About Us

Macquarie Care is the heart of our church in the community, mobilising volunteers to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people across Lake Macquarie.

For more than 25 years, Macquarie Care has been connecting with and supporting thousands of individuals, families and groups across our community. We love our community, and our mission is simple: to bring hope, connection and practical support to people when they need it most.

We believe everyone needs hope - hope that can sustain us through life’s hardest seasons and remind us that we’re not alone. Whether people come through our doors or we meet them where they are, we want to extend a hand of hope and walk alongside them.

Macquarie Care is the expression of the heart of Macquarie Life Church - the church on the hill at Cardiff. Since 1998, we have been outward-focused, committed to loving and serving people from all walks of life.

Through our programs and services, we connect with students in schools, people in prisons, nursing homes, hospitals and detention centres, as well as people experiencing homelessness, hardship or disadvantage. Our incredible team of volunteers serve with compassion, meeting and supporting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people across our region.

These key initiatives help us to impact lives beyond the walls of our church and stand as a beacon of hope in a world looking for answers. 

Our services include: 

Car 2 Home Project – providing a safe place for people experiencing homelessness to sleep in their cars

Manna House – providing affordable food hampers to individuals and families each week

Playgroup – creating a welcoming space for parents and children to connect, play and build friendships

Chaplaincy – providing care, support and spiritual encouragement in schools, aged care facilities and hospitals

Celebrate Recovery– equipping and supporting people with practical tools for wherever they are on their journey

Seniors Café – bringing seniors together each month for connection, friendship and community

All Abilities Café – creating an inclusive space where people of all abilities can connect, build friendships and enjoy meaningful activities together

Community Events – connecting with and supporting our wider community through events such as Hunter Homeless Connect Day, Night Under the Stars and Seniors Christmas Concert. 

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your understanding...
This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

Proverbs 3:5–8

Meet the Team

  • Danielle Whyte

    PROJECT MANAGER / IN-HOUSE LAWYER

    If you ask Danny what drives her, it’s pretty simple - she wants to see people have a genuine chance to move forward in life

    With a background in law, project management and advocacy, she’s spent the past decade helping people navigate the systems and barriers that can keep them stuck in poverty and homelessness.

    She’s passionate about seeing people break that cycle and believes everyone deserves the opportunity to find stability, hope and a way forward.

  • Sue Jenkins

    MANAGEMENT TEAM / MANNA HOUSE / CHAPLAIN

    If there’s one thing that sums up Sue, it’s this: she sees the person, not the problem.

    Sue has spent her career supporting people, strengthening communities and advocating for those experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage. After 30 years in early childhood education, she moved into community and welfare work before finding her passion in chaplaincy.

    For the past 9 years, she has led Chaplaincy Australia chaplains across the Hunter, along with working in school and aged care chaplaincy and the NSW Government Disaster Chaplaincy response team.

    Her dedication has also been recognised with three awards over the past three years, including LMCC Outstanding Achievement for a Person with a Disability, a Rotary Award and the Resilient Community Hero Award.

  • Chris Hughes

    MANAGEMENT TEAM

    Chris is part of the Macquarie Care Management team, bringing years of experience from the NSW corrections system, where he supported people in both custodial and community settings.

    His experience taught him the importance of compassion, dignity and genuine care - especially when people are at their most vulnerable.

    Now, Chris is bringing that same heart for people into the community, helping individuals navigate challenges and connect with the support they need.

  • Leonie Lewis

    FINANCES / MANAGEMENT TEAM

    Leonie brings extensive experience in project management, finance and business to Macquarie Care. As a Project Manager with a large building company, she has developed strong skills in managing complex projects, coordinating teams and keeping things moving from planning through to completion.

    With many years of financial and business experience, Leonie brings a practical, organised approach and a heart for seeing people and communities thrive. She is passionate about using her skills to help Macquarie Care make a lasting difference.

  • Gillian Milton

    BRAND MANAGER / MANAGEMENT TEAM

    Gillian brings more than 25 years of experience in design, branding and creative communications to Macquarie Care. As Brand Manager and Social Media lead, she helps bring the heart and vision of Macquarie Care to life through its brand, digital presence and storytelling.

    With a passion for creativity and people, Gillian loves finding ways to share the stories of Macquarie Care and highlight the difference being made across the community. She is passionate about using her skills to help connect people with the support, hope and community they need.