Programs & Services
Learn more about the programs and services that Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre provides for the local community
One Roof Project
The One Roof Project is a hub-style community initiative offering wrap-around support services to individuals experiencing homelessness and those who are socially isolated.
Operating every Tuesday and Thursday evening, the program provides:
Nutritious cooked 2-course meals cost $2.00. OzHarvest, Produce Partners, local food businesses, and community members generously donate produce.
Weekly visits from registered nurses on both Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Doctor Service, available fortnightly on Thursday evenings. 5.00 pm -6.00 pm No Appointment Necessary. Bulked Billed
Mobile laundry services, thanks to Orange Sky Laundry, are available on both nights. 4.00 pm -6.00 pm
Free hairdressing, every six weeks on a Thursday night. 5.00 pm-6.00 pm
Mental health check-ins, provided fortnightly by the Homeless Health Outreach Team (HHOT).
Outdoor Phone Charging Stations
Advocacy and referrals to funded housing and homelessness services.
Visiting services during office hours
Services Australia Community Engagement Officer every Tuesday 1.00 pm-.3.00 pm
St Vinnies Housing Support Worker every Tuesday 11.30 am-2.30 pm
The success of the One Roof Project is a testament to the generosity of the broader community, whether through financial contributions, resource donations, or volunteering of time. Together, we’re building a supportive space where dignity, connection, and care are prioritised.
Want to visit?
Drop by the centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM to grab a meal or see the project in action.
Family Support Programs (FSP)
The Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre’s Family Support Program (FSP) is a dedicated home visiting and volunteer support service designed to empower families on the Sunshine Coast. Our trained volunteers are paired with families to provide regular visits, offering personalised support, mentoring, practical information, and hands-on help. As an early intervention service, the FSP helps families build stronger connections with their local community, boosts parental confidence, and strengthens family bonds to foster a nurturing environment.
Program Goals
The FSP aims to:
Provide Personalised Support: Connect families with trained volunteers who offer guidance, encouragement, and practical assistance tailored to their needs.
Promote Community Connection: Help families integrate into the Sunshine Coast community through resources, networks, and local engagement.
Enhance Parenting Confidence: Empower parents with the skills and confidence to navigate parenting challenges and foster positive family dynamics.
Key Programs and Initiatives
The Family Support Program offers a variety of initiatives to support families, including:
Home-Visiting Volunteer Service: Trained volunteers visit families regularly to provide mentoring, emotional support, and practical help, creating a safe and supportive space for growth.
KidTaskick Social Learning Club: A fun and engaging program designed to support children’s social development, helping them build skills and confidence through interactive activities.
Parenting & Life Skills Workshops: Practical workshops to equip parents with tools and strategies to enhance their parenting skills and manage everyday challenges.
The Reskill Spot: A program offering opportunities for families to learn new skills, from household management to personal development, fostering self-reliance and growth.
Monday Community Playgroup: A welcoming space for parents and young children to connect, play, and build relationships with other families in the community.
Community Gratitude
The Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre’s Family Support Program extends heartfelt thanks to the Maroochydore RSL for their ongoing and generous donations. Their support plays a vital role in helping our families thrive.
Get Involved
If your family could benefit from support or you’re interested in learning more, reach out to our Family Support Coordinator: Phone: 0432 805 721 Email: fsp@maroochync.org.au
Community Development Programs (CDP)
The Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre Community Development Program (CDP) is dedicated to fostering social, economic, and personal growth by providing tailored assistance, support, advocacy, and facilitation for individuals and groups. Through a range of innovative and inclusive initiatives, the Community Development Program builds capacity, strengthens community connections, and addresses local needs.
Core Objectives
The Community Development Program is designed to:
Support Individuals and Groups: Offer resources, guidance, and advocacy to enhance community participation and capacity building for social or interest-based groups.
Foster Collaboration: Partner with other services to coordinate existing community resources, ensuring efficient and impactful delivery of support.
Address Local Needs: Prioritise and respond to the unique needs and issues of the Sunshine Coast community, promoting sustainable development and social cohesion.
Key Programs and Initiatives
One Roof Project: A collaborative initiative that brings together multiple services and support systems under one roof, creating a hub for community members to access resources and connect.
Community Café: A welcoming space that fosters barista training, social interaction and a gathering point for community members to share ideas and build relationships.
Community Garden: A vibrant space where community members can grow fresh produce, learn sustainable gardening practices, and strengthen community bonds through shared activities.
