A Partnership Agreement between Lake Macquarie City Council and service provider Allambi Care is set to build on and improve community services across Lake Mac.
Council CEO Morven Cameron said the agreement, signed on Wednesday, would promote a strong working relationship, open communication and ongoing collaboration between the organisations.
"This is the first step in exploring new opportunities to improve our community service delivery and infrastructure," she said.
"That might be through joint projects benefiting the community, innovation or joint research."
Ms Cameron said Council and Allambi Care shared values of improving the lifestyle and wellbeing of the Lake Macquarie community, and establishing better connections – particularly for at-risk and vulnerable residents.
"We'll collaborate on ways to provide more affordable housing in Lake Mac, and how to better consider disability services and outreach programs in what we do," she said.
Council has an active partnership with the University of Newcastle, but this is the first of its type with a locally based service provider.
Allambi Director Partnerships Engagement and Innovation Steve Graham said his organisation's "pure reason for being is to serve our community".
"It's an honour for us to strategically align with Lake Macquarie City Council and align ourselves with shared responsibilities," he said.
"At Allambi, partnerships, collaboration and relationships have always been key to successful outcomes. We're excited to see how together with Council we can help shape a better future for our community's most vulnerable."