News & Resources

April 2024

In this newsletter, you’ll find News, Stories of Impact, Research, Events and Career Opportunities from across Queensland.

A message from Em James, CEO

From celebrating young people, to creating opportunities for connection and fun over the holidays, to supporting communities through tragedy and disaster, this month’s public newsletter highlights the breadth and value of the work of 155+ neighbourhood centres across Queensland. 

27 of these neighbourhood centres, including Babinda Taskforce in North Queensland, don’t currently receive baseline government funding. As NCQ continues to raise awareness of the Neighbourhood Centre movement, we are receiving more enquiries from community-based organisations across Queensland who are currently running, or keen to start, a neighbourhood centre in their area. That’s why one of our four 2024/2025 state budget asks is to map existing, unfunded neighbourhood centres across our state, and identify a further 10 sites for baseline funding. Read more here.

NCQ have been meeting with neighbourhood centres and stakeholders across Queensland, from Sector Lead Chris Mundy’s recent trip to Far North Queensland in the wake of Cyclone Jasper, to a strategic mapping session with Department of Communities, and attendance at NC regional network meetings to hear about key priorities for our sector in 2024. 

Kind regards,

Em

Over 27 Neighbourhood Centres delivering for their community without government funding

Pictured: Tanya Tuttle (Babinda Taskforce Manager), Dalitta Wright (Management Committee Vice President) and Sandy Taylor-Crane (Management Committee President).

Babinda Taskforce is an unfunded Neighbourhood Centre in a geographically isolated town south of Cairns. It is operated with limited staff hours and local community volunteers.

The Centre is a thriving space in Babinda, operating a small museum as well as maintaining the hanging baskets throughout the main streets of the town.  They have a strong Skilling Queenslanders for Work program in which they recently trained 10 aged care support staff for the town. Centrelink services are offered from the centre as well as public computers, emergency relief, financial literacy, NILS loans and digital inclusion activities. Community activities are also run by the centre in the main town with high engagement and they are involved in developing local tourism initiatives. Additionally, they are involved in disaster coordination for Cairns Regional Council and recently provided local responses to Cyclone Jasper.

Babinda Taskforce is operated by the Babinda District Community Association which incorporated in 1999 and they have been advocating for Neighbourhood Centre funding for 25 years. Current grants and project funds are only able to support one position.

NCQ has identified 27 unfunded Neighbourhood Centres in the state like Babinda Taskforce, providing large amounts of support for local communities on limited resources. These centres struggle with leasing costs, staffing, utility expenses, volunteer recruitment, training and safety issues.  Unfunded centres in regional, remote and First Nations communities are particularly impacted.  

NCQ’s recent budget submission requested a project to map all unfunded centres across the state to identify a further 10 sites for Neighbourhood Centre funding. While we are aware of 27 locations including Babinda, we believe there are many more operating across the state. You can read more in our budget submission for the 2024/2025 financial year, below.

NCQ Sector Lead visits Far North Queensland after Cyclone Jasper

Pictured: The flooding in the driveway of Mossman Support Services in the aftermath of Cyclone Jasper.

Sector Development Lead in Policy & Research, Chris Mundy, recently travelled to Far North Queensland to speak with Centres about sector issues, particularly their experience of community recovery after Cyclone Jasper.  

Centres identified numerous issues requiring systems change, including communication between disaster stakeholders and centres, disaster service mapping, adequate funding for disaster recovery, short-term Community Recovery Connect workers, compounding disaster response and the relationship with and effectiveness of Local Disaster Management Groups.

