Others Magazine

The Salvation Army’s Amelia Natoli (far right) celebrates the success of The Salvation Army Street Teams Project and their new coffee trailer built through a grant from the Tasmanian Community Fund. Photo republished with permission from The Hobart Observer.

Revellers on the Hobart Waterfront during the Christmas and New Year period had an upgraded place to turn to in time of need, thanks to a Community Action Grant from the Tasmanian Community Fund.

The Salvation Army’s Street Teams project has supported people on weekends in the Hobart entertainment precinct since 2015, assisting those who may be lost, intoxicated, injured, disorientated or needing emotional support.

But the Street Teams coffee trailer, which provides hot drinks, a safe place and support for patrons during nights out, desperately needed replacement to ensure the program could continue.

Late last year, a Community Action Grant from the Tasmanian Community Fund made constructing a new purpose-built coffee trailer possible.

“The new trailer enables our volunteers to provide hot drinks, cover from inclement weather and a safe place for people to seek assistance,” said Amelia Natoli, Public Relations Secretary for The Salvation Army Tasmania.

Street Teams volunteers work closely with authorities to help reduce violence and other anti-social behaviour in and around the Salamanca Place precinct between 10.30pm and 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Research has shown a 53 per cent decrease in late-night street violence and anti-social behaviour in the precinct when the Street Team is working.

Tasmanian Community Fund chair Sally Darke said the reduction in anti-social behaviour benefits everyone utilising the Salamanca Place precinct on Friday and Saturday nights.

“At the Fund, we are committed to vibrant and resilient communities that provide safe places for all,” she said.

“The Salvation Army volunteers who staff the coffee cart are a vital point of connection and safety for those who need help on the waterfront. The Tasmanian Community Fund thanks them and the members of their partner organisations for the work they do to support a more positive and vibrant community.”

This article was republished with the permission of The Hobart Observer.