Media Release

Freemasons on the Central Coast are proud to offer ongoing assistance to Mary Mac’s Place in Woy Woy – this year with the purchase of urgently needed equipment.

Mary Mac’s is an invaluable service assisting some of our most vulnerable community members. It provides some 80–100 free hot lunches daily from Monday to Friday, and visitors can also obtain food hampers, and access shower and laundry facilities in a friendly, practical and non-judgemental environment which helps alleviate isolation in the community. In addition, Mary Mac’s provides a segue to other essential services eg. homelessness support, health and legal services.

With no government funding, and only one permanent part-time paid employee, Mary Mac’s relies on charitable funding from the Catholic church, community donations, occasional bequests, corporate support, and the wonderful network of ever-willing volunteers.

In recent years, Freemasons on the Central Coast have assisted with the purchase of a new gas stove/cooker and each year we assist by providing food items for Christmas hampers. Last year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, we were unable to collect food items, donating money instead ($5,300)towards the purchase of hamper items.

As Practice Manager Homelessness, Sean Mackinnon explains: ‘Due to the current economic instability, we are seeing a significant increase in need from the most vulnerable in our community. Mary Mac’s provides a confidential safe space for many of those community members to connect … no referral is needed.’

‘During the pandemic, the Central Coast has faced an unprecedented demand for housing. Migration away from the city has exacerbated the local housing shortage, contributed to major rental increases and the scarcity of available rental properties. We are currently seeing a significant rise in homelessness, particularly with families who are no longer able to access the local rental market, placing them in a challenging predicament, often unsafe and unsuitable.’

‘The dire housing situation and resulting increase in homelessness has contributed to an ever-increasing need for related facilties and services.’

This year Freemasons on the Central Coast received a request from Mary Mac’s Place to help purchase a washing machine and dryer to replace the old, worn ones. As Sean explained: ‘We have been seeing a much greater demand for the laundry facility with families having to wait around for a turn, and a modern – quicker and more efficient – washer and dryer would help the situation. Two of each would be even better!’

Appreciating what a vital role Mary Mac’s plays in the local community, Freemasons on the Central Coast answered the call and had no hesitation in providing two washing machines and two dryers.