The Harman Foundation is proud to announce the transformation of its long-standing Community Food Pantry and Library at the HOPE Multicultural Hub, located at 17 Balmoral Street, Blacktown. Since its inception in 2022, this initiative has been a vital lifeline for vulnerable individuals and families in the Westpoint area, providing essential food items and encouraging literacy.
Thanks to the leadership and generous support of Parklea Correctional Centre Governor Wayne Taylor , the pantry and library were rebuilt and upgraded with a waterproof cabinet in January under the management of the prison’s Senior Manager Operational Support ServicesMichael Pugsley. This thoughtful donation from MTC Australia, who operate Parklea on behalf of Corrective Services NSW, is a game-changing gift for the community, enhancing the accessibility and durability of this critical resource.
“We’ve been operating this pantry and library for over two years, but we couldn’t afford to make it weatherproof,” said Maninder Singh, Chair of the Harman Foundation. “This incredible donation from MTC Australia, guided by Parklea Governor Wayne Taylor, has provided a much-needed upgrade. It’s an amazing gift for the community around the Westpoint area, ensuring this service can continue to support those in need, rain or shine.”
Governor Taylor said MTC Australia was proud to be able to assist the Harman Foundation by utilising the expertise of overseers in the prison’s metal shop, who helped the inmates construct the cabinet, and the facilities management team, who installed it.
“We have partnered with the Harman Foundation on several community projects over the past couple of years, including providing vegetables grown by inmates for food hampers, and donating wooden toys inmates made for Christmas presents,” Governor Taylor said.
“When they told us they needed a waterproof cabinet for their charity, I knew this was something we could easily do, and we were keen to help.”
The Harman Foundation’s services extend beyond the food pantry and library. The Foundation also provides essential support in the form of domestic and family violence services, chaplaincy care, and a 24/7 helpline. These initiatives are critical to supporting vulnerable community members in times of crisis, offering them safety, compassion, and guidance when they need it most.
The food pantry distributes approximately 50 to 80 kilograms of groceries weekly, helping individuals and families who face financial hardship, mental health challenges, or are otherwise unable to access quality food. The pantry’s mission is to maintain dignity and respect for those struggling, providing them with essentials in a safe and welcoming way.
The library, which exchanges 30 to 40 books weekly, has become a beloved community asset, promoting reading and learning among both children and adults.
The Harman Foundation is now calling on businesses, corporates, and individuals to support this vital community initiative. Regular donations, either monetary or in-kind (especially long-life food items), are crucial to ensuring the food pantry remains fully stocked. Your generosity can help us continue to serve the growing needs of our community and provide hope to those in need.
The waterproof cabinet is a testament to the positive impact of community partnerships. The project reflects the generosity and compassion of those involved at Parklea, creating lasting benefits for Blacktown’s residents.
For further enquiries, contributions, or to partner with us, please contact the Harman Foundation at 1800 116 675 or via email at contactus@harmanfoundation.org.au.
MTC Australia media enquiries: Karen Smith 0437 134 975 or karen.smith@mtctrains.com.au
About Harman Foundation
The Harman Foundation is a non-profit organisation committed to supporting vulnerable community members through food drives, counselling, domestic and family violence services, chaplaincy services, and empowerment programs.
About MTC
Management & Training Corporation (MTC Australia) Pty Ltd provides safe, decent, and secure corrections services and programs that reduce reoffending and support offender rehabilitation. Our priority is to build safer, healthier and more productive communities. Management & Training Corporation Pty Ltd is part of Management & Training Corporation, a global leader in corrections.
