About Us

The Samaritans Foundation was established as the welfare agency of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle in 1984. It is one of Australia’s largest regional welfare organisation providing more than 118 services to about 60,000 people annually.

Based in Newcastle, Samaritans services are provided to people through 100 locations in the Hunter Valley, Manning and Central Coast regions.

These services are provided in the areas of children, youth, family, community development, disability, employment, health promotion, recycling of donated clothing and emergency relief services. Other programmes also include disaster relief coordination, social policy research and special joint initiative projects including the Two Bishops Trust.

Samaritans employs more than 450 people working in a diverse range of community welfare, support and administrative roles.

Importantly, Samaritans also enjoys the invaluable support of more than 400 volunteers throughout the regions. The ongoing commitment and dedication of these volunteers has enabled the work of Samaritans to extend even further into the community.

Samaritans work is funded by Government grants and contracts but much of its vital work is made possible through the generous support of the community and the Anglican Parishes. As well as the ongoing fundraising activities Samaritans hold two major fundraising initiatives annually – the Bishop’s Winter Appeal and the Christmas Appeal.