On Saturday 28 February 2026, the doors of Mum’s Cottage Community Coffee and Training Centre in Holmesville reopened, not simply to a renewed space, but to renewed hope.

Bishop Michael Kennedy officially re-opened and blessed the centre, marking an important milestone for this vital community initiative.

Mum’s Cottage is more than a building. It is a sanctuary for mums and families, where people are welcomed as they are, without judgement, and reminded that they are not alone. Here, practical support is readily available, meaningful social connections are nurtured, mentoring is offered, and compassionate emotional care is provided.

Mum’s Cottage is an ecumenical space grounded in Christ. Its work is centred on living the Gospel through the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, upholding the dignity of every person, fostering respect, and standing in solidarity with those who are vulnerable. In this way, Mum’s Cottage embodies a shared commitment to compassion, inclusion and authentic community, shaped by the love of Christ and expressed in practical care.

Over the years, Mum’s Cottage has grown into a place of holistic support, responding to physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs. The centre walks alongside women, men, and families through seasons of challenge and transition, offering opportunities for learning, skill-building, and personal growth.

The re-opening celebration brought together state and federal Members of Parliament, local government representatives, staff from the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, members of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, leaders from other Christian denominations, volunteers, and media. Their presence highlighted the wide network of support that sustains Mum’s Cottage and the shared belief in its mission.

Over the past several years, Mum’s Cottage has undergone a $289,000 renovation to strengthen and enhance its facilities. The Australian Federal Government contributed $250,000 through the Investing in Our Communities Program, enabling essential improvements to ensure the space remains safe, welcoming, and accessible.

The upgrades included structural repairs to the portico, piers, and roof junctions, new external painting, larger gutters, and improvements to windows and doors. Inside, the kitchen, learning, training, and respite areas were refreshed. Accessibility was improved with new concrete ramps, handrails, and dedicated disability parking, ensuring all who come to Mum’s Cottage can enter with dignity and ease.

The re-opening of Mum’s Cottage is more than a building milestone. It strengthens it as a place of renewal, hope and belonging.