About Us

Our Mission

The Emmanuel Centre was created in 1981 as a Catholic Ministry for people with disabilities/people with other abilities, as well as their families, and carers.

The mission of our organisation is to demonstrate God’s love and power present in the world.

Our guiding principles are:

    – SELF HELP - The sharing of gifts and skills of both people with a disability as well as their families. Everyone is encouraged to contribute.
    – PLACE - Where gifts and skills can be shared to receive help.
    – RESPONDING TO NEEDS - We create programs based on the needs of the individuals who come, rather than have a program and get people to come.

To find out more about our history, click here

We are all made in the image and likeness of God. God does not make mistakes and people with disability/other abilities are no less an image of God.

Cf Genesis 1:27

What We Do

ministry framework includes 7 items
Connection and Community: A welcoming community centre where people belong.

Advocacy: We support and advocate for the needs of those with disability/different abilities.

Accommodation Support: We provide opportunity for people with disability/different abilities to have a safe place, learn new life-skills and take responsibility to care for each other through our accommodation support.

Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care: We provide opportunity to participate in religious experiences and become close to what matters to them most.

Spiritual Counselling: We support people to build on their strengths and skills to manage challenges of life and living.

Personal growth and skill development We support people to explore who they are and discover God’s plan for them. We are only ‘companions on the journey’ in their self-discovery and fulfilment.

Education: We provide education support within church and community setting to enhance one’s capacity to engage and respond to the challenges faced by people with disability/different abilities, families and carers.

Organisations in The Emmanuel Centre

The organisations at The Emmanuel Centre are:

Catholic Ministry for People who are Deaf or Hearing Impaired

This ministry seeks to make God’s Word accessible to deaf and hearing-impaired people.

Catholic Association for Special Education Support (C.A.S.E.S.)

Parents and others who work toward acceptance and support of children with special needs, particularly in Catholic schools.

Catholic Parish Mental Health Groups

This group of carers, people who have mental health issues, pastoral workers, friends, priests, religious, and families seeks to provide support and encouragement to people with mental health issues, and to those who provide care.