Neighbourhood Centres are not-for-profit community-led organisations run by people with big hearts and bold ideas.
Across Queensland, over 150 Neighbourhood Centres open their doors each day to support their communities with everything from cost–of–living challenges to natural disasters.
Neighbourhood Centre Week is a chance to unite communities across Queensland in a statewide celebration. It’s an opportunity to connect, say thank you and encourage Queenslanders to celebrate the amazing work of local Neighbourhood Centres and the people who help our communities to thrive.
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This year, the theme for Queensland is ‘The heart of our community’.
For over twenty years Neighbourhood Centres have been referred to as the heart of communities, and
the theme emphasises the vital role Neighbourhood Centres at the centre of community life.
Whether a community is faced with cost-of-living challenges or a natural disaster, Neighbourhood Centres are significant places of unwavering care, where community members come together, access resources, build relationships and find support.
Neighbourhood Centres, and the people within them, create a sense of belonging, inclusivity, and care, where everyone is welcome, regardless of their background, to connect and thrive. -
From the 12th to 18th May, Neighbourhood Centres will be celebrating in various ways, from community meals to community murals, family fun days and a variety of programs. You can contact your local Neighbourhood Centre (if you don’t know yours, you can find them on the NCQ website here) or check their social media to find out if they’re hosting an activity or celebration for Neighbourhood Centre Week.
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Yes. Neighbourhood Centre Week is a nationwide initiative to celebrate the role of over 1,000 Neighbourhood Centres, Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres across Australia.
In New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia, it is referred to as Neighbourhood Centre Week, in South Australia as Community Centre Week and other states refer to it as Neighbourhood House Week. The Australian Neighbourhood Houses & Centres Association (ANHCA) coordinates the week nationally. -
The first Neighbourhood House Week was held in Victoria in August 1991. This initial one was at State-wide level.
By 1996, Neighbourhood Centre Week was held at a national level.
In May 1996, the Minister for Community Services, The Hon. Dennis Napthine, launched the large metal public signs for the national Neighbourhood Centre Brandmark and signage to identify Neighbourhood Centres, Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres.
ABOUT NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRES
Neighbourhood Centres are the heart of our communities. They 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.
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.
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You can find your local Neighbourhood Centre using the NCQ find-a-centre interactive map on the website here.
Click through to access their contact details and social media pages. -
Yes! Find your local Neighbourhood Centre and contact them directly about volunteering opportunities.
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There are over 150 Neighbourhood Centres across Queensland.
