For more than 35 years, we’ve supported the Maitland Region Community in different ways.
The original not-for-profit organisation was launched in 1987 as Maitland Neighbourhood Centre. Operating from our current location at 11-13 Arthur Street Rutherford, our goal has always been to help individuals and families living in and around Maitland and grow stronger community connections.
Our staff are dedicated community workers with a broad variety of qualifications in early childhood, youth and disability support, child protection, mental health first aid and more. For more than three decades we’ve worked alongside other community service providers to provide practical support, programs and strategic referrals to specialist services 5 days a week.
Volunteers are integral component of our community support, the invaluable workforce that means we can expand our programs and supply families with food support and frozen meals multiple times each week.
Basically, we help people who are experiencing significant life challenges. Everyone is welcome to drop in to chat with us in person or give us a call.
We build genuine relationships to create a safer, stronger, vibrant and diverse local government area. Our culturally appropriate, inclusive services strengthen the whole region. And our goal is to create a sense of belonging for everyone.
Since 2017, we’ve evolved to be more than just an information and referral centre. With the rising costs of living, housing pressure and a global pandemic, more people are experiencing challenges than ever before.
Increasingly we saw individuals and families struggling to put food on the table, pay their bills and deal with the complexities of raising kids in today’s world. Handing out information and referring people elsewhere wasn’t enough anymore. We developed and offered targeted programs to support people practically and give them the skills and understanding they need to manage their lives.
Our friendly staff are here to help. We take the time to listen and understand what you need, then we advocate on your behalf so you can move forward.
Manager
Sarah is a strong advocate for social change. She’s worked with kids and young people who were disillusioned with education, and also people dealing with mental health challenges. Her driving passion is to see the local community develop strong life skills and a sense of self-empowerment. When she’s not at work, Sarah enjoys F45 training at the gym, time with her two cheeky sons, and a veggo stir-fry.
Community Worker
With over 7 years’ experience working in community services and a Bachelor of Education degree, Jo is perfectly suited for her role as a Play Strong Supported Playgroup facilitator. She enjoys working with children and thrives on educating parents and carers through programs such as Circle of Security, 123 Magic and Tuning Into Kids. A perfect day for Jo is a chicken schnitty slathered in gravy after at day at the beach with her family.
Community Worker
Kellie has a Diploma of Community Services and is currently studying a Diploma of Financial Counselling. She finds it deeply satisfying helping people find solutions to their challenges, and she loves the variety of her job. A proud mum to her fur-babies, when she’s away from work Kellie spends her spare time making diamond paintings and cheering on her West Tigers NRL team.
Administrative Assistant
Maureen is the smiling face at the door, and the friendly voice on the phone who’s always ready to help wherever she’s needed. A dedicated mum , she loves spending time with her family and renovating her home. She has a sweet tooth and can’t say no to chocolate!
We partner with Playgroups NSW to run PlayStrong supported playgroups each week as well a running parenting programs like Circle of Security, 123 Magic and more. Our Early Childhood qualified team member works with parents and children to build strong, resilient families.
We help parents access early learning services, Maitland Libraries, and other relevant community services, including Family & Child Health clinics, NSW Health Speech Pathology, allied health and additional family support providers.
At MRCS there is, and always will be access to food, toiletries and someone who will listen. We connect you with the most appropriate people, organisations and resources. That might mean collecting a food pack to help you get through the week, being part of a cooking class to prepare quick, healthy and easy meals or getting help to pay a utility bill when you’re in a tight spot. Our team are great at helping you fill in paperwork or finding the right service provider to help you with a difficult issue.