News

Welcome to 437 Hunter

Student Placement Project
October 30, 2025
Wednesday, 29 October 2025, will go down in Embrace People & Place history as one of our greatest celebrations to date.

We were thrilled to officially launch our vibrant and collaborative space at 437 Hunter Street in Newcastle, which has already become a thriving hub of activity, support, and connection. The launch was a wonderful opportunity to come together as a team, a community, and a family to celebrate the incredible organisations and services that call this space home.

Leigh Creighton Coralie Nichols
A celebration in the heart of Newcastle

The Launch took place in the heart of Newcastle on a beautiful—if slightly rainy—October day. Guests joined us to share in the excitement and energy that our In-House Partners brought to the event. We were honoured to be surrounded by nearly 250 community champions who embody the collaborative and generous spirit of 437 Hunter.

437 Hunter Official Opening
What is 437 Hunter?

437 Hunter is the new name for our home at 437 Hunter Street in Mulubinba/Newcastle. While it may seem simple, it perfectly captures our essence—a collective of remarkable organisations who work together to support and nurture our community.

437 Hunter is more than just a building; it’s a place where people are at the centre of everything we do. It’s a shared space where great things happen through collaboration between individuals, organisations, and groups who share a common purpose—to support people and create meaningful change.

At 437 Hunter, we are:

  • Rethinking how support services can work together and how space can be shared and reimagined for people and community.
  • Building the capacity and sustainability of the Hunter’s not-for-profit sector.
  • Generating innovative ideas and approaches informed by lived experience and collaboration.
Embrace People & Place Team
Meet Our In-House Partners

Today, 16 In-House Partners proudly call 437 Hunter home:

Soul Hub

First Australians Capital

Australian Men’s Shed Association

The Full Circle Collective

Kaden Centre

icommunicate

VOCAL

Embrace People & Place

Baartz & Co

Clergy Abused Network

Talk2MeBro

Family Inclusion Strategies Hunter

Heart HR

Splash of Colour Swimming

Hunter Circles

Violet Co Legal & Consulting.

Together, these organisations embody shared values of:

  • Respect & Acceptance
  • Community & Empowerment
  • Rights & Inclusion
  • Innovation & Excellence
Soul Hub and Talk2mebro
A Day to Remember

Guests explored the building on a self-guided journey, meeting the inspiring In-House Partners shaping change across our region. They discovered who they are, what they do, and how they contribute to our collective vision.

Outside, the carpark buzzed with live music, games, and delicious food, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for connection and conversation.

The official opening featured a Welcome to Country, followed by speeches from key representatives who shared reflections on our building, our services, and our collaborative model. The event beautifully reflected the shared values, energy, and commitment that unite all who are part of 437 Hunter.

Aunty Theresa Dargin and Embrace People & Place
Speeches, Art, and Celebration

The ceremony was emceed by Leigh Creighton, a passionate peer leader from Hunter Circles and a fierce advocate for connection, inclusion, and community. Leigh set the tone perfectly—reminding us that 437 Hunter is all about belonging and working together to create something greater than ourselves.

We were honoured by a Welcome to Country from Aunty Theresa Dargin, a proud Traditional Custodian who shared her wisdom, stories, and connection to Country with grace and power.

Three incredible speakers then shared their experiences:

  • Bob O’Toole, founder of the Clergy Abused Network (C.A.N.), spoke about creating safe, trauma-informed spaces for people to connect and heal.
  • Dan Galazovski, community builder at Hunter Circles and Soul Hub, shared stories of finding connection and purpose through inclusion and friendship.
  • Tyrone (Ty) Lane, an accomplished Worimi artist, shared the story behind four stunning paintings he created for 437 Hunter—artworks that now hang proudly in the building.

We also heard from Tracy Norman, Chair of Embrace People & Place, whose vision and leadership have been instrumental in bringing 437 Hunter to life. The ceremony concluded with a ribbon-pulling by Adrian and Peter from Soul Hub, marking the official opening of our shared home.

Artist Tyrone Lane
Special Thanks

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this day possible and so memorable.

Special thanks to:

  • Aunty Theresa Dargin for her powerful Welcome to Country
  • Leigh Creighton for his energy as MC
  • Speakers: Bob O’Toole, Dan Galazovski, and Tyrone Lane
  • Adrian and Peter from Soul Hub for officially opening the building
  • Jarrod Grant for his musical talents
  • Lee Illfield for her amazing photography
  • Spoon Bay Gelato and the Australian Men’s Shed Association for keeping us well-fed
  • Tim Crakanthorp MP – State Member for Newcastle, Charlotte McCabe – Acting Lord Mayor of Newcastle, and Councillor Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk
  • The Embrace People & Place Board and Team, and all In-House Partners and guests for creating such a joyful and inclusive atmosphere

The 437 Hunter Launch was a powerful celebration of community, connection, and collaboration.

As 437 Hunter continues to grow, we remain committed to building connections, strengthening community, and working for change — creating a space where collaboration truly makes a difference.