The Community Centre's doors at reception are open and we welcome you to come and talk to us. Please be aware that we will continue to respond to a number of challenges that have arisen in response to COVID-19. 

Currently we are working with organisers of larger groups to create a safe and healthy environment and have had a number of our venue hirers come back and join us, as well as some of our social groups. 

To find out more information on those groups who have restarted you can go to the 'What's On' page (link at the top) or give our friendly team a call. 

The Centre will continue to provide essential services such as community information, support and referrals, Family Support and emergency relief. There is staff at the Centre every week day to take your phone inquiries and at reception; please ring us or come in if you are needing support through this very strange time. We are here to listen and provide support where we can. 

Access to the above services or support: please contact us by phone 4055 6440 or email admin@mcnc.org.au

Demand for hampers delivered by the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal is expected to surge this year as a result of the impacts of the coronavirus crisis.

The annual appeal provides hampers for local families and senior citizens who need a helping hand during the Christmas festive period. In recent years the appeal has delivered about 700 hampers, which provide basic meals and staples.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning believes significantly more people will need a festive helping hand this year. “This crisis has had an incredibly devastating impact on our city. Times are tough and people are hurting,” Cr Manning said.

“We are launching the fundraising much earlier than normal this year; we usually kick it off in October as we anticipate that the impacts of coronavirus on the community will result in an increase in demand for hampers.”

“We would ordinarily provide 700 hampers; I would not be surprised if we had twice as many people needing assistance this year.”

Cr Manning welcomed the support of local media, from newspaper to radio, television to marketing agencies, to spread the message and encourage  people to back this year’s mammoth fundraising effort.

“Council is pleased to be partnering with 12 local media suppliers this year who are generously donating their services in-kind to help promote this campaign,” Cr Manning said.

“It’s all about locals helping locals and showing those experiencing hardship that we care. Every cent donated to the charity goes to buying food supplies for the hampers.”

Council works with 22 local charities and organisations to confidentially identify residents who are eligible for some festive cheer.

Marlin Coast Neighbourhood Centre has been nominated for the Queensland Training Awards in the category of Community Training Initiative of the Year. Congratulations and thank you Allison for your tireless dedication.
A massive congratulations also to Huong (Rosie) Baxter who has been nominated for - Vocational Student of the Year and Equity VET Student of the Year, and Rikki Bruce who has also been nominated for - Vocational Student of the Year, Equity VET Student of the Year, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year.