New figures reveal the hard-to-define value the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre delivers to the community.

According to Neighbourhood Centres Queensland’s latest Impact Snapshot report, HBNC provided almost $1.8 million to the Hervey Bay region in 2021.

This means HBNC delivered the equivalent $14.44 in services for every $1 of Queensland Government Neighbourhood Centre funding it received.

The report also says HBNC delivered $391.24 of value for every one hour its centres were in use.

“The Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre provided an estimated annual value of more than $1,760,579 during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the report says.

“Weekly and monthly data was collected from the second quarter of 2021 and extrapolated to one year.

“This figure is based on data provided through the Neighbourhood Centre Survey 2021. This data is generally indicative of Neighbourhood Centre operations during the COVID-19 pandemic while Stage 1 Lockdown Restrictions were not in place.”

HBNC CEO, Tanya Stevenson, hard at work.

The figures are calculated using a method based on Deloitte Access Economics reporting standards.

According the report, HBNC delivered:

• Improved quality of life through social connection: $969,539
• Volunteer contributions: $568,110
• Services provided: $175,440

HBNC CEO Tanya Stevenson said the figures demonstrate the hard work of the HBNC team, including staff and volunteers.

“The HBNC team is fully committed to making our community a stronger and more resilient one,” Tanya said.

“Figures like these help us quantify the positive impact Neighbourhood Centres have on the community. While we hear good news stories every day about the difference our services make in people’s lives, it is helpful to have this impact explained in such a clear and direct way.

“I am proud to lead a team of staff and volunteers who demonstrate what ‘the heart of our community’ really means.”

Media contact: For more information, please contact HBNC Operations Manager, Christian Berechree, on 4194 3000, or send an email.