Maroondah Community Assist Inc

Maroondah Community Assist Inc (ABN: 14948239181RR0001) is a nonprofit emergency relief organisation based in the Maroondah area, Victoria, Australia. The organisation is run primarily by volunteers and provides confidential, free, independent, and impartial advice and support to individuals and families experiencing hardship and cost of living crises within the Maroondah City Council jurisdiction.

History and Overview

Maroondah Community Assist operates as a not-for-profit entity funded through a combination of government support and community donations. Its primary funding sources include the Australian Federal Government via Community Information Services Victoria, the Maroondah City Council, and generous contributions from local religious organizations, businesses, community groups, and private citizens.

Services

The organisation offers a range of support services aimed at alleviating hardship and facilitating access to essential resources:

• Emergency Relief: This includes the provision of food parcels, toiletries, assistance with prescription costs, and referrals to free legal and health services. Emergency relief is targeted at residents of the Maroondah area experiencing financial difficulty.

• Advocacy and Referrals: Staff and volunteers assist clients by communicating and negotiating with other service organisations on their behalf to ensure they receive necessary support.

• Tax Help: Maroondah Community Assist provides tax assistance to individuals earning $60,000 or less with straightforward tax returns. Volunteers delivering this service are trained, accredited, and supported by the Australian Taxation Office.

• Christmas Hampers: Each year, in collaboration with the Maroondah City Council, the organisation distributes Christmas hampers to clients in crisis or in need of extra support during the holiday season.

• Community Information: MCA acts as a central resource for clients requiring guidance and referrals to various community agencies, including legal and health services.

Operation and Volunteerism

The organisation operates from its Croydon office with regular opening hours from Tuesday to Friday, 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. It is sustained by a dedicated team of volunteers who are essential to delivering its services and maintaining contact with the community.

Mission Statement

Maroondah Community Assist is committed to supporting individuals and families in need within its community, embodying the spirit of mutual aid and compassion. Its work is underpinned by the belief in helping others, a principle reflecting the ethos of their service provision.

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”
— Audrey Hepburn

Maroondah Community Assist continues to be a vital community resource addressing emergency relief needs, fostering community support, and promoting well-being within the Maroondah region.

[1] https://www.mca.org.au [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/6a3c1f5b-3aaf-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd [3] https://www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/Community-support-business/Community-Directory/Maroondah-Community-Assist-Croydon [4] https://www.mca.org.au/about-us [5] https://www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/Community-support-business/Community-funding-grants/Community-Assistance-Fund