What are Neighbourhood Centres?
Neighbourhood Centres are welcoming places for people to seek support, connect with others and contribute to their local community.
Neighbourhood Centres are inclusive community spaces where everyone is welcome. Think of them as community hubs where everyday people can connect with others through events and activities, use shared facilities, access a range of supports, and play a role in strengthening their local community.
There are over 150 Neighbourhood Centres across Queensland, and each one is as unique as the community in which they’re embedded. They come in different sizes, are located in metropolitan, regional and remote locations, and adapt what they offer to meet the needs and priorities of their local community.
What change would you like to see in your local community? Neighbourhood Centres work with community members to address local challenges like mental health, cost of living and disaster resilience. They’ve partnered with their communities to create community gardens, local festivals, community transport solutions, thriving resource libraries and much more. By working together, they enable people to take action and create positive change in their communities.
150+ Centres in QLD
Of which 128 receive NC Program funding from Qld Gov, and 27 do not receive this funding
2.4m Visitors Each Year
Including 1,193,350 Programmed Activity Participants
2,500+ Volunteers Each Week
Volunteers worked a total of 727,850 hours over the year. Worth over $37.6m.
$3.85m Provided in Non-Food Emergency Relief
1,285 tonnes of food relief and $3.85m non-food emergency relief provided to communities each year
299,800 Referrals to other services
Supporting people to connect with specialised support
1598 Community Projects Run
Neighbourhood & Community Centre Shared Principles
Neighbourhood and Community Centres are community-led and respond to local needs and strengths, which means they are as diverse as the communities they are part of. While centres can vary greatly in size, venue and funding, they are guided by common principles such as participation, inclusion and social justice.
Programs, Projects & Activities
Each Centre offers a diverse range of programs and activities. The diversity reflects the place-based nature of centres, who respond to the needs and assets of their community.
Community Advocacy
Supporting communities to have their voices heard and campaign on local issues
Programs & Activities led by First Nations People
Yarning circles, community art projects & activities led by First Nations people
Opportunities for Culturally & Linguistically Diverse
Celebrations, programs & activities led by or relevant to CALD people
Opportunities & Safe Spaces for LGBTQIA+
LGBTQIA+ led and/or relevant programs, support groups, projects & safe spaces
Digital Literacy and Inclusion
Computer literacy programs and support to get online
Community Education
Certificate-level courses, tutoring, self-improvement activities and life skills
Employment Support & Services
Resume writing, job-seeking support and training.
Hosting Other Services
Delivery of services by other organisations (eg Centrelink, Housing & Tenancy)
Service Navigation & Referral
Navigation of complex and varied services, referral to specialist services
Disaster Resilience & Emergency Preparedness
Community preparedness planning and emergency response
Supporting Community Organisations
Auspicing and grant-writing support for other community organisations
Community Connection Activities & Events
Community markets, fundraising activities, music events, pop-up cinemas, BBQs
Family Support & Fun
Parenting courses, childcare, playgroups, homework clubs & holiday activities
Financial Resilience
Tax help, financial literacy programs (budgeting & financial counselling)
Ethical Loans
No interest loans and other loan schemes
Material Emergency Relief
Clothing, cash, bill payments, public transport cards
Long-Term Food Security & Emergency Food Relief
Food parcels, breakfast clubs, food bank, food co-ops, education & training
Library
Community library, book swap, book club
Community Gardens & Groups
Community gardens, gardening groups, courses, garden clubs and play equipment
Community Transport
Community buses, community cars and support to attend appointments
Community Event Facilities & Spaces
Community halls, community kitchens, men’s sheds / community sheds
Community Office Facilities
Public access to phones, internet, computers, meeting spaces & training rooms