The Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre (HBNC) is excited to host a Cost of Living Expo on Wednesday 13 May 2026 at our Community Centre in Pialba. This free, community-wide event will run from 10am to 6pm and is designed to provide practical services, tools and education to help residents navigate ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

With Hervey Bay families, workers, and retirees facing some of the highest cost-of-living pressures in the country, HBNC is taking action and we want you to join us.

Recent Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows that consumer prices across Australia continue to rise, placing sustained pressure on household budgets. National inflation increased 3.8 per cent in the 12 months to December 2025, driven largely by higher costs for housing, food and utilities. Over the same period, wages increased by around 3.4 per cent, meaning income growth has not kept pace with rising living costs. Housing costs rose by approximately 5.5 per cent, food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 3.4 per cent, and rental prices climbed nearly 3.9 per cent. These pressures are being felt strongly in regional communities like the Fraser Coast, where many households are balancing essential bills alongside everyday living expenses.

The Expo will be open to all walk-in attendees, with no entry fee. It will bring together a range of practical supports and information in key areas including budgeting, housing costs, energy and utilities, food essentials, employment pathways, and access to community and government services.

“Rising costs for essentials like housing, utilities and food are creating real financial pressure in our community,” said Michaela Davis, Local Learning Network Team Leader at HBNC. “This Expo is about real help for real life — simple, accessible information, live support, and connections that people can use straight away.”

The Cost of Living Expo is part of HBNC’s ongoing Local Learning Network work to provide community members with approachable, hands-on support during challenging times.

HBNC is now inviting stallholders and service providers interested in showcasing practical supports at the Expo to register their interest early. Further details, including a full program of activities and registration links, will be released in coming weeks.

As a stallholder, you will have a direct platform to reach those most impacted by rising costs. We are looking for local businesses, government agencies, and community services that can provide:

• On-the-spot advice (Financial, energy, housing, or legal).

• Practical tools and resources for household budgeting.

• Immediate connections to support programs and subsidies.

Stallholder EOI Form

EVENT DETAILS

When: Wednesday 13 May 2026
Time: 10am – 6pm
Where: Hervey Bay Community Centre, 22 Charles Street, Pialba
Cost: Free entry (walk-in)