Mary Mac's Place

A PLACE OF WELCOME, SUPPORT & CONNECTION FOR ANYONE DOING IT TOUGH

At Mary Mac’s, every person who walks through the door is met with kindness, respect and a genuine sense of care. People from all walks of life come here, men and women, families, young people and older members of the community, each carrying their own story. What they find is more than a meal. They find connection, conversation and a sense of belonging.

From Monday to Friday, a nutritious lunch is shared in a warm and friendly space, served by volunteers who give their time with genuine care and compassion. For many, it is the highlight of their day, a chance to sit down, feel safe and be treated with dignity. But the support does not stop there. Mary Mac’s offers practical help that can make a real difference, including access to showers, laundry facilities and connections to vital services such as legal support, homelessness assistance and healthcare. With the support of community partners, guests can also take food home, helping to ease the pressure beyond the day.

Behind every visit is a story. A mother protecting her children after leaving an unsafe home. A family struggling to stay afloat after illness takes away their main source of income. An older person navigating life alone on a limited pension. More and more, people are being pushed to the edge by rising rents and the increasing cost of living, and many are turning to Mary Mac’s for support for the very first time.

What started as a simple act of kindness by parishioners of St John the Baptist Church in Woy Woy has grown into a vital community service, now led by CatholicCare and sustained by the generosity of volunteers. At its heart, Mary Mac’s remains a place of compassion, where no one is judged and no one is turned away.

This service was commenced by parishioners of St John the Baptist Church Woy Woy, and the work has continued through CatholicCare, supported by many volunteers.

Homelessness is a community responsibility

Kim encourages us to support those in our community who are seeking a helping hand by donating $6 for a meal.

How does Mary Mac's Place help people?

Sally manages Mary Mac’s Place on a daily basis. Here she explains this essential service.

Kevin once came to us for meals, now he volunteers

Kevin talks about his personal experience – how Mary Mac’s helped him when he needed it most and why he wants to give back.

Please shout a mate a $6 plate today

Every $6 plate counts and makes such a huge difference.

We are incredibly thankful for all donations.
Without your generosity we would need to turn many people away.

Donate now

MARY MAC’S DOES NOT RECEIVE ANY FORMAL FUNDING

Each weekday, up to 100 meals are shared with people who might otherwise go without, made possible entirely by the generosity of our community. This work is not funded by grants or government programs – it continues because people choose to give and stand alongside those doing it tough. Every donation helps keep our doors open and offers more than a meal – it brings dignity, care, and connection. As a registered charity, gifts of $2 or more are tax deductible, and with just $6 you can Shout a Mate a Plate, making a real difference in someone’s day.

You’ll find Mary Mac’s at the Ethel Cox Centre
100 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy
M: 0428 122 136
E: marymacs@catholiccaredbb.org.au

Frequently asked questions

I am not Catholic, can I still access your service?

Yes, our service is open to all.

When are you open?

Monday – Friday between 8.00am – 1.00pm (excluding public holidays).

What support do you provide?

Generally, those who are street sleeping will come for breakfast (8.00am – 9.00am), grab a tea/coffee, have a shower and utilise laundry facilities. Our main service is a takeaway lunch which is served between 11.00am – 1.00pm. We also provide some food for people in need to take with them (donated by local supermarkets) and food hampers (depending on stock).

Does Mary Mac’s Place provide any support for homelessness and mental health?

Mary Mac’s Place receives no government funding and is reliant on the support of community. As a result, we are a community kitchen, with a primary focus on food, and providing bathroom, laundry, and other practical supports. However, we have other services that provide outreach support those needing housing and health assistance. We will also try our best to connect you with appropriate support services.

Where can I get help if I am homeless or at risk of homelessness?

For those who are in immediate crisis contact Link2Home on 1800 152 152 to seek emergency accommodation. To locate appropriate support services in your community, we suggest visiting www.askizzy.org.au.

Who can access your service?

Anyone who is down on their luck or needing a helping hand can use our service. We are open to all.

How can we support Mary Mac’s Place?

Mary Mac’s Place is primarily reliant on the support on the kindness of the community. We accept donations in the form of money and food. Our service also primarily runs on the support of volunteers. Ideally, our volunteers are committed long term and live locally. Call 1800 324 924 for more information or donate here.

Mary Mac’s is my family. Whether people know my story or not, I am loved here.