Our vibrant community
Maitland has facilities and services for all walks of life, from babies and youth to seniors. Whether you are looking to connect with like-minded residents, pursue learning opportunities, look after your health and wellbeing, practice your faith, pursue a passion or support the community in which you live, Maitland is the place to be.
At a glance
4 libraries
13 community halls
3 men's sheds
25 + places of worship
5 bowling clubs
50 + arts, culture and recreation groups
100 + sporting clubs
Council's commitment to cultural and creative pursuits is not only in our bricks and mortar buildings but in the informal ways that enrich our daily lives. Our creative street grants see our creative community adorn and reimagine our streets and spaces to create places where people feel connected, stay longer and enjoy memorable experiences. Activations are coming to life across the city and transforming mundane unused areas into visual and creative spaces. After Dark and Street Eats activities bring neighbourhoods together, enlivening our streets and build upon strengthening community connections.
As well as being one of the city’s biggest visitor drawcards, Maitland Regional Art Gallery is a favourite amongst locals. MRAG, as it is fondly known, is an award-winning building bringing art to life for everyone to enjoy. The building is as much a part of the experience as the artworks within it. MRAG provides programs for people of all ages to become involved in the local arts community such as Free Art Sunday. They also host an array of workshops, exhibitions, learning activities, performances and talks throughout the year. Together this positions the gallery as a leader of cultural expression within our community.
Maitland Gaol is a premier heritage listed site in NSW and attracts visitors from all over the world. The site is open to explore, remaining largely untouched from when the last prisoners were transferred out. The experiences tell a story and give a voice to what life was like behind the walls for prisoners. Get a glimpse into the Government town that characterised East Maitland in the early days and an understanding of our rich heritage. Annually the Gaol opens its doors to the public for free and the popularity of the day demonstrates the Gaol's standing as a historical and cultural landmark for the people of Maitland.
If books are more your cup of tea, our libraries are welcoming spaces that foster imagination and freedom of information and access for all. They harness a lifelong love of language and reading. Alongside all thing's books, our libraries stack an impressive annual calendar of activities and events.
Maitland has four library branches: Maitland City, East Maitland, Rutherford and Thornton. As cultural and social hubs for the community our library branches play an important role in connecting our community, by hosting the range of programs and initiatives for all to partake in. Baby Book Club and Storytime are opportunities for parents with young children to connect. School holidays are always packed with activities and entertainment for school aged children and year round programs offer opportunities for young people to better their reading and writing skills. For adults, there are several book clubs taking reading to the river, the park and the kitchen. Look Who’s Talking is an opportunity to hear from leading authors and personalities. To stay in touch with what the library has coming up;
Council has a great variety of community venues available for hire that can cater for meetings with a few delegates through to large-scale conference, community group activities, dinners or parties or to put on the wedding of your dreams.