Centres such as Mossman Support Services and Cooktown District Community Centre were particularly impacted by the floods from Cyclone Jasper. Mossman Support Services experienced flooding of two demountable buildings (owned by the organisation) and due to their location in a monsoonal area, were unable obtain insurance coverage for flood damage. They were immediately called upon to establish a recovery hub over the Christmas period despite losing office space to flood waters. They are seeking solutions to replace flood damaged infrastructure. Cooktown District Community Centre led disaster recovery in their vicinity, including support for community members displaced from severely flood damaged Aboriginal communities such as Wujil Wujil. Most centres in the Far North have seen increases in community members seeking support after the floods, including Kuranda Neighbourhood Centre, Mareeba Community Centre, Port Douglas Community Support Network, Manoora Neighbourhood Centre and more. Community members seek assistance with grant applications, housing, food relief, insurance claims and whitegoods replacement. Many centres have received funding for a 3 month Community Recovery Connect Worker to support flood affected community members in the initial recovery phase.

Feedback from Centres experiencing disaster is vital to improving the Disaster Management system in Queensland.

Young people celebrate
Youth Week at their local Centre

This week (7-13 April) is Queensland Youth Week (QYW). QYW celebrates and recognises the talents, achievements, and contributions of young people to their community, our state, and the world around them. 

Neighbourhood Centres provide support to young people in their communities every day, through workforce and job opportunities, counselling, mental health support, youth groups, LGBTQIA+ safe spaces, mentoring, social activities and more. 

As part of Queensland Youth Week, Neighbourhood Centres across the state are running events to celebrate and empower young people in their communities. 

💛 NPA Family and Community Services in Bamaga is hosting a number of activities across the week including weaving, basketball, a touch competition, cultural cooking and more.  

💛 North Townsville Community Hub (NOTCH) is running a Pancake Picnic, Drum Circle and Sk8 Park Chill Zone with pizza, drinks, games and tunes. 

💛 Community Gro Garbutt is celebrating the young people in the community with sports activities, AFL sign on, jam session, arts and crafts, sausage sizzle, prizes and more. 

💛 Gailes Community House is hosting a First Nations art workshop plus games, prizes and a free lunch. 

💛 Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre is running “Out & About”, a day of activities including designing your own skateboard deck, games, sausage sizzle, food vendors and more. There will also be information from support services. 

💛 Lockyer Community Centre is running a Street Art Workshop including refreshments and a sausage sizzle. 

Did you know Queensland locks up more children than any other state?

This Youth Week, NCQ supports QCOSS and partners in calling for real action from government to invest in proven, compassionate alternatives to youth detention. 

Let's prioritise support services and solutions that truly make a difference, so we can shape brighter futures and create safer communities.

Tara Neighbourhood Centre: A Pillar of Support in Disaster Recovery and Community Resilience

Pictured: Ros Wade, Anne Graham (Family Support Worker), Sgt Matt Minz and Kimberlee Wade (artist and former Family Support Worker).

In times of crisis, communities often look towards familiar faces for support, seeking solace and guidance amidst adversity. In Tara, one such beacon of hope shines brightly – the Tara Neighbourhood Centre. 

For decades, the Centre has been an unwavering support system for community members, particularly during times of disaster. In an interview with Ros Wade, the Coordinator of the Tara Neighbourhood Centre, we gained insights into the Centre’s invaluable role in the recent bushfire recovery efforts and its longstanding commitment to supporting the community through disasters. 

When bushfires ravaged through the region in October last year, Tara Neighbourhood Centre stood at the forefront of relief efforts. Serving as a central point of support, the Centre’s front reception became a hub for intake, assistance, and connection. 

Ros and her team worked tirelessly, helping affected individuals navigate paperwork, connect with essential support services, and troubleshoot challenges. Their knowledge of the local community proved invaluable, guiding families to resources and aiding in identity verification for those displaced by the fires. 

One moment that Ros recalled was when a man, covered in ash from the fires, sought help at the Centre. Despite being almost unrecognisable, the staff's strong familiarity with the community allowed them to confirm the man’s identity. 

The Centre also took steps to provide emergency relief, including distributing gift cards aimed at assisting affected residents with meeting some of their immediate needs. 

Ros explained that the lessons learned from previous disasters provided valuable insights and strengthened the Centre’s preparedness for future disasters, “the [2023] February fires gave us so many learning and management ideas for when something bigger happened.” 

