Media release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Neighbourhood Centres bring Christmas cheer to communities feeling cost-of-living strain
Neighbourhood Centres across Queensland are helping ease cost-of-living pressures this Christmas with community support initiatives and free activities that encourage celebration, meaningful contribution and connection.
Many families across Queensland are struggling with the cost-of-living year-round, with the recent Foodbank Hunger Report 2025 revealing one in three Australian households have experienced food insecurity in the last 12 months.
Neighbourhood Centres Queensland CEO Cate Akaveka said the Christmas season can feel particularly hard for community members facing financial strain as the holidays bring increased expenses and expectations.
“Many individuals and families in our communities are doing it tough, struggling to put food on the table and pay for necessities, like housing and medicines,” Ms Akaveka said.
“Neighbourhood Centres can help ease the burden, with many organising free meals, Christmas hampers or gifts for people that might otherwise go without.”
Ms Akaveka said Centres across the state were also hosting a range of free and low-cost activities from Christmas carols and craft sessions to festive lunches, donation drives and volunteering opportunities to encourage community connection.
“Often at this time of year, people want to feel part of something, but aren’t sure where to begin,” she said.
“We encourage all Queenslanders to contact their local Neighbourhood Centre to find out how they can connect and contribute this holiday season. Whether you want to join in enjoying a Christmas meal, help pack Christmas hampers, be a part of giving or receiving gifts.”
She said one of the most meaningful parts of the season is seeing how Centres and their communities work together to bring Christmas initiatives to life.
“Every year I’m blown away by the creativity and generosity that flows out of Neighbourhood Centres at Christmas,” Ms Akaveka said.
She emphasised that the range of initiatives across Queensland reflects the open-door nature of Neighbourhood Centres.
“Centres create spaces where everyone feels included. If you’re looking for something to do this Christmas, or a way to give back, your local Neighbourhood Centre is a wonderful place to start.”
Journalists seeking local stories are encouraged to contact NCQ for interviews or introductions to Centres across Queensland.
Neighbourhood Centres Queensland (NCQ) is the peak body for Neighbourhood Centres in Queensland. With over 150 Neighbourhood Centres across the state, our sector represents the largest community-led infrastructure in Queensland. NCQ is here to grow our collective impact by increasing the resourcing, recognition, and relationships of Neighbourhood Centres at the local, state, and national level. We collaborate with our members, partners and government to measure impact and build sector capacity for long-term community and social resilience.
Media contact:
Chloe Lyons 0482 525 662
media@ncq.org.au
Neighbourhood Centres are coordinating a range of initiatives this festive season, helping people feel cared for, welcomed and part of something bigger:
Brisbane
SANDBAG is celebrating 30 years of the Sandgate Christmas Lights display and welcoming volunteers to help bring the event to life.
Mount Gravatt Community Centre is offering a free Christmas Community Lunch prepared by hospitality students in partnership with The Institute of Culinary Excellence.
New Farm Neighbourhood Centre (Communify) is coordinating a Christmas Donations Drive for toys, pantry staples and festive items, supported by their community.
Redland
Redland Community Centre is running its annual Christmas Donation Drive and inviting the community to contribute brand-new children’s gifts for local families to choose from.
Donald Simpson Community Centre in Cleveland and partners are hosting a musical Christmas celebration featuring the Redland’s community choirs.
Sunshine Coast
Nambour Community Centre is hosting its annual Christmas lunch provided by the Sunshine Coast Thai community as well as entertainment and free face painting.
Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre is running their annual ‘Adopt a Family’ initiative, gathering Christmas presents and food donations from their community for families doing it tough.
Logan
Logan Village & Districts Community Centre is hosting its annual Community Christmas Carols evening with entertainment, food trucks, market stalls and a laser show.
Bethania Community Centre is holding its annual Community Christmas Party featuring activities, treats and free Santa photos for families.
Ipswich
Riverview Neighbourhood House is hosting the “Christmas in the View” luncheon with craft activities, face painting, a community Christmas tree and gifts for registered children.
Leichhardt One Mile Community Centre in Ipswich is inviting their community to a Christmas Nibbly Lunch with Christmas inspired finger food, sweet treats and a take home goody bag.
Moreton Bay
Encircle Redcliffe Neighbourhood Centre and partners are coordinating Christmas hamper and gift registrations for households across the Redcliffe Peninsula and Rothwell.
Caboolture Neighbourhood Centre is running a Holiday Hamper Drive, collecting food donations to support families and individuals who may be experiencing financial hardship.
Gold Coast
The Meeting Place: Oxford Coomera Community Youth Centre and partners are running a Christmas Hamper Drive, collecting donations to help local families have a brighter holiday season.
Studio Village Community Centre in Oxenford is holding its annual Community Carols with a special visit from Santa.
Central Queensland
Emerald Neighbourhood Centre is delivering the “Linking Alms for Christmas” appeal, providing hampers and gifts supported by the generosity of their community.
Mount Isa Neighbourhood Centre is hosting a Christmas Makers Market, a community afternoon offering handmade gifts, festive treats and a chance to support local makers.
Darling Downs region
Chinchilla Community Centre is inviting local children and young people submit their Christmas wishes to Santa’s mailbox and get a magical reply.
Wilsonton Heights Neighbourhood Centre is running a Christmas Gift Appeal, with donations being gifted to the children in their community at their Christmas party.
North Queensland
North Townsville Community Hub (NOTCH) is leading its annual Christmas Appeal with support from local families, community members and businesses.
Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre is running its Christmas Appeal and encouraging community registrations and participation.
Far North Queensland
Mossman Support Services is seeking volunteers and donations to support Christmas cooking, decorating, hamper preparation and a community Christmas Day lunch.
ECHO Malanda is running a Christmas hamper food drive as well as offering Christmas assistance for individuals and families facing hardship.
Wide Bay-Burnett region
Bundaberg Neighbourhood Centre is hosting a Christmas craft session for women and girls in their community, including morning tea, guest speaker and a clothing and accessories giveaway.
Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre is hosting a Christmas sewing workshop, inviting their community to create festive table centerpieces, Christmas baskets, gift bags and more.
Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre is hosting a Christmas Light Wonderland at the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens from December 11 to 23. They are also running a Christmas Day lunch at Hervey Bay RSL.
Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region
The Neighbourhood Hub, Mackay is collecting non-perishable food items, vouchers and Christmas treats as part of its Community Christmas Appeal.
Collinsville Community Association and partners are presenting the CYC Christmas Carnival with free rides, children’s activities, food and fireworks for local families.
Proserpine Community Centre is running a ‘Senior Secret Santa’. They are aiming to distribute 100 gifts along with handmade Christmas cards to senior members of their community.
Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre is organising a free Christmas gift shop where parents can choose from a range of gifts for their child, all donated by members of the community.