The Mullumbimby & District Neighbourhood Centre (MDNC) has advised that it will reduce staffing levels by approximately half by 30 June 2026 due to the cessation of disaster recovery funding originally provided in response to the 2022 floods.
With the upcoming closure of Safe Haven North Coast, the transition of residents from local temporary housing villages, and the cessation of disaster recovery funding that has supported key MDNC staff, all happening at the same time, the pressure on remaining services is increasing significantly.
The impacts are already being felt. Local food relief services, including The Gulganii Community Pantry food bank run by MDNC, have reported a 40 per cent increase in demand, with more individuals and families relying on basic food supplies as cost-of-living pressures intensify. The loss of emergency relief funding in June 2025 has already had a devastating impact on both community members and the MDNC, leaving no dedicated support worker in place.
Need secure funding
Community support organisations across Mullumbimby and the surrounding Shire have raised serious concerns following their quarterly sector meeting, highlighting increasing pressure on local services alongside growing community need – and a critical need to secure ongoing funding for MDNC.
‘I urge funding bodies to listen to our community organisations and recognise the clear need for further financial support to ensure this vital work can continue,’ said Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye.
Representatives from frontline organisations reported that demand for support has risen significantly in recent months, with some services experiencing increases of up to 50 per cent. This reflects ongoing cost-of-living pressures, housing instability, and rising demand for mental health and wellbeing support.
The group is calling on government, funding bodies, and community stakeholders to prioritise investment in MDNC to ensure continuity of care and support for the region. Continued collaboration across the sector remains strong, but sustainable resourcing is urgently needed to meet current and future demand.
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