March 2026 Newsletter
As we have approached Easter this month, we have spent some time as a community reflecting on the things we need to lay down in response to the life that Jesus laid down for us. Salt is much more than a church and a charity, we are not simply an organisation, but a community that have gathered to both passionately love God as well as relentlessly love people. Part of that for us as individuals is constantly growing in emotional and spiritual health which means letting go of patterns of behaviour, mindsets and actions that are not productive and learning to embrace change and growth as a way of life. It’s a narrow road but so rewarding.
We all contribute to the mission in different and varying ways, and the ongoing joy has been collectively watching as people willingly put their hands up to help another in their community. Maybe that helping another looks like packing or distributing groceries to those struggling financially, maybe it looks like collecting nuts or weeding a garden so that the farm can continue to support people, maybe it looks like filling a shift at the shelter so people can sleep safely, or cooking a nourishing meal for those in the shelter, or maybe it looks like donating funds to a program that makes a real difference to people’s lives. The beauty lies in a whole community supporting and loving its own people, and there is nothing quite like it.
The world of politics and power will tell us that strength and success lies in domination and control, but the way of Jesus is lives laid down in the way of humility to bring life through sacrifice and giving. We are recipients of this grace filled, act of love found in Jesus, and we all get to pay it forward to others and watch as a community comes to life in response to it.
Happy Easter everyone. May you experience the unique peace and love that connection with Jesus brings,
Meg and Pete
We would love to introduce to you the Salt Care Board of Directors.
The Board consists of Peter, Neralye, Peter, Megan, Judy, and Rebekah, and is responsible for the governance of Salt Care. The role includes writing and approving policies and procedures, financial oversight, and setting the vision and direction of Salt Care.
We are so grateful for the Board and all the work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure that Salt Care is meeting all the requirements of a charity and continuing to effectively impact on our community.
Meg
The nuts are falling thick and fast, and the quality is top notch this year! We have such an incredible bunch of volunteers with some days buzzing with over 20 people out at the farm harvesting nuts, working in the flower garden and hosting the visitors that head out to collect nuts every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Harvest season. What an incredible and healing space the farm is and this year despite unpredictable weather and high fuel prices, people are still making the effort to come and connect and collect nuts.
We are all working hard as we prepare for Harvest Fair on Saturday April 11, which will be such a special day celebrating the harvest together with market stalls, food trucks, workshops, a jumping castle, and pony rides!
We feel so privileged to be co-labouring together to see the farm become all that it is meant to be. Don’t forget to visit us before April 19 to enjoy a beautiful day collecting nuts, visit our cute and quirky farm shop, and picnic under the chestnut trees.
If you are interested in becoming part of the volunteer team, please send through an enquiry to [email protected].
The Farm Team
Salt’s first two months of 2026
Hi Salt Family, We have arrived safely in Auckland after a smooth 18-hour sail, here we will enter into dry dock and once the ship is looking rust-free we will hold public tours. Thank you so much for your prayers, these past weeks have been intense, with long days of physically demanding work. Living onboard the Koha often feels like being in a construction site. We’ve seen God’s incredible provision, raising all the funds needed for dry dock, which is amazing considering the scale of the need. Through people’s generosity, we’ve also been able to support a Fijian crew member’s time here and provide him with a new phone. Our Fijian crew are core to who we are, and it’s a real honour to have him with us. Now docked in the heart of Auckland, it’s a blessing to be near the life of the city. The marine painters we’re working alongside have been deeply touched by the hospitality onboard joining us for smoko and meals. One shared how grateful he was, saying he’s never experienced this on other ships and won’t forget it. We can’t wait for when we set sail for the mission of Fiji. Blessings and warm regards, Elisha If you feel led to give, see details below. Direct transfer: Tax deductible donation:
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Program Update
The Salt AOD program continues to grow as a powerful space for healing, connection, and transformation. We are currently supporting 30 participants, with the Salt van transporting up to 12 individuals each week out to the farm.
What we are witnessing within the program has been truly meaningful. The farm has become more than just a place, it is a safe and supportive environment where participants are beginning to break down long-held walls and barriers. Through this process, many are finding the courage to be vulnerable, opening up about the traumas and experiences that have shaped their journeys.
It has been incredible to see the personal transformations taking place. Participants are not only engaging with the program, but actively working toward growth, healing, and positive change in their lives.
One of the most encouraging aspects has been the feedback from families. We have heard from relatives who had lost contact with their loved ones for years due to AOD use, and who are now reconnecting and rebuilding those relationships. These stories are a powerful testament to the impact of the work being done through the Salt program.
We are deeply grateful to be part of this journey and remain committed to creating a space where individuals can heal, grow, and rediscover hope.
Daniel
Article in Partyline magazine
We are so proud to share that the Salt Care AOD Wellbeing Program has been featured in Partyline, the National Rural Health Alliance magazine.
The article, written in collaboration with COORDINARE, explores how our program is supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the Shoalhaven through trauma-informed, wraparound care that meets people where they are.
It tells the story of what we see every week. People doing the hard work of rebuilding their lives, and what becomes possible when the right support is in place at the right time.
We are deeply grateful to COORDINARE for their ongoing support of this program and for helping us tell this story on a national stage.
Read the full article at the link below.
Pete
We’re incredibly proud to share that Pete was recognised recently at the 2026 Homelessness NSW Sector Achievement Awards!
Pete received the award for Outstanding Contribution – Above and Beyond, recognising the dedication and leadership he brings to supporting people experiencing homelessness in our community.
This award celebrates individuals across New South Wales who go above and beyond to prevent and respond to homelessness, and we couldn’t think of anyone more deserving. Pete’s passion, compassion, and tireless commitment to serving others continues to inspire all of us at Salt.
Congratulations Pete, and thank you for the difference you make every single day!
