Fresh Support for The Towers - FULL ARTICLE

Excerpt from Sumpton’s Gold Rush Gazette - Friday 5th of December 2025

Members of the local Adventist Church and Thread Together at the November 2025 Food Pantry and combined Clothes Van

Charters Towers residents doing it tough now have extra support, with a new service offering cheap food boxes and free clothing in response to rising living costs.

The program is operated by members of the local Adventist Church in partnership with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), as well as clothing provided through national charity Thread Together.

The first event was held on November 18, where residents accessed food and clothing assistance, with plans for the initiative to be held monthly, with the exception of January 2026.

Organiser Joy Dawson said the support service was created in response to the growing number of locals struggling to afford essentials.

“We decided to operate a Food Pantry to support those who were finding the cost of living difficult,” Mrs Dawson said.

“To help folk who can’t afford basics after paying for electricity, accommodation and other expenses, especially for the elderly.”

Clothing support is also being delivered through Thread Together, a national organisation that partners with fashion brands and retailers to redistribute brand-new, excess clothing to people facing hardship.

Thread Together CEO Anthony Chesler said the partnership in Charters Towers would help ensure locals have access to essentials often overlooked.

“We know that when people are struggling to meet their basic needs, clothing often becomes an unmet essential,” Mr Chesler said.

“Working with our local partner, Adventist Development and Relief Agency — ADRA Australia and combining their support with food and ours with brand new clothing, we’re able to give families and individuals two essentials that immediately ease pressure and help restore dignity.

“Working together means we can reach more people, more effectively, at a time when they need it most.”

The next food and clothing distribution event will be held on Sunday, 14 December, from 8am to 10am at 25 York Street.