top of page
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

A happy hub

Writer's picture: RonalynRonalyn

The Maleny Neighbourhood Centre is a vibrant hub for the community, offering a welcoming meeting place, vital support and social community services. Tucked away in Bicentenary Lane, as the community expands and new needs arise, it continues to grow.


by Angela Reedman-Polinski



During the late 1980s, a group of compassionate and dedicated individuals from Maleny noticed that their community required additional support. They created the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre group to provide assistance and services to the community.


In 1994, the centre was officially incorporated. Over the years, the centre has relocated to various locations. Finally, in 2010, the centre found its own permanent location when it became the leaseholder of the centre at 17 Bicentenary Lane.


MNC Centre Coordinator, Madonna Hampson, shares how the centre thrives and the extensive range of support and services it will offer in 2024.


"I left my corporate career in Brisbane and relocated here to join the team last May. My goal is to work alongside the community in creating programs that are relevant and responsive to people's needs. I love being able to do that every day here.

“I am seeing firsthand how amazing this community is and how we can continue to support, strengthen and encourage people through our centre services.”


“The many years of focused services have created a welcoming place here, and people visit for many reasons. We link people to all kinds of support; sometimes, we give what individuals and families can’t find anywhere else.”


The Maleny Neighbourhood Centre’s services, programs and supports operate around three key pillars: 1. Link people with formal and informal support, 2. Create social connections and inclusions, and 3. Integrate local community action.


“Putting this into action means I talk with our community neighbours and listen to what they need,” said Madonna. “We are a community-driven organisation, so this listening time benefits everyone in selecting and implementing the right programs.”


The centre offers JP and Sunshine Coast Legal Services, event rooms, business facilities, and a community lunch spot, which HT team members have enjoyed over the years. 


“We also provide fresh and pantry food for all and increasingly for working people and families during pay gap weeks,” added Madonna.


“Our centre is partly funded by the Department of Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander Partnerships, Communities and the Arts, Sunshine Coast Council and generous community donations. The regular volunteer team donations of time, products and services allow us to reach a wider community and get everyone involved.”


The centre is lucky to receive fresh food deliveries from OzHarvest every Tuesday and from the local Woolworths. 


“Our volunteers swiftly prep and cook these ingredients to make healthy meals stored in the freezer for our food bank. You'll often find various crock pots bubbling and simmering in our centre, creating delicious meals that help us stretch your budget further for the week,” Madonna said with a big smile.


“We also accept donations of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as avocados and mangoes from walk-in donors. These donations help to feed families and individuals in our region.”


Madonna admitted these events are made possible thanks in a huge part to local businesses' generous donations. 


“We appreciate all of the support we receive, as it makes a big difference.


“You can prepare your meals using our Market Days' fresh produce. We post what is available on Facebook. Come along and take what you need. If you are unavailable during the day, you can also visit our 24-hour pantry."


The annual Christmas Breakfast is one of the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre's most iconic events. It’s a huge morning every year and has become a tradition for many local families to engage with, whether by volunteering at, donating to or attending the event each year.


“This year was another big one, and we loved seeing so many people relax and enjoy their time together at the Christmas Breakfast,” said Madonna. “By 9am, we had 393 people at the event, which soon reached over 450 as the morning continued!


“This treasured community event is possible with the tremendous amount of support we receive every year in donations of breakfast foods, toy drive gifts for the children and the vast amount of volunteer time. Thank you to everyone who contributes!”The centre also hosts the Flexischool, a valuable and vital part of the community since 2002, providing a platform for students to complete their educational studies independently. 


“Their talents shine through their artwork and achievements. It's amazing to see."


Not content with all of this, the MNC is home to the Fixit Cafe too. Here, volunteers repair broken items, promoting sustainability and team building. You can learn new skills while keeping items out of landfills.


“We also have the beautiful TULE (Tying Up Loose Ends) garden, which offers a place of peace, and the vegetable gardens are a thriving source for shared lunches. The Orange Sky laundry service lets you get the laundry done so you can chat while you wait.” 


Community Development Manager, Bronwyn, works with the Maleny Forums and is keen to see more people feel welcome accessing the services at the centre. “We are seeing people needing support in homelessness. People are struggling, and we want to help with food support, counselling and laundry services to ease part of the burden.”


Free 45-minute counselling is available every second Tuesday for anyone who needs private support. You can visit the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre, call on 07 5499 9345 or visit their website at malenync.org.au


29 views

Comments


Best sellers

Sunny Coast Media Logo

Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

hello@sunnycoastmedia.com.au

07 5499 9049

Receive the Hinterland Times monthly to your inbox

Thanks for subscribing!

© Sunny Coast Media. All rights reserved

bottom of page