A recent visit by Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) has shone a national spotlight on the important work being done by Centacare Family Services Geraldton to support local families, men, and vulnerable Australians experiencing homelessness.
Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) Executive Director Dr Jerry Nockles has praised the efforts of Centacare Family Services Geraldton during a recent visit to the Midwest region, spotlighting the organisation’s innovative work in housing support, men’s wellbeing, and family services.
“Centacare Geraldton’s deep connection to community needs has transformed their service delivery. The national social services sector has much to learn from their resourceful approach, particularly how they have built programs that recognise the inherent value and potential in every individual they support.”
“My visit to the Midwest has reinforced what we already know from Professor David Gilchrist’s ‘Real Costs’ report – there’s a significant and concerning gap between government funding and the actual costs of delivering quality services,” said Dr Nockles.
“Despite these financial pressures, Centacare Geraldton continues to deliver exceptional care, but we cannot expect our service providers to indefinitely bridge this funding shortfall through their own resourcefulness.”
The ‘Real Costs’ report, commissioned by CSSA and conducted by Professor David Gilchrist at the University of Western Australia, revealed that community service organisations across Australia are operating with substantial funding deficits.
Centacare Family Services Geraldton has been supporting the Geraldton community since 1986 and now operates across the Midwest and Gascoyne regions. Its services include homelessness support, emergency relief and food assistance, mental health counselling, parenting education support for families experiencing separation, and men’s wellbeing programs.
Currently, Centacare supports just over 10 percent of Geraldton’s population, a reflection of both community need, and trust built over nearly four decades.
David Power, CEO of Centacare Geraldton said, “The Men’s Hub is one of the quiet strengths of our service. It is a place where men in our community can come without shame, without judgement, and find real connection. We’re seeing more men struggling with cost-of-living pressures, housing stress, and isolation. When we support men to heal and rebuild, we strengthen families and communities too.”
“We are doing everything that we can to meet demand, but as operating costs increase, our funding doesn’t keep pace. We ‘re constantly fundraising to keep essential services running.”
To help raise vital funds, Centacare Geraldton will host its inaugural Gala Dinner on Saturday 26 July 2025 at the QEII Centre, Geraldton.
“We invite the community to join us and help raise funds to keep these critical programs going,”
Centacare Family Services Geraldton is a proud member of the Catholic Social Services Australia, a peak body representing 40 Catholic social service organisations working with vulnerable Australians and families experiencing disadvantage nationally.
To learn more, volunteer, or support Centacare’s work, visit: Home – Centacare Family Services
Tickets are now on sale via Centacare’s Community Gala – CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Click here for the full report on Real Costs, Real Impacts: A Path to Social Services Sustainability, Professor David Gilchrist & Ben Perks, Centre for Public Value University of Western Australia.