Written Submissions and Public Briefings
In 2021, the Queensland Government called for a Parliamentary Inquiry into Loneliness and Social Isolation in light of the COVID19 pandemic. As Neighbourhood Centres are core social infrastructure designed to be places of belonging, inclusion, participation and connection, NCQ encouraged the sector to participate in the submission process to highlight their place-based responses to social isolation and loneliness.
NCQ and 53 Neighbourhood Centres lodged written submissions and 17 centres participated in Public Briefings in Brisbane, Toowoomba, Mt Gravatt, Mt Isa, Townsville and Cairns. NCQ and State Peak bodies also lodged submissions arguing for the strategic placement of centres to respond to the loneliness epidemic.
NCQ Recommendations:
NCQ’s submission included four recommendations.
1: Increase Neighbourhood Centre Investment
2: Strength Based Awareness Campaign emphasising the key role of NCC’s
3: Enhance Neighbourhood Centre Digital and Physical Infrastructure
4: Resource QFCA to deliver new NCC reporting framework and sector support
Authors
Chris Mundy & Em James with Neighbourhood Centres across Queensland
Our Submission Partners
NCQ worked with many partners to highlight the importance of Neighourhood Centres in responding to Loneliness and Social Isolation. This includes over 53 Neighbourhood and Community Centres.
We also partnered with the Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association (ANHCA), The Services Union, Community Services Industry Alliance (CSIA), Volunteering Qld and Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS).
