Maitland Rugby Club will host a major charity day at Marcellin Park on Saturday, 23 May 2026, to raise funds for regional not-for-profit organisation Mai-Wel. The event marks a key milestone in the 2026 partnership between the two organisations, focusing on supporting employment pathways and inclusive opportunities for people with disability across the Hunter.
Funds raised during the event will support Mai-Wel’s regional initiatives, which assist individuals in gaining vocational skills, building confidence and accessing local employment. The partnership highlights a collaborative approach to community development, using the club’s platform to increase the visibility of disability support services in the Maitland area.
Maitland Rugby Club President, Pat Howard said the collaboration reflects the organisation’s focus on regional social responsibility.
“The Blacks have always been about more than rugby. Community is at the heart of everything we do,” Pat said.
“When the opportunity came to partner with Mai-Wel, it was an easy decision. The work they do changes lives every day across our region. This Charity Day is about bringing people together, supporting a great local organisation and showing what can happen when community gets behind community.”
The day will feature various fundraising activities, including a 100 Club and prize draws, with proceeds going directly toward Mai-Wel’s community connection programmes. Attendees can contribute to the fundraising goals through the purchase of merchandise and participation in hospitality-based auctions throughout the afternoon.
CEO of Mai-Wel, John Cleary said the partnership demonstrates the impact of local entities aligning their values to create social opportunities.
“At Mai-Wel, we believe strong communities create stronger opportunities for people,” John said.
“Maitland Blacks are a club built on connection, inclusion and belonging, values that strongly align with who we are as an organisation. Partnerships like this help create visibility, opportunity and meaningful support for people across the Hunter, both on and off the field.”
Mai-Wel provides a range of services across the region, focusing on youth transitions, NDIS support and inclusive enterprise. The charity day at Marcellin Park is expected to engage a broad demographic of supporters, further strengthening the financial foundations of these local disability programmes.
IMAGE | Maitland Rugby Club and Mai-Wel partner for major regional disability fundraiser
