Health on the Streets Charity Ball Raises Vital Funds for Central Coast’s Most Vulnerable
The inaugural Health on the Streets Charity Ball, hosted by Coast & Country Primary Care (CCPC), brought together community leaders, businesses and supporters on Saturday 28 February for an inspiring evening dedicated to improving healthcare access for people experiencing homelessness on the Central Coast.
Held in support of the Health on the Streets (HoTS) program, the event highlighted the urgent and growing need for outreach healthcare services in the region. Street homelessness on the Central Coast has risen significantly, with hundreds of vulnerable residents facing chronic illness, mental health challenges, addiction, and limited access to primary healthcare.
Health on the Streets delivers nurse-led, trauma-informed care directly to people sleeping rough or experiencing severe disadvantage. The program currently supports more than 860 individuals annually, providing free medical care, mental health and alcohol and other drug support, and pathways to housing and social services.
Chief Executive Officer of Coast & Country Primary Care, Kathy Beverley, said the evening was both a celebration and a call to action. “Health on the Streets is more than a service - it is a lifeline. We are thrilled to share that the event raised over $35,000 in donations, which will help us upgrade our mobile clinic, expand outreach services, and ensure we can continue delivering essential healthcare to those who need it most.”
The evening was expertly hosted by Paula Martin (Business NSW) as Master of Ceremonies and featured an Opening Address from The Hon. Rose Jackson MLC, Minister for Water, Housing, Homelessness, Mental Health and Youth, who acknowledged the critical importance of community-led solutions to homelessness. Guests were entertained by Central Coast performer Scarlett Reid, with award-winning band Jellybean Jam closing the evening and bringing the dance floor to life.
The event was made possible through the generous support of major sponsors Optus and CCGT (Platinum Sponsors), Blueberry Events (Gold Sponsor), TechNine MSP and BAX Audio/Visual (Silver Sponsors), and Renew Projects and Central Telecoms (Bronze Sponsors), along with dozens of local businesses who donated auction items and prizes.
Ms Beverley also acknowledged the dedication of the Health on the Streets team and CCPC staff. “This event reflects the passion and commitment of our Health on the Streets team and the broader Coast & Country Primary Care staff who work tirelessly to support vulnerable members of our community every day.”
Funds raised from the Charity Ball and Silent Auction will directly support the continuation and expansion of the Health on the Streets program, helping prevent avoidable hospitalisations, reduce pressure on emergency services, and provide dignified care to people doing it tough.
For more information or to donate, visit: www.healthonthestreets.org.au