Urban Farm: An innovative Social Enterprise initiative focused on sustainable urban agriculture, providing opportunities for community members to engage in permaculture farming practices, learn about food security, buy fresh produce directly from the farm and reduce food mileage by sourcing locally.
Sunny Coast Sleeper: A compassionate program providing safe, mobile overnight accommodation for individuals experiencing homelessness. This mobile accommodation solution has been a lifeline for many over the past three years, offering dignity, security, and warmth throughout the night. “The Sunny Coast Sleeper provides a safe, comfortable place to rest for those experiencing homelessness,” connecting them with further resources and support.
Men’s Cooking Program: A supportive environment for men to develop cooking skills, share experiences, and build camaraderie through culinary activities.
Art Program: A creative outlet for community members to explore artistic expression, fostering mental well-being and social connection through art-based activities.
FUTURE PROJECTS
Podcasting Room: An upcoming initiative to provide a dedicated space for community members to create and share stories, ideas, and discussions through podcasting, amplifying local voices and perspectives.
Small Engines Repair Workshop: A hands-on program offering practical skills training in small engine repair and maintenance, empowering participants with vocational skills and fostering self-reliance.
Community Collaboration and Impact
The Community Development Coordinator actively collaborates with local organisations, government bodies, and community groups to ensure services are aligned with the needs of the Sunshine Coast community. By prioritising local issues and fostering partnerships, the program creates a network of support that enhances community resilience and promotes inclusive growth.
Want to get in touch?
Contact our Community Development Program Coordinator on 5443 6696 or email cdp@maroochync.org.au
Rooms & Commercial Kitchen Hire
The Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre offers a range of versatile rooms and facilities for hire, catering to both community and commercial groups on the Sunshine Coast. Conveniently located just a 15-minute drive from Sunshine Coast Airport and 200 metres from the picturesque Maroochydore Beach and river, our Centre is easily accessible and ideally situated for a variety of activities. Whether for general interest activities, education, training, social gatherings, support groups, self-help initiatives, or food photography, our spaces are available at affordable rates to foster community engagement and connection.
Available Spaces
The Centre provides several equipped air-conditioned rooms to suit various needs:
Training Room: Accommodates up to 30 people, ideal for workshops, training sessions, or medium-sized group activities.
Big Room: Spacious enough for up to 40 people, perfect for larger events, presentations, or community gatherings.
Orchid Room: A cozy space for up to 8 people, suitable for small meetings, support groups, counselling, and intimate discussions.
Commercial Kitchen: A fully food-licensed kitchen available for hire by small food businesses, catering services, training organisations for hospitality courses and cooking classes, or for food photography projects requiring a professional kitchen setup.
Purpose and Use
Our facilities are designed to support a wide range of activities, including:
Community Activities: Social events, hobby groups, or self-help initiatives that bring people together.
Education and Training: Workshops, courses, or professional development sessions for organisations and community members.
Commercial Use: Small businesses, particularly in the food sector, can utilise the commercial kitchen for production, catering, training, or food photography purposes.
Food Photography: The commercial kitchen provides the ideal setting for food styling and photography, catering to photographers, content creators, or businesses developing visual content for marketing.
The Centre encourages community members, local organisations, and businesses to make use of these spaces to foster connection, learning, and growth.
Hiring Process
All room and facility hires are subject to an application to ensure suitability and availability. The Centre offers competitive rates to make our spaces accessible to all.
Why Hire with Us?
Prime Location: Just a 15-minute drive from Sunshine Coast Airport and a 200 metre walk from Maroochydore Beach and river.
Affordable Rates: Our competitive rates make our facilities accessible for community and commercial use.
Versatile Spaces: From small meetings to large events, our rooms cater to a variety of group sizes and purposes, including specialised uses like food photography.
Food-Licensed Kitchen: Our commercial kitchen is equipped to support food businesses, hospitality training, and food photography, meeting all regulatory standards.
Community Focus: By hiring our spaces, you’re supporting the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre’s mission to build a stronger, more connected Sunshine Coast.
Get in Touch
To inquire about availability, rates, or to submit a hire application, contact our team:
Phone: 5443 6696 Email: admin@maroochync.org.au
Community Garden
The Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre Community Garden is a thriving permaculture-based initiative tailored for local residents, particularly those in urban apartments surrounding the Centre on the Sunshine Coast. Modeled on the traditional English allotment system, this garden provides a nurturing space for community members to grow their own fresh produce while fostering connection, sustainability, and skill-building.
