The Community Hub
Issues in our community are confronting but real, and often hidden. Poverty, sickness, homelessness, substance abuse, family violence. All of which can lead to untold distress. Ultimately, this suffering impacts everyone in the Cairns community in some way. The MaraWay aims to break the cycle of suffering by helping individuals and families improve their lives and positively contribute to the community. The flow-on benefits to our collective wellbeing, society and economy are immeasurable.
Our services and programs are divided into two key areas: Here at The MaraWay Community Hub, and over at vocational training. We’d love you to explore them all.
Welcome to The MaraWay Community Hub
The MaraWay Community Hub – located at 86 Anderson Street in Manunda - is HQ for people who need a helping hand to help themselves.
Each year, the Hub provides support to around 5,000 individuals and families, enabling them to discover new ways to move forward with productive, fulfilling lives.
How do we do it? One person at a time.
Everyone is different, and everyone is going to have different needs. This is why we don’t just focus on one need or try to do it all ourselves. We believe in collaborating and connecting with a wide range of expertise and community assistance to leverage the best support Cairns has to offer and provide access to much needed services.
We provide a safe haven for those who need it and help them take the first step, then the next, and the next towards a better life.
We help people build the determination, resilience and momentum they need to make changes for the better, and take responsibility for helping themselves.
When The MaraWay Community Hub opened in March 2016, Maria Pedersen, Chair of the Board, announced “Here we are, ready to go into bat for disadvantaged people from Cairns to the Torres Strait and beyond. Anyone walking through the front door of our Hub is taking a positive step and we’ll support them no matter what.”
The Community Hub is a welcoming, safe space where everyone can access support, build their confidence, get a little tough love when it’s needed and access a range of support services.
Our Services
The MaraWay Community Hub has strong partnerships with many community groups, and can provide access to a wide range of support services.
Then there’s the Driver Licensing Program, which holds driver licensing days at the Hub to assist people in completing their written tests to get their learner's licence. Not having a licence is a huge barrier to employment, so this service is always popular, with regular waiting lists.
Births, Deaths and Marriages Qld provides individuals with the identification they need to apply for jobs, get a driver's licence, open a bank account, and have the identification we all need to participate in our community. Most people would be surprised by how many individuals in our community have no identification. Imagine how hard life would be if you couldn’t prove your existence.
OzHarvest provides food for our Emergency Relief Program.
The MaraWay Hub is also a place where people connect in our community. Our space is available for all sorts of community organisations or groups. Give us a call to talk about how you can use our space, we are always up for a yarn on how we can work together!
Free WiFi and Computer Access
Need to login to MyGov, search for a job, or update your resume? Then Hub can help you with free WiFi and computer access.
Internet access and computers are expensive. Making these basic tools available is a simple yet effective way to enable people to perform everyday tasks in our technology-driven society.
So many essential functions require online access whether it’s applying for a job, paying a bill, interacting with Centrelink, or even just checking your emails.
Support and Referral Services
Whatever challenges a person might be facing, the Hub is a welcoming space for anyone who needs support or just a friendly ear.
Unlike some organisations that just focus on supporting one main service (e.g. poverty or homelessness), we focus on supporting and connecting people with whatever service they may need. We understand that people often have a range of complex needs and life circumstances, so we focus on the individual first to find ways to address their specific needs.
When people come to The Hub, we listen to them and work with them to determine what support they require. Then we help them access the best services Cairns has to offer.
We work with them to coordinate the services, reducing the need for them to share their story repeatedly, which can be traumatic for many people.
We help them take the first step, then the next, and the next. Small manageable steps to help them improve their lives.
Along the way, we expect people to take responsibility for their choices and actions so they build capabilities, skills and confidence that will develop positive momentum and resilience for the future.
Can’t see what you’re looking for?
We’re here for anyone who needs support with challenges they are facing. Even if you’re just feeling a tad down and lonely, give us a call, or drop in and have a chat.
We will do our very best to help you.
We understand it’s not always easy to find the right information and services to meet your needs. That’s why we’re here. Give our Community Hub a call on 07 4040 2099.
