The Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre is one of 143 centres in our state. In Queensland, this year’s theme is ‘Local Community Resilience’.

The theme highlights the importance of local approaches, relationships and knowledge that centres use to support their community.

The theme also celebrates the exceptional resilience of communities, that have faced multiple disasters, and continue to work toward their recovery.

After the welcome to country smoking ceremony visitors were treated to singing, Tai Chi, an Indian cooking demonstration, sausage sizzle, up close wildlife and much more.

Nicole Battle, President of the national peak body Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association, said this year’s Neighbourhood Centre Week theme was about re-emerging and rebuilding a harmonious and resilient community after the lockdowns that saw so many Australians isolated.

“Neighbourhood and community houses and centres have truly demonstrated their weight in gold over the past two and a half years” she said.

“While so many other services closed during the lockdowns, Queensland neighbourhood centres in particular stepped up by providing 680 tonnes of emergency food relief, worth $13.6 million in value”.

The value of Queensland centres, including the one in Port Douglas, can’t be underestimated.

Newsport has been told that for every $1 invested by the Queensland Government, the sector produces $4.81 in community value.