This month the Complete Parts and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to the Mackay Neighbourhood Hub. For over three decades it has been a beacon of support for individuals and families throughout the Mackay region.
From its origins in South Mackay, the organisation has grown to serve the entire community, providing a wide range of services aimed at fostering connection, supporting vulnerable families and promoting wellbeing.
“Our role is ever evolving as we respond to the changing needs of the community,” shared Nicolette Frost, General Manager at the Hub.
“We offer critical social infrastructure, providing support to numerous Mackay community members each year, and we pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming to everyone.”
Neighbourhood Centres like the Hub play a vital role in alleviating social isolation and loneliness. They offer activities that cater to local needs, such as community playgroups, parenting workshops and wellness sessions.
Their extensive family support programs, including the Integrated Family Support Hub, aim to improve the wellbeing of children and families in Mackay. As Nicolette noted, “These programs build the capacity of families to care for their children, offering practical case management and connections to external services”.
In addition to family support, The Neighbourhood Hub is also committed to helping newly arrived migrants integrate into the community. The Hub’s Multicultural Community Program provides a variety of services, including language support and advocacy.
“Our aim is to foster intercultural connectedness, helping migrants and Australian-born residents achieve social and economic participation,” explained Ela Maglente, Multicultural Community Program Worker.
@ The Coalface is proud to support the Mackay Neighbourhood Hub with a $500 donation and the Hub plans to direct these funds towards their Food Diversion Program, which provides food hampers and meals for those in need, particularly in the lead-up to Christmas.
“Our Food Diversion Program has diverted over 73 tonnes of food from landfill since 2021, helping many in our community facing food insecurity,” Nicolette said.
Mackay Neighbourhood Hub’s mission goes beyond meeting immediate needs. Looking ahead, they plan to expand their services with a new Community Care Centre at 6 George Street, and they are actively seeking funding to support this vision.
“We’re also hoping to secure funding for a Coordinator to lead the Food Diversion Program, which has largely been volunteer-run since its inception.”
Their work is crucial in addressing some of the region’s most pressing issues, including food insecurity and homelessness. The Hub has already provided over 4,930 community members with food support this year and served 1,575 meals through their Mid-Week Meal initiative. Their Emergency Relief Program has also assisted over 1,215 individuals in crisis.
As we look forward to the festive season, we encourage the community to get involved and support Mackay Neighbourhood Hub’s mission of fostering connection and wellbeing and together continue to build a stronger, more connected Mackay.
