Mallee Accommodation and Support Program (MASP) say they are entering 2026 with a new purpose, but the same commitment to supporting Mallee communities.

The diverse community service agency has launched its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, with the new organisational purpose “to empower our community to live with equity, opportunity and dignity”.

MASP CEO Charmaine Calis said the purpose change came as a result of community consultation across the six LGA’s MASP serves – Mildura, Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Buloke, Wentworth and Balranald - during the creation of the new strategic plan.

“Our previous purpose was to empower our community to be free from homelessness, abuse, poverty and disadvantage,” she explained.

“Some of the feedback that we received was that purpose could be a little limiting or off-putting to some people who may not identify as one of those aspects.

"So what we did was create more of a strengths-based purpose.

"What we hope that demonstrates is MASP is here to support anybody that needs it, no matter what your upbringing, no matter what your life circumstances - if we have a program that is available to support you, we are here to provide that support to you.”

Mrs Calis said the new Strategic Plan will build on the progress made during the previous four-year period.

“We want to look at identifying the genuine needs within community and gaps in service delivery,” she said.

“We also want to be looking at the innovative ways that our staff work, whether that's in Mildura or whether that's in Swan Hill or Dareton or Balranald or any of our other communities and how are we using feedback to inform how our programs are developed and

delivered within those communities.”