All year round, Centres open their doors and hearts to help break isolation and build connection in their communities.

Across Queensland, Neighbourhood Centres offer more than services, they offer belonging, including BBQs and community lunches, music and craft events, coffee chats, wellbeing groups, social prescribing connection programs and more.

Here’s a snapshot of how Neighbourhood Centres marked Loneliness Awareness Week (4-10 August 2025):

  • North Townsville Community Hub (NOTCH) highlighted their program A Place to Belong, which supports people experiencing loneliness and social isolation. Activities for the week included networking events, a Youth Group Speed Friending session, and a performance by The NOTCH Ukulele Collective.
  • Childers Neighbourhood Centre welcomed their community to a BBQ, inviting people to come together, share a meal, and connect in a warm and inclusive space.
  • Studio Village Community Centre celebrated the enduring impact of their original Social Prescribing program, with the Friendship Group enjoying high tea at a local cafe. While the original funding has ended, a generous donation allowed the group to continue building friendships and connection over lunch.
  • Mt Gravatt Community Centre hosted a free BBQ lunch with music, good food, conversations, an opportunity for locals to connect and learn more about the Centre.


Did you know that NCQ’s 2024 Sector Impact Report found:

  • 7% of Centres are running social prescribing programs, with more joining a new Queensland Government trial. These programs connect people experiencing loneliness with community activities that support wellbeing.
  • 30 Centres have a funded Community Connect Worker to assist people facing complex needs, including those experiencing isolation, by linking them to services, groups and community connections.
  • Neighbourhood Centres supported over 1.36 million participants in programmed activities, creating inclusive opportunities for people to connect and belong.
  • Volunteers contributed an estimated 558,000 hours in FY24. Volunteering is another way Centres promote connection and reduce social isolation, offering meaningful ways to participate in community life.

Together, Neighbourhood Centres are helping to create a Queensland where no one has to feel alone.

Pictured: The Friendship Group from Studio Village Community Centre enjoying high tea at a local cafe as part of Loneliness Awareness Week.

Written by: Ally Kodet-Moran
Published: August 2025

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