Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre, Crestmead Community Centre, Kingston East Community Centre and Multilink Community Services will receive one-off grants of $20,000 to help sustain their community programs.
The funding is part of a Queensland Government pool for all government-operated centres.
The $2.54 million aims to boost those services to help with increased demand for services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister for Communities and Algester MP Leeanne Enoch said the state’s network of neighbourhood and community centres has been on the frontline supporting Queenslanders through the pandemic.
“Our neighbourhood and community centres have been working incredibly hard to safely continue delivering services and supports to their local communities,” Ms Enoch said.
“But they’ve also had to overcome some challenges and adjust their service delivery to respond to the individual needs and priorities of their local communities as a result of COVID-19 and the current disaster events in the state.”
CEO of Neighbourhood Centres Queensland Em James welcomed the funding boost and said any investment in neighbourhood centres was a direct investment in Queensland communities.
“Throughout the pandemic, neighbourhood and community centres have continued to go above and beyond for local communities, bringing their trademark adaptability to respond to the emerging challenges in their communities,” she said.
“From physically distanced playgroups to volunteers creating cook-along meal kits for fellow community members, neighbourhood centres found innovative ways to foster belonging and connection and provide practical support and advice.
“During lockdowns neighbourhood centres increased their essential services to local communities.
“These grants will help neighbourhood centres continue to support community members on the frontline, dealing with issues of domestic and family violence, social isolation, homelessness, financial hardship and food security”.
Ms Enoch said the funding was just one example of how the Palaszczuk Government is supporting neighbourhood and community centres, and other non-government organisations, during these tumultuous times.
“Since January 2021, we have purchased and gifted more than 400,000 face masks and 21,500 bottles of hand sanitiser to non-government organisations across the state, including Queensland Meals on Wheels, neighbourhood and community centres, and other community service providers,” she said.
“These masks were purchased from local suppliers – the majority made by a local manufacturer in Logan.
“A further estimated 103,000 face masks will be distributed to these non-government organisations over the next few months.
“The Queensland Government is committed to ensuring that our neighbourhood and community centres, and other funded non-government service providers, are well-equipped to continue safely delivering services and supports to Queenslanders in need.”
