When the second wave of COVID-19 and lockdowns struck, City of Newcastle acted swiftly to expand its award-winning $5.5 million Community and Economic Response Package to fill the gaps in the State and Federal Governments’ response at a grassroots level. To mobilise immediate on-ground support and help stimulate post-pandemic economic recovery, the City unlocked $1.25 million in Rapid Response Grants, Community Support and Infrastructure Grants, as well as Special Business Rate funding and an expanded capital works program to keep Novocastrians in jobs. Joining guest host Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Declan Clausen, Curious Legends Artistic Director Mitchell Reese and Erin Beard of Family Support Newcastle share how this additional funding helped their respective organisations deliver targeted support where it was most needed.