David Batt (Hinkler, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise in support of the motion brought to the House by the member for Lyne. In regional Australia, neighbourhood centres are an essential service—the heart of our communities. They foster safety, connection and social capital. They're the places where community connections happen. They are especially called upon to stand up and support communities during times of crisis, so now, more than ever, we need to provide them with adequate support. This is underlined as we endure the cost-of-living crisis, the fuel chaos and, in recent times, natural disasters.

Parliament must recognise the vital role of neighbourhood and community centres in providing essential social services to individuals and communities in need. We must recognise that neighbourhood and community centres provide critical relief and emergency support, and let us acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the staff and volunteers. Often, the staff are not paid at the levels they deserve due to the limited funding received. This motion expresses concern that many centres are indeed underfunded and heavily reliant on ad hoc competitive grant funding. Further to that, I join the call for the government to provide long-term operational funding and dedicated infrastructure funding.

To illustrate the amazing work that these hubs deliver, in the past few weeks, the Bundaberg community has experienced its third major flood in 16 years, with more than 250 homes and businesses inundated. The Bundaberg & District Neighbourhood Centre stood up. It provided a place for one of the city's two recovery hubs. Open 16 days straight, it became a home for the Red Cross, Lifeline, Regional Housing and the Community Recovery team. It's a place to serve the community—and serve it did in our greatest time of need. Bundaberg's neighbourhood centre goes beyond emergency support. Extensive programs provide a place with purpose for people in my electorate: migrant services, loan support, tax help, disability support, playgroup, assistance in technology and even a sewing circle. Is there anything these centres won't do when the need is identified?

We need to do better for these hubs. I thank Corrie McColl, the Bundaberg centre's manager, and Praveen Mathew, the multicultural program coordinator, for their leadership and commitment to our community. It was great to be at the Bundaberg centre's AGM last year, and I appreciate the opportunity to regularly catch up with the team to hear firsthand about funding shortfalls and the reliance on donations and charities, and to work with them on creating a more resilient community. It's always heartening to learn about the hardworking volunteers and staff who go above and beyond.

And the support doesn't stop in Bundy. This year, I've had several visits to the neighbourhood centre in Hervey Bay—a great chance for me to see the different services on offer. I've met with the CEO, Tanya Stevenson, and committee member and past president Bernard Whebell and toured their centres. I want to highlight the Neighbourhood Hive, a converted warehouse space encouraging creativity, learning and collaboration, particularly targeting youth. I want to offer my wholehearted support for the current funding request of just over $1 million to upgrade the facility to be able to deliver services all year round. Through the Hive, the neighbourhood centre offers industry training, youth assistance and events to combat loneliness. Then there is the main hub for the neighbourhood centre in Pialba. What impresses me so much is the level of information made available to all members of the community through this centre. This centre develops and delivers programs and services in response to community needs. Let's lock this funding in and give certainty to yet another service with a proven track record.

In Hinkler we also have the Childers Neighbourhood Centre, which is delivered by the local council and managed by Debra Murphy and her fantastic team. As it is council run, it works under a slightly different model to the Bundaberg and Hervey Bay hubs, but what remains the same is the commitment to community connection. I note the recent adoption of wellbeing workshops, painting sessions and, for the kids, Lego activities and wet-play days. It's help with a tax return, an art class, a morning tea, a friendly face in your time of need, support as a new Australian, an ear to listen when you don't have anyone else, or a referral that could make your life better. That is what a neighbourhood centre supports.

So, with a backdrop of escalating cost-of-living pressures and rapidly growing populations in places like Hinkler, let us understand and be clear that a community is at its best when it's strong and connected. The staff and volunteers of our neighbourhood centres believe that everyone matters. Neighbourhood centres serve as welcoming spaces that reduce isolation. Neighbourhood centres build resilience and are ready to respond when crises hit. The coalition is committed to protecting Australians' way of life and restoring their standard of living. We must ensure these community hearts beat strongly forever.

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