Woden Community Service (WCS) began in the late 1960s, born out of a simple but powerful need: connection.

Maisie Griffiths was a young mother in Canberra’s outlying suburbs. A newcomer to the Canberra region, she was surrounded by sheep paddocks and strangers in Lyons and Chifley. Yet, unlike many others, Maisie embraced her new community and began to meet more people than she ever had back in London.

By 1969, Maisie and a group of like-minded locals had decided to take action against the isolation many were experiencing. They founded Woden Community Service, turning their homes into an early hub for support, offering a referral and counselling service, babysitting help, and a welcoming space for social connection. It wasn’t just about services but about creating warmth and community. Maisie ran a “Nearly New” clothing store out of Torrens Community Hall, which quickly became a meeting point, helping mothers and families connect while shopping for donated clothes.

The spirit of those early days remains at the heart of WCS today. We’re here for every stage of life, supporting Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) services, early learning, aged care, mental health, and housing advocacy. We’re deeply committed to building connection and community, just as Maisie did in those early years.

​Now, with nearly 400 staff members and over 60 volunteers, WCS continues to be a cornerstone of support for the ACT community, working to bring people together and offer help where it’s needed most.

Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or your family, or just looking for a way to feel connected, we’re here, ready to help build a more connected future, together.

Find Us

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Our Vision, Purpose and Values

At Woden Community Service (WCS), everything we do is guided by our vision, purpose and values. These principles explain why we exist, how we serve our community, and the way we work together as an organisation and employer.

Our Vision
A caring community where everyone belongs.

Our Purpose
Building connected communities and enriching people’s lives.

Our Values
Inclusion, Compassion, Hope, Responsiveness, Integrity and Social Justice.

Our Strategic Direction

Our work is shaped by the WCS Strategic Plan 2021–25, which outlines the goals and priorities that help us respond to community needs today and into the future. This plan keeps us focused on delivering safe, high-quality services while remaining agile and responsive in a changing environment.

Our Culture

We believe that a positive, inclusive, and diverse workplace culture enables our staff and volunteers to feel valued, safe, and supported. This culture ensures we live our purpose every day and provide the best possible services to our community.

We are committed to:

• Being adaptive and responsive to the needs of our community and colleagues.
• Continuous improvement and accountability for our decisions and actions.
• Transparent and timely communication across the organisation.
• By fostering this culture, we create an environment where both our people and our community can thrive.

Download the WCS Culture Statement here