Cars Stolen From Samaritans At Hamilton North

 BY IAN CROUCH

Thieves have targeted the Samaritans Hamilton North premises, stealing four cars.

Police say two Kia Cerato sedans - one white and one silver, a silver Toyota Corolla sedan and a white Kia Sportage SUV were taken from the charity's Clyde Street address some time between 9.30pm last Friday and 9.00am on Saturday.

They've since recovered one of the Kia sedans from outside units on Light Street at Bar Beach and the other Kia in Robert Street at Jesmond.

No arrests have been made and police are appealing for information to identify the culprits.

Public urged to keep an eye for Samaritans van stolen from Telarah

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter's being urged to keep a look out for a Samaritans coffee van stolen from Telarah last month.

Port Stephens-Hunter police say the van vanished between the 30th and 31st of May. 

The van is decorated with the Samaritans wording, logo, and bright blue colouring. 

Anyone with information that may help locate the van is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, quoting reference number Police Report E87042610 

Image credit: Port Stephens-Hunter Police District.

Rental Affordability Still A Major Concern In The Hunter

BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter based charity, Samaritans is calling on the government to permanently increase welfare support payments and the supply of housing in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

Samaritans has released the latest Rental Affordability Snapshot which shows only 5.5 percent of all properties for rent across the region are considered affordable for those on low incomes.

The report says Australia's worst drought, a devastating bushfire season and the COVID-19 pandemic have left people homeless, jobless or both and more must be done to address housing stress.

Samaritans CEO, Brad Webb says Australians are experiencing their greatest financial and emotional hardships ever, some for the first time.

"In 2020, this scenario of hardship is becoming a reality for some who never thought this might be their situation. This year's research demonstrates that increases to income support should be open to all people in need, and they should be permanent. We need an independent body to set and monitor social security rates so Australia will never again trap people in the poverty cycle," he said.