The Issue
Cost of Living
24%
Rise in dairy prices nationally in the last 12 months.
15%
Rise in bread prices nationally in the last 12 months.
45%
Rise in vegetable prices nationally in the last 12 months.
16%
Rise in meat prices nationally in the last 12 months.
27%
Rise in drink prices nationally in the last 12 months.
Lake Macquarie Stats
713
Estimated homeless people living in Lake Macquarie.
4.6%
Lake Macquarie’s unemployment rate (4,662 people).
355
People living in impoverished dwellings in Lake Macquarie.
3,398
People in Lake Macquarie are on the Jobseeker Payment.
36.8%
Lake Macquarie residents are experiencing high rental stress.
Hunter Region Stats
3,641
People experiencing homelessness in the Hunter Region.
26,300
Hunter residents rely on JobSeeker Payments.
13,028
Hunter residents living in social housing.
0.33%
Current rental availability rate in the Hunter Region.
1ST
Hunter Region has the highest rates of homelessness in regional NSW.
NSW Stats
37,715
People are experiencing homelessness across NSW.
45.6%
Of people experiencing homelessness in NSW are employed.
$232
Average weekly grocery shop in NSW (highest in country).
20.7%
Average increase in NSW electricity prices in 2023.
19%
Could not pay mortgage or rent payments on time.
National Stats
1/200
Or 122,000+ Australians are experiencing homelessness.
17,600
Children under the age of 15 are homeless.
10.5%
National average rent payment increase in the last 12 months.
24,930
Indigenous Australians are homelessness, a 6% increase in 5 years.
4.35%
Current national cash interest rate. Highest levels since 2011.
Responding to our community’s needs
The residents of the Hunter are known and applauded for their community spirit. Even in trying times where everyone has been impacted by rising costs, the people of the Hunter remain unified in standing together and lifting each other up. As expected, community spirit is alive and thriving in the Hunter region. It’s as if the region has come to the conclusion that it’s up to the people to bring change to their communities.
NourishEd is not only a reflection of this community spirit but a unified response to our community’s needs. Everyone requires assistance at some point in their lives. At NourishEd it’s a hand up not a handout.
Share your experience in the ‘State of the Lake’ survey
Help us paint a better picture of life in Lake Macquarie by answering our ‘State of the Lake’ survey. It will only take a minute of your time and you will help NourishEd collate valuable data for Lake Macquarie’s first ever cost of living survey. We will release a ‘State of the Lake’ report each quarter to see how the cost of living is affecting residents and whether things are improving or worsening throughout the year. We would greatly appreciate your participation!