Community Closet supporting students in need

The Community Closet at Charles Sturt was established alongside the Food Pantry to address both food insecurity and broader cost-of-living pressures impacting students. The initiative provides free clothing and homeware to support students’ everyday needs, particularly those newly arrived or experiencing financial hardship.

The program operates in partnership with a community op shop, which supplies excess clothing and homeware, and the Residence Life team, which contributes items collected during move-out periods. This sustainable model ensures a consistent flow of donated goods.

The Food Pantry at the Bathurst campus supports approximately 150 students each Tuesday and Thursday, with demand increasing and queues often extending beyond the space. While waiting, students regularly engage with the Community Closet, resulting in strong uptake and turnover of items.

Staff can become involved by providing any unwanted items to the Community Closet. This fosters a sense of community and support across the Bathurst campus.