September 2026 Newsletter
Finally spring…and with it comes all the signs of new life.
Winter has been necessary; it has a job to do. The shedding that winter brings, occurs as everything slows its pace and the things of the last season become the humus for the next season of growth. It’s a time to willingly let go, so that our hands are free to embrace the new that spring so quickly reveals. Change and growth are necessary for every living being, but change can be so hard. We love to cling to the old and familiar. We love how comfortable it feels, we even love its slightly sour smell. But gripping tightly to old patterns, systems, mindsets and habits is not conducive to a healthy life. So as spring sings with fresh hope, let’s embrace the warmth that is promised as we turn our faces and lift our hands to all that is promised in this next season.
Salt is 14 years old this month! When we stop for a moment and turn back to see where we started, we are honestly astounded. The journey has brought with it victories and joys that have made the profoundly difficult and disappointing times all worth it. None of it could have taken place if we weren’t prepared to adapt, change, learn and grow along the way. We would have packed up and chosen a simpler path if we wanted comfort and ease. Over those 14 years we have had the absolute privilege of gaining the invaluable people that have come together to create the special place that Salt is today. Thank you for being a part of that. Thank you for the changes that you have embraced alongside us and thank you for championing the growth and health of this unique community.
Much love
Meg and Pete
Due to ongoing renovations at Bomaderry Plaza, we are having to temporarily close the store for a few months. Our last day of trading was August 29th.
We are very excited to have been offered a larger shop when the renovation is complete, which will allow a very welcome expansion of books, CDs, DVDs, records and clothes that we can offer at affordable prices.
Donations are very welcome to be dropped off at the Salt Office during business hours.
Many thanks to all those who have donated and supported the Salt Book Store. Our fundraising efforts would not be possible without you!
We look forward to seeing both regular and new customers when we reopen later in the year.
Salt Book Store Team
The Salt Store has been running smoothly over the past month, and it has been wonderful to see our community continue to come through the doors and support one another.
With the colder weather upon us, we have been able to provide lots of warm clothing, blankets, and other essentials to people and families in need. It is a privilege to be able to offer a warm and welcoming space where people can find the things they need during the colder months.
We were also very pleased to welcome the Census officers to the Salt Store during Census week. They joined us on Tuesday and Thursday to help people complete their Census forms and answer any questions they may have had. It was a great opportunity to make the process a little easier for those who needed some extra assistance.
A big thank you to all our wonderful volunteers who continue to make the Salt Store such a welcoming and supportive place. We couldn’t do what we do without you!
Take care,
Donna
Salt Store Coordinator.
A huge thank you to everyone who has sponsored a Protea over the past two years! Your support has helped us grow our garden, and we are so excited to share that our first Proteas have now been in the ground for two years and have produced their very first flowers! It has been wonderful watching them grow and seeing the results of your generosity.
We have recently added some new garden beds and are looking forward to filling them with even more beautiful Proteas and Waratahs. We are now looking for some new sponsors to help us continue growing this special garden.
For just $30, you can sponsor a tree and be part of watching it grow and flourish. Thank you to everyone who has supported our Protea garden so far – we can’t wait to see what the next few years bring! 
Donna
Pathways Reboot Program Building Skills, Confidence and New Futures
Salt Care’s Pathways Reboot Program launched in July 2026 and is already seeing encouraging progress. Participants are engaging in accredited training, personal development and wellbeing support, Work and Development Orders, community activities and the Alcohol and Other Drug Wellness Program.
Participants have completed White Card and Traffic Control training, while others are developing resumés, preparing for interviews and strengthening their workplace skills. Some have already commenced casual employment, while others are enrolling in further study through TAFE and exploring new career pathways.
Pathways Reboot supports people facing barriers such as long-term unemployment, housing instability, recovery from alcohol or other drug challenges, trauma, social isolation, low confidence or limited work readiness. Through practical training and personalised support, participants are building the skills, confidence and stability needed to move towards employment and greater independence.
Our free 12-week employment readiness and personal development program helps people build confidence, gain practical skills and create pathway opportunities to employment, education and independence, through:
-
ACCREDITED TRAINING
Industry tickets, qualifications and practical learning opportunities aligned with local workforce needs -
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Build confidence, communication skills, resilience and the tools needed to achieve your goals. -
WELLBEING SUPPORT
Trauma-informed mentoring, recovery-informed support and practical guidance throughout your journey. -
EMPLOYMENT PATHWAYS
Work experience, employer engagement and support to move into employment, training or further education.
Enrolments are open and new participants are welcome. If you or someone you know could benefit from Pathways Reboot, email [email protected] or use one of the links below to learn more or enrol today.
Enrol & Start immediately:
Belinda
What a day! The Salt team was up and running from 5:30am, preparing our camp kitchen and getting the fires going for the Nerriga Pub Camp Oven Cook-Off.
Our team cooked a Chestnut & Red Wine Beef Bourguignon, followed by a Walnut, Apple and Nocino Crumble, all cooked over the fire. A special feature of our setup was our hand-made fire pit, which became the centrepiece of the kitchen and a great gathering point throughout the day.
THE SALT TEAM
John • Lee • Juzzy • Andrew • Zelpha • Sean • Ryan • Peter H • Gerry • Alex • Sally
From chopping and preparing to managing the camp ovens, fire and serving, everyone played their part. For most of the team, the day didn’t finish until after 5:30pm – a very long day, but one filled with plenty of laughs, teamwork and great fellowship.
BEHIND THE SCENES
5:30am – “Let’s get the fire going!” The team arrives, sets up and gets the hand-made fire pit roaring.
Camp Kitchen in Action – Camp ovens bubbling, ingredients being prepared and the team working together to get everything ready.
The Finished Meal – 225 tasting portions of our two-course menu prepared and served to the Nerriga community.
A Great Salt Day – More than a cooking competition, the day was about serving, friendship, community and having a great time together.
GOOD FOOD. GREAT FELLOWSHIP. STRONG COMMUNITY.
Amazing Amazing Result the Day Raises over $35,000!
Donna