Program Overview
The Community Garden is designed to empower urban residents to cultivate their own food in a supportive, eco-friendly environment. Key features include:
Allotment-Style Plots: Individual garden plots are available for rent, allowing gardeners to grow their own vegetables, herbs, and other edible crops using permaculture principles.
Renewal System: Plots are leased on a six-month renewable basis, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for participants.
Shared Resources: Gardeners have access to a worm farm, compost area, compost bins, and rainwater tanks to support sustainable gardening practices.
Expert Support: Our dedicated Horticulturalist/Urban Farmer provides mentoring, guidance, and hands-on support to help gardeners succeed, regardless of experience level.
Benefits for the Community
The Community Garden offers numerous benefits, including:
Fresh, Home-Grown Produce: Gardeners enjoy chemical-free vegetables and herbs, reducing reliance on store-bought goods and minimizing food mileage.
Community Connection: The garden fosters social bonds among neighbors, creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Sustainability Education: Participants learn permaculture techniques, composting, and water conservation, promoting environmentally conscious practices.
Health and Well-Being: Gardening provides physical activity, mental health benefits, and the satisfaction of growing your own food.
Volunteering Opportunities
The Community Garden welcomes volunteers who are passionate about sustainability, community engagement, and gardening. Volunteering is a great way to contribute to the Sunshine Coast community while gaining hands-on experience. Opportunities include:
Garden Maintenance: Assist with maintaining shared garden spaces, such as the worm farm, compost area, and rainwater systems.
Workshop Support: Help facilitate horticultural workshops and educational tours, sharing knowledge with new gardeners.
Community Events: Support garden-related events, such as open days, plant swaps, or community harvest celebrations.
Mentorship Assistance: Work alongside the Horticulturalist/Urban Farmer to support plot holders with gardening advice and practical help.
Volunteers receive training, access to garden resources, and the chance to connect with like minded community members. No prior experience is required—just a willingness to learn and contribute!
Get Involved
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, the Community Garden welcomes you to join our vibrant growing community. Our Horticulturalist/Urban Farmer is here to support you every step of the way.
Urban Farm
The Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre Urban Farm is a vibrant social enterprise that cultivates a diverse range of chemical-free produce using permaculture principles. From fresh salad greens, herbs, and edible flowers to seasonal fruits and vegetables, the farm supplies high-quality, sustainable produce to local cafes, restaurants, catering businesses, and the broader Sunshine Coast community.
What We Do
Sustainable Farming: We grow chemical-free produce using permaculture techniques, ensuring environmentally friendly practices that support soil health and biodiversity.
Local Honey Production: Our beehives produce delicious, natural honey available for purchase, adding a sweet touch to our offerings.
Social Enterprise: As a revenue-generating initiative, the Urban Farm supports non-funded services at the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre, contributing to the sustainability of community programs.
Education and Engagement: We offer horticultural workshops and educational tours by appointment, sharing knowledge about sustainable farming and permaculture with the community.
Why Choose Us?
By purchasing from the Urban Farm, you’re not only enjoying fresh, healthy, and locally grown produce but also supporting vital community services at the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre. Our farm reduces food mileage by providing locally sourced goods, ensuring freshness and sustainability.
Volunteering Opportunities
The Urban Farm welcomes volunteers who are passionate about sustainability, community engagement, and gardening. Volunteering is a great way to contribute to the Sunshine Coast community while gaining hands-on experience. Opportunities include:
Garden Maintenance: Assist with maintaining shared garden spaces, such as the worm farm, compost area, and rainwater systems.
Workshop Support: Help facilitate horticultural workshops and educational tours, sharing knowledge with new gardeners.
Community Events: Support garden-related events, such as open days, plant swaps, or community harvest celebrations.
Mentorship Assistance: Work alongside the Horticulturalist/Urban Farmer to support plot holders with gardening advice and practical help.
Volunteers receive training, access to garden resources, and the chance to connect with like minded community members. No prior experience is required—just a willingness to learn and contribute!
Visit Us
Come by the Urban Farm to pick up affordable, freshly harvested veggies right from the source! It’s a great way to eat healthily while supporting your community—a true win-win!
For more information or to book a workshop or tour, contact us at:
Email: horticulture@maroochync.org.au Phone: 5443 6696
