Celebrating 50 years of helping people in Surry Hills
Known and loved by many in the community, the Mission Australia Centre (MAC) celebrates 50 years of serving and supporting inner-city Sydney’s most vulnerable. To honour a half-century of service, here’s a look at some of the key milestones along the way.
What does the MAC do?
Located in Sydney’s inner-city suburb of Surry Hills, the MAC provides on-site housing for 32 men, as well as a range of wraparound support services to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The dedicated staff and volunteers at the MAC provide residents and community members with physical and mental health care, wellbeing and educational services. The MAC is also home to Missionbeat, Mission Australia’s service that provides support and outreach to people sleeping rough across inner Sydney.
See a tour of the MAC:
Our 50-year journey
The MAC first opened in 1974 as Campbell House. It was founded by Charles Chambers, the former President of the Sydney City Mission, former head of Sydney City Mission and Mission Australia. Charles Chambers advocated a different approach to homelessness outreach, believing people experiencing homelessness and battling addiction should be treated with dignity.
Campbell House, named after Rev. A.P. Campbell, provided accommodation and support for men experiencing homelessness and alcohol addiction. With 32 beds in the Intoxicated Persons Unit, 24 nursing home beds with an associated detox unit and 12 rooms in the Frail Aged People Unit.
Did you know?
The MAC was one of the first crisis homelessness programs to move away from traditional service models for providing shelter and food. Mission Australia believes that poverty and homelessness are not just about material disadvantage, but also exclusion and isolation. We provide wraparound support to tackle the causes of homelessness. Read how the MAC helps people transition out of homelessness.
Photo by: Ramon Williams
In 1998, Charles Chambers Court opened around the corner, becoming Mission Australia’s first residential aged care facility. Today, Charles Chambers Court continues to support older people vulnerable to homelessness.
The MAC as we know it today was established in 2005 following a redevelopment of the building.
The heart of the MAC is the Cooinda Centre, which provides over 50 on-site allied health, wellbeing and educational services to support clients to manage the complex needs that lead to them becoming homeless.
Learn more about the journey:
Over 50 years, the MAC in Surry Hills has touched thousands of lives and served as a central gathering place for community members seeking to access services and support. Thank you for being part of our continuing journey.
Mission Australia Centres are purpose-built community hubs with services tailored to address the most pressing human needs facing the local community available in the one location. There are three Mission Australia Centres in NSW: Surry Hills, Kingswood and Coffs Harbour.
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