Extra funding to revitalise Neighbourhood Centres network

The Queensland Government will invest $12.2 million over four years to revitalise the state’s much-needed Neighbourhood Centres and Multi-Tenant Service Centres.

Communities Minister Shannon Fentiman today announced the first 11 centres to benefit from the new upgrade and replacement program.

Centres which will be upgraded over the next two years include Mackay, Murgon, Monto, Capalaba, Sherwood, Inala, West End, New Farm, Upper Mount Gravatt, Nerang and Palm Beach.

“Neighbourhood Centres are the focal point for many of our communities, but they were neglected by the former LNP Government, which scrapped the Neighbourhood Centre Capital Program,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Not to mention at a Federal level, more than $900,000 has been taken away from Queensland Neighbourhood Centres by the Abbott Government, along with almost $400,000 from community organisations which provide services such as financial counselling and emergency support.”

“We want to revitalise our Neighbourhood Centres and recognise the vital role they play. This new funding is in addition to $14 million this financial year to support 121 Neighbourhood Centres across the state."

Neighbourhood and Multi-Tenant Centres are the frontline in delivering many vital community and family services, such as counselling, financial advice, parenting programs, first aid courses, legal services, distributing emergency relief funds and accommodating visiting health services.

Neighbourhood Centres throughout the state are also home to playgroups, youth groups, women’s groups and seniors’ groups.

Media contact: Alex Purnell 0437 336 232