The Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre (HBNC) has released its 2024/25 Social Impact Report, revealing the organisation created an extraordinary $123.3 million in social value for the Fraser Coast community through its wide range of programs and services.

The report highlights HBNC’s continued commitment to building a strong and connected community, with a focus on empowering vulnerable individuals, fostering inclusion, and promoting wellbeing.

HBNC CEO, Tanya Stevenson, said the report demonstrated how HBNC’s programs are not only transforming lives but also delivering measurable social and economic outcomes for the region.

“Every dollar invested in HBNC produces enormous community benefit. These outcomes show that when people are supported with compassion, connection, and purpose, they can build stronger futures for themselves and those around them,” Tanya said.

Across HBNC’s 540-strong volunteer base—an increase of 25% from the previous year—almost 20,000 volunteer hours were donated, valued at $898,830 in community support.

Some of the volunteers are drivers for HBNC’s TransComCare program, helping older people and those with disabilities maintain their independence.

Programs such as Comfort Kitchen, Play With Your Kids, Reconnect, Youth Mentoring, and Seniors Legal & Support Services were among the key contributors to this year’s impact, providing vital social, emotional, and legal assistance to thousands of local residents.

Highlights from the report include:

• 3,568 hot meals provided through Comfort Kitchen, generating $23.2M in social value from improved wellbeing and access to food.
• 6,224 playgroup attendances through Play With Your Kids, producing $1.2M in social value through reduced parental stress and improved child development.
• 57 at-risk youth supported through the Reconnect program, with 94% showing improvement in one or more life domains.
• 1,471 clients supported through the Wide Bay Burnett Community Legal Service, achieving $32.1M in social value related to personal safety and control.
• 4,875 attendees at youth-led YETI events, resulting in $14.8M in social value from increased social connection.

Tanya said the results underscored HBNC’s vital role in addressing social issues and driving local change.

“This report gives a clear picture of how the Neighbourhood Centre acts as a hub for connection and empowerment,” Tanya said.

“Every program, whether it’s a playgroup, a legal clinic, or a meal service, creates ripples of positive impact that strengthen our whole community.”

HBNC’s Social Shift Institute also made significant contributions, distributing $2.4M in community grants.

Meanwhile, the Local Learning Network delivered 695 workshops that reached more than 15,000 people, helping build skills, confidence, and social inclusion.

Looking ahead, HBNC will continue to expand its innovative programs and partnerships to ensure every member of the Fraser Coast community feels supported and connected.

“Our vision remains simple,” Tanya said.

“Creating connected communities for all—and this report showcases we’re making real progress towards that goal.”

READ THE FULL REPORT