Council launches first-ever Social Strategy to strengthen community wellbeing

Maitland City Council is developing its first Social Strategy, which will set out a roadmap to strengthen social wellbeing and build a more connected city with thriving communities.

The Strategy outlines a vision for a stronger, more resilient Maitland and sets the direction for working with government agencies, community services, schools and local groups to better understand community needs and identify service gaps, ensuring residents receive the right support to thrive now and into the future. It will also look ahead to challenges and opportunities, such as population growth, changing social trends and service pressures, so Maitland is prepared as the city continues to grow.

Council's Acting Director City Services Darren Crumpler says the Social Strategy is an important step in shaping Maitland’s future.

“Maitland is a growing, diverse community, and with that growth comes both opportunities and challenges.

“The Social Strategy will provide a framework for working in partnership with our community and key stakeholders to ensure every resident has the chance to feel connected and access the support they need,” Mr Crumpler said.

Nine supporting plans will sit under the Strategy, each focusing on the needs of different groups, including young people aged 12 to 24, older residents, children and families, multicultural communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, individuals experiencing hardship, social sustainability and community disaster preparedness.

"We know that our community faces different social challenges, and no single organisation can address them alone,” Mr Crumpler said.

“We encourage residents to share their ideas and lived experiences to ensure the Strategy reflects what matters most to Maitland."

Community consultation will begin in October 2025 and run through May 2026. Residents can have their say by attending events, workshops and focus groups, or by completing surveys and online activities.

The first consultation will take place at Maitland Riverlights on Saturday 11 October 2025. Council’s Community Planning team will host a pop-up to share information about the overall Strategy, as well as the Multicultural Communities and Social Sustainability Supporting Plan, and hear directly from the community about what matters most.

The draft Strategy is expected to go on public exhibition in late 2026 before being finalised. For more information and to get involved, visit yoursay.maitland.nsw.gov.au/social-strategy.