New Farm Neighbourhood Centre

New Farm Neighbourhood Centre is a long-running community hub on Brunswick Street, supporting local residents since 1986. Rather than a conventional park venue, it provides a place to connect with people, join activities and access practical support, with a view towards New Farm Park. The centre is open to anyone seeking information, community connection or use of its public facilities.

Its Open House sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 1pm provide a regular drop-in point for information and referrals, shared meals, food relief, public computers with printing, laundry and showers. The centre also hosts visiting services and practical support, including bulk-billed GP appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays, free physiotherapy sessions on Thursdays, acupuncture on Fridays, SPER Work and Development Order assistance and No-Interest Loan Scheme support. Emergency relief is available within the limits outlined by the centre, which cannot be used for rent, bond or accommodation fees.

There is a broad program of community activities for different ages and interests. Options listed by the centre include art classes, yoga, playgroup, self-help and social groups, English language classes, digital literacy and employment support, and Rainbow Recovery groups. Free weekday tennis and weekly touch football take place in New Farm Park, while Politics in the Pub is held quarterly at Brisbane Powerhouse. Spaces including the Community Hall and New Farm Grand Room can also be hired for suitable group activities, workshops and events.

The Community Cafe adds a relaxed social space, run by volunteers and serving Merlo coffee. Visitors can choose to pay forward an extra coffee for someone who cannot afford one. Families may find the playgroup and park-based activities useful, while solo visitors can drop in for a coffee, Open House session, class or support service. The centre also welcomes volunteers, with roles ranging from reception and computer support to gardening, kitchen duties and event planning. It is managed by Communify Queensland, which merged with the centre in 2014 and continues its wider work supporting inclusion and wellbeing across Brisbane.