, and food and hamper drives.

Hunter Imaging Group CEO, Peter Schultz, said his organization was proud to have provided substantial support to Mission Australia’s services throughout the years.

“Our partnership with Mission Australia highlights what can be achieved when both companies and not-for-profit organisations work together to assist the disadvantaged in their local community,” he said.

According to Mission Australia’s Community Services Acting Operations Manager, Lisa O’Brien, the support of Hunter Imaging is invaluable to the continued operation of the service.

“Hunter Imaging Group has been supporting Mission’s Australia’s work with the homeless in this city for the past seven years,” she said. “We are indebted to the organisation for both their financial and personal support of our programs and look forward to our partnership enduring for many years to come.”

Mr Schultz will be presenting Mission Australia with a cheque for $15,000 next Monday as part of the launch of a new publication about homelessness titled Stories From The Street. The publication has been produced by the University of Newcastle in conjunction with Mission Australia and features stories from clients who have recently experienced homelessness.