New premises for Mary Mac's

Around 80 friends and supporters of Mary Mac's Place will gather to celebrate the opening of Mary Mac's Place in a new, purpose-built premises at the Ethel Cox Community Centre on Friday, July 27.

The new location is part of the recently completed St John the Baptist Parish development at 100 Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy.

"This occasion will honour the vital contribution of our many benefactors whose most generous donations made this project possible," project coordinator Ms Robyn Schacht said.

"Our major sponsor Newcastle Permanent Building Society Charitable Foundation has donated $50,000 to outfitting the new premises for use by Mary Mac's Place.

"Other major sponsors are St Vincent de Paul Society, Central Coast Community Chest, Ettalong Beach War Memorial Club and Gosford Council."

Ms Schacht said representatives from all these organisations would be present including Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Manager Mr Jason Bourke, Gosford mayor Cr Laurie Maher and Central Coast Community Chest general manager Cr Chris Holstein.

Hosting the event will be St John the Baptist parish priest Fr John Hill and members of Mary Mac's Place steering committee including Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews, Centacare Broken Bay area manager Ms Trish Devlin and Parish Pastoral Council Ms Louise Degeling.

Mary Mac's Place is a Charitable Work of St John the Baptist Parish, supported by Centacare Broken Bay, Reuben F. Scarf Memorial Foundation and St Vincent de Paul Society.

"Mary Mac's Place provides a warm and welcoming environment with respite from the trauma of homelessness and economic disadvantage," Ms Schacht said.

"Our 60 volunteers prepare and serve hot, nutritious mid-day meals, Monday to Friday, to individuals and families in need and, importantly, provide information and referrals to appropriate community services.

"Since moving to our new premises at the Ethel Cox Centre, upwards of 50 people a day are seeking our assistance, with a marked increase in numbers of women and children. "Lack of affordable accommodation is a major contributing factor to the very difficult circumstances of many of our guests."

Press release, 11 July 2007 Robyn Schacht, Mary Mac's Place