The Tara Neighbourhood Centre's commitment to community support extends far beyond the recent bushfires. Over the years, the Centre has been an ally during various disasters, including bushfires, floods and prolonged periods of drought. 

Neighbourhood Centres providing community connection over the holiday period

Pictured: Easter activities at Neighbourhood Centres across Queensland.

Neighbourhood Centres across Queensland have celebrated Easter with their community, offering an opportunity for inclusiveness and connection over the holidays.

During these challenging times, with the cost-of-living crisis hitting hard for many, these gatherings offer a valuable opportunity for families and communities to bond and create lasting memories. 

💜 Bethania Community Centre hosted a Community Easter Fun Day for their community; offering a huge selection of activities including crafts, games, popcorn, sausage sizzle, a raffle, music, visit from the local police and fire truck, and more. 

💜 The Community Place at Kalinga offered an Easter Monday Games Day which consisted of a fun day of board games and some surprises from the Easter Bunny.

💜 Deception Bay Neighbourhood Centre ran an Easter themed Communi-Tea and Easter Community Connect Day. Activities included a morning tea, Easter hat parade, arts and crafts, sausage sizzle, popcorn, face painting and Easter egg hunt.

💜 Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centre hosted an Easter Craft workshop as part of their Crafter in Residence ‘Craft and Chat Group’ which gives community members the opportunity to learn new craft skills, have fun and make friends in a relaxed environment. 

💜 Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre (HBNC) and partners is running a giant Easter Egg Hunt for the community, transforming the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens into a playground of fun and adventure including games and puzzles to solve along the way. 

💜 Granite Belt Neighbourhood Centre is running a hands-on Easter Cooking Activity next week for families to create yummy Easter treats including Easter Bunny Biscuits, Pavlova Easter Nests & Easter Egg Biscuits. 

Meet the team: Introducing Ally

Ally joined the team at the start of this year and will be working with us to support our communications and digital engagement projects.  

She has worked in the non-profit sector since 2012, obtained her Bachelor of Communications (Media Studies) in 2019 and is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws (Honours). Her roles have ranged from communications, digital marketing, operations, contract management, grant writing and executive support. 

Through Ally's work and travels, she has learnt about the value that social connectedness brings to people’s overall health and wellbeing. This drew Ally to her work in the Neighbourhood and Community Sector. 

“When someone feels a sense of belonging and connection to their community, it increases their wellbeing. Neighbourhood Centres play a critical role in fostering this link between individuals and their communities.” 

“I’ve already learnt so much about the amazing spectrum of work that Neighbourhood Centres achieve, and the integral role they play in providing support for their communities. I’m really looking forward to using my communications skills to celebrate the impactful work of Centres across Queensland.” 

2024 Close the Gap report released

Every year, the Close the Gap Campaign releases a report showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence, innovation, and leadership. The past year has been marked by extraordinary advocacy, action, and strength, as well as significant challenges and disappointments, such as the defeat of the Voice proposal in the October 2023 Referendum.

Despite these challenges, the 2024 report - developed by The Lowitja Institute - shines a light on the resilience and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Themed "Voyage to Voice, Treaty, Truth and Beyond," the report showcases an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of First Nations communities.

Career Opportunities

Emergency Relief Program Worker
The Neighbourhood Hub

Job posted on: 28 March 2024
Applications open until positions filled.

Family Wellbeing Team Leader
NPA Family and Community Services

Job posted on: 20 March 2024
Applications open until positions filled.

Respectful Relationships Youth Counsellor
NPA Family and Community Services

Job posted on: 20 March 2024
Applications open until positions filled.

Homeless Outreach Case Manager - Multiple Positions
Encircle Ltd.

Job posted on: 14 March 2024
Applications open until positions filled.

Upcoming dates of recognition or celebration

7 – 13 April – Queensland Youth Week
22 April – Earth Day
22 – 30 April – Passover
25 April – ANZAC Day (public holiday)

NCQ acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of the Country; we pay our respects to their Elders, ancestors, land and seas.

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