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ABOUT MERCY CONNECT

Together we grow

We’re a not-for-profit disability support provider founded in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy. We support people with disability to live connected, meaningful lives with values-driven, participant-centred care at the heart of everything we do.

WHO WE ARE

Founded in mercy, built for people

Mercy Connect is a not-for-profit disability support organisation founded and inspired by Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy. We deliver programs to people in need to improve, advocate and lead the way for vulnerable people across regional NSW and Victoria.

We support those in our care to live more connected and meaningful lives through values-driven, participant-centred programs and we proactively collaborate with partners to grow our impact.

As a ministry of Mercy Ministry Companions (MMC), we are part of a broader family of Catholic ministries in education, health, community services, and aged care all united by Gospel values and a commitment to serving those in need.

Purpose
Mercy Connect supports people in need to live fulfilled lives.
Vision
To become the preferred service provider for people with disability creating and delivering innovative services that empower participants to reach their full potential.
Mission
Through Mercy tradition, to recognise the rights of adults, children and older people with disability, and assist each person to achieve their life’s ambitions in a connected and meaningful way.

Our values

Compassion
We act with genuine care and empathy for every person we support.
Hospitality
We welcome everyone as they are, with warmth and without judgement.
Respect
We honour the dignity, rights and individuality of every person.
Innovation
We continuously seek better ways to deliver meaningful support.
Teamwork
We achieve more together — with participants, families, and each other.
Accountability
We take responsibility for our actions and the quality of our care.

Our history

1831
Foundation
Catherine McAuley and two companions profess their vows in Dublin, Ireland founding the Sisters of Mercy on December 12.
1846
Arrives in Australia
The first Sisters of Mercy arrive in Australia, establishing a foundation in Perth, Western Australia.
1956
Papua New Guinea
The first Sisters of Mercy from Australia arrive in Goroka, Papua New Guinea.
2011
ISMAPNG formed
Multiple congregations unite under Rome’s permission to form the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea (ISMAPNG).
2021
Mercy Ministry Companions
Successful transition to Mercy Ministry Companions (MMC) a new ecclesial entity incorporating Mercy Connect, Mercy Education, Mercy Health, Mercy Services and others.
HOW WE WORK

Person-centred, always

We believe every person has the right to live a meaningful life defined on their own terms, with their own goals, in their own way. That belief shapes everything we do, from how we design supports to how our team shows up every day.

Our approach is guided by evidence, informed by our participants and families, and grounded in the Mercy tradition of compassion, dignity, and respect.

Choice and control

Participants direct their own supports. We follow their lead not the other way around.

Community connection

We design supports that build genuine community belonging not just participation for its own sake.

Building independence

The goal is always to help people do more for themselves over time not to create dependency.

Continuous improvement

We actively seek feedback, conduct research, and evolve our practice to deliver better outcomes.

OUR IMPACT

Growing together, every year

Numbers tell part of the story. Behind every one of these is a participant living a more connected, meaningful life.

Dedicated staff
Regional locations
Years serving regional NSW
Community partnerships
NDIS registered provider
Active research projects
Services offered

ACNC

Registered charity

Our team

Executive Leadership Team

Meet the people responsible for the strategic direction, culture, and day-to-day excellence of Mercy Connect.

Board of Directors

Mercy Connect is governed by an independent Board of Directors who provide strategic oversight, financial accountability, and organisational leadership. Our board brings together expertise across disability services, finance, law, community development, and governance.

PARTNERSHIPS & INITIATIVES

Stronger together

Meaningful community connection is at the heart of what we do. These partnerships give participants purpose, skill, and belonging beyond our own walls.

Abbeyfield Australia
Abbeyfield Australia is a national not-for-profit community housing provider operating 23 Abbeyfield houses. Together with Mercy Connect, we are committed to the development and support of sustainable community-based housing.
Learn more
The Carevan Foundation
A small group of participants with the Carevan Foundation meet to create delicious and nutritious meals from donated foods as part of the ‘Cooking and Caring’ program.

Learn more
Albury Wodonga 
Regional FoodShare
We have come together to develop the Mercy Meals program where participants and their support staff collect food items on a weekly basis, prepare, cook and package healthy meals in bulk, and deliver them to participants who live independently and receive Outreach support.
Learn more
Rotary Club of Albury Foundation
The Rotary Club of Albury have generously provided a grant to support and collaborate with the Mercy Meals program, to develop healthy and nutritious meals and deliver them to people in need.
Learn more
Albury Wodonga Health
Participants volunteer their time for Meals on Wheels, led by Albury Wodonga Health. The group deliver meals to the elderly in the Albury region, three days a week.
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The Personnel Group
Participants are employed under a supported wages program, managed by The Personnel Group, creating meaningful employment pathways for people with disability.
Learn more
Wodonga TAFE
Together with Wodonga TAFE, we deliver education and training opportunities that strengthen workforce capability and support personal and professional growth.
Albury City Council
Albury City Council provide free access to the Recycling Centre to the participants who engage in the Ecco Crew. The Ecco Crew volunteers time by helping the community through cleaning up various public spaces.
Learn more
Albury City Council
Six participants are employed under a supported wages program, managed by The Personnel Group — creating meaningful employment pathways for people with disability.
Learn more

Innovation & Research

Evidence-led, always improving

We invest in research that directly improves outcomes for participants and staff. Click any project to read more.

  • Care Economy CRC — $35M Federal Funding
    The Care Economy Cooperative Research Centre was awarded $35 million in federal funding, supporting research into improved care outcomes across the disability sector.
    Learn more
  • IMERCYVE – Connecting, Caring & Collaboration: A Virtual Reality Experience
    Learn more

STRATEGY & GOVERNANCE

Accountable, transparent, strategic

Strong governance is the foundation of trust. Mercy Connect operates under clear strategic direction, independent board oversight, and full compliance with NDIS registration and charity obligations.

Strategic Direction
Strategic Plan – 2024-2027 
Strategic Plan – 2021-2023
Annual Reports
2024 – 2025 Annual Report
2023 – 2024 Annual Report
2022 – 2023 Annual Report
2021 – 2022 Annual Report
2020 – 2021 Annual Report
2019 – 2020 Annual Report
2018 – 2019 Annual Report
Reconciliation Action Plan
Reflect – Reconciliation Action Plan
For professionals

A career with meaning

At Mercy Connect, you’re not just filling a role — you’re part of a team that genuinely changes lives. We invest in our people because we know the quality of care starts with the quality of our culture.
View current vacancies Why join us
get in touch

Want to know more about Mercy Connect?

Whether you’re a participant, family member, professional referrer, or potential partner we’d love to hear from you.
Book a free consultation Call us — 02 6043 3500