As part of our Social Strategy, we’re developing a series of supporting plans that outline how we’ll tailor support to meet the diverse challenges and needs of the Maitland community.

Over 25,000 families currently call Maitland their home, and this number is set to grow even more. The Children and Families Supporting Plan will outline Council's commitment to fostering childhood development, family safety and strengthening social connections.

We want your input to shape programs, services and initiatives that aim to:

  • promote health and wellbeing opportunities during a child's crucial developmental years
  • provide lifelong learning opportunities and support for parents
  • make Maitland a fun, inclusive and supportive place to raise a family
  • strengthen prevention, supports, and healing for those in our community impacted by domestic and family violence.

  • Listening to children's voices

    Children have a right to participate in decisions that impact them. We want to ensure this plan includes children's voices, wants and needs. You can help children participate in this engagement by doing online activities together as a shared conversation, helping them fill out our social census for kids, or coming to see us at one of our pop-up events.

    Social census for kids 

Just like people, families come in all shapes and sizes.

We understand that family structures are complex and unique. They can be two-parent families, single-parent families, same sex couple families, blended families and families with adopted or fostered children. Furthermore, the responsibilities of raising children can include parents, siblings, grandparents, extended family and even community members.

This plan is for all types of families.

Family, domestic and gender-based violence can happen to anyone, in any type of relationship. It also doesn't just impact adults - it impacts the whole family. Growing up in an environment where there is family violence can have a profound impact on a child's life.

Sadly, Maitland has high rates of domestic violence compared to NSW state averages, and trends show these numbers are continuing to increase. We are committed to working alongside the services sector to implement prevention strategies for our community, and help better support those looking to escape or heal from domestic and family violence.


If you are in immediate danger, please call 000.

1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) - if you are experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, call 1800RESPECT for 24-hour national counselling.

Lifeline 13 11 14 - anyone across Australia experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide can call 13 11 14, or text 0477 13 11 14 at night.

Kids Help Line 1800 551 800 - free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25 in Australia.

You can read more about local supports in Maitland here: Maitland Against Domestic Violence (MADA) Support Services

You learn more about what family and domestic violence includes here: Services Australia / Family and Domestic Violence

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