The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal in Newcastle announces Guest Speaker for Launch Event

On Wednesday 29th April 2026, the Salvation Army in the Hunter is launching this year's appeal, urging the local community to get involved in raising vital funds to continue supporting the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our region.

This year's keynote speaker is The Honourable Chris Minns MP, Premier of New South Wales. 

The Red Shield Appeal is now in its 62nd year, with the Red Shield Appeal Launch event aiming to raise $325,000 to support and fund Salvos services in Newcastle & the Hunter. These funds are vital to support essential local services that assist people experiencing homelessness, family and domestic violence, financial hardship, youth challenges, drug and alcohol addiction and more.

The Salvos have the privileged position of supporting those in Newcastle & Hunter who are doing it tough. People are really struggling at this moment, and the Salvos can't help them without the generosity of our local community. 

Chairman of the Red Shield Appeal Bob Hawes commented "We're delighted that Premier Minns will officiate one of the most important events in the Hunter's annual calendar. We invite our community and business leaders to support this year's event and the wider Red Shield Appeal as they do every year, and we thank each person and every business for their ongoing generosity to those less fortunate."

Appeal funds raised locally will remain in the local community, allowing the Salvos to meet the specific needs of the most disadvantaged and marginalized members of our region.

WHAT             62nd Red Shield Appeal in the Hunter

WHEN             Wednesday 29th April from noon

WHERE           Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre (NEX)

                        309 King Street, Newcastle West NSW 2302

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For more information and interview opportunities contact Lyn Thurnham lthurnham@thurnhamteece.com.au Ph:0418 490 989

To donate to The Salvation Army's Hunter Red Shield Appeal, please visit   www.salvationarmy.org.au/rsanew. You can also donate at any of The Salvation Army locations across Newcastle & Hunter.

To volunteer for The Salvation Army's Red Shield Appeal or if you need support from the Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS.