What are Neighbourhood and Community Centres?
Neighbourhood and Community Centres are places of connection, belonging, participation and inclusion.
They’re independent community based non-profit organisations that leverage local resources to make local communities better for everyone. They provide tangible support and assistance to local communities, particularly people and groups who face hardship and vulnerability.
149+ Centres in QLD
Creating spaces for participation, belonging and connection
2m Visitors Each Year
Including 967,150 Programmed Activity Participants
$1 Invested Returns $5.25
For every $1 invested by the QLD Government, the sector produces $5.25 in community value
$3.7m Provided in Non-Food Emergency Relief
792 tonnes of food relief and $3.7m non-food emergency relief provided to communities each year
2,729+ Volunteers Each Week
Volunteers worked a total of 537,600 hours over the year. Worth over $27.8m.
Benefits of Neighbourhood and Community Centres
Community-led & place-based.
NCC projects and activities reflect the strengths, needs and interests of people in that community.
Welcoming spaces for all.
Everyone is welcome to get involved in their community, no matter what gender, age, race, sexuality, culture or religion.
Leaving no one behind.
When local people don’t meet eligibility criteria for other services, or services are stretched or don’t exist, Neighbourhood Centres work to bridge those gaps through leveraging local supports.
Experts in their communities.
Neighbourhood Centres are embedded in the fabric of their communities. They have in-depth knowledge of local people, networks, resources, and challenges.
Social connectors, incubators and changemakers.
Neighbourhood Centres facilitate community-led solutions to local problems. They build connections across local businesses, services, schools and community members to support new projects, plug service gaps, and meet emerging needs and interests.
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