NEIGHBOURHOOD Centres across Ipswich are stepping up to ease cost-of-living pressures this festive season, rolling out community support initiatives and free activities that encourage celebration, contribution and connection.
Riverview Neighbour-hood House is hosting its Christmas in the View luncheon, complete with craft activities, face painting, a community Christmas tree and gifts for registered children.
Leichhardt One Mile Community Centre is inviting residents to a Christmas Nibbly Lunch featuring festive finger foods, sweet treats and take-home goody bags – small touches that help bring a sense of joy and belonging to families doing it tough.
These events reflect a statewide effort to support Queenslanders facing rising costs. The latest Foodbank Hunger Report 2025 shows one in three Australian households have experienced food insecurity in the past year, leaving many families under financial pressure long before the festive season arrives.
Neighbourhood Centres Queensland CEO Cate Akaveka said Christmas can be an especially difficult time for people already stretching their household budget.
“Many individuals and families in our communities are doing it tough, struggling to put food on the table and pay for necessities like housing and medicines,” Ms Akaveka said.
“Neighbourhood Centres can help ease the burden, with many organising free meals, Christmas hampers or gifts for people who might otherwise go without.
“Often at this time of year, people want to feel part of something but aren’t sure where to begin.”
Ms Akaveka said she was continually inspired by the generosity and creativity shown by centres and their communities during the festive season.
“Every year I’m blown away by the creativity and generosity that flows out of Neighbourhood Centres at Christmas,” she said.
