Call to protect vital youth connection service: Nambour Link Workers face funding uncertainty

From left, Nambour Community Centre program co-ordinator Peter Hogg and Link Workers Amy Burns and Lise Holt are calling for continued government funding for the program, which has helped more than 160 local children.

Nambour Community Centre is calling on the Queensland Government to secure the future of its two Link Workers, warning that Nambour risks losing a practical service helping children and young people overcome loneliness and reconnect with their community.

The call forms part of the Queensland Community Alliance’s Queensland Way campaign, launched during Loneliness Awareness Week from August 3–9. Link Workers receive referrals directly from young people and their families, as well as health professionals, schools and community organisations. They work with young people to build connections and tackle loneliness and social isolation, linking them with suitable local groups, activities and support services.

Nambour Community Centre Link Workers Lise Holt and Amy Burns have supported more than 160 local children, young people and their families in 2026. They have connected participants with mental health services, young carer organisations, alternative learning pathways, case management services and tutoring. The JOIN team also runs a weekly youth drop-in space, Youth Job Hub, fortnightly youth barbecue at Quota Park and movie and pizza nights during the school holidays.

All activities are free. Program co-ordinator Peter Hogg said the program provided vital support to Sunshine Coast children, young people and families.

“Many people want to reconnect with their community but do not know where to begin. A Link Worker takes the time to understand what someone needs, finds the right local connection and supports them through that first step,” Mr Hogg said.

“The Queensland Government has supported the development of this practical response to loneliness. We are asking it to protect that investment and keep Link Workers operating in our communities.”

One local participant said the JOIN program had supported her family as they continued to recover from domestic violence, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder.

“At the Nambour Community Centre with the JOIN program, that has all changed,” she said.

“I have finally found a place and space for families like mine who live daily with the after-effects of DV, trauma and PTSD, and the shame, guilt and misunderstanding of the community.

“The JOIN program offered us practical solutions and different options with organisations that work with families like mine so that we don’t feel the guilt, shame or fear that keeps us isolated and stuck in a cycle of violence and abuse.”

The parent of a teenager attending the groups said the free program provided a safe place for her daughter to cook, make art, spend time with friends and receive help with job applications. Queensland research into social prescribing found participants experienced significant reductions in loneliness and psychological distress, as well as improvements in their perceived overall health over 18 months.

The Queensland Way campaign is asking the State Government to continue funding Link Workers across the 13 neighbourhood centres delivering social prescribing programs and work with the sector on a sustainable pathway to expand access across Queensland.

“This is a chance to build on something positive and ensure a program that is working does not fall through the cracks,” Mr Hogg said.

“Queenslanders look out for one another during floods, fires and cyclones. We should bring that same spirit to helping people stay connected in everyday life. That is the Queensland Way.”

Nicklin MP Marty Hunt said he would stand by the Nambour Community Centre.

“I’ve visited the Nambour Community Centre and seen first-hand the positive impact Nambour’s social prescribing program, JOIN, is having by connecting people with support, services and community networks,” Mr Hunt said.

“The social prescribing trial is one of 13 across the State which is funded through to December. Like many trials, the social prescribing program is currently being independently evaluated across Queensland, with the Government to consider the outcomes of that evaluation before determining the next steps.

“Following my visit to the Centre, I wrote to the Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services and Child Safety to advocate for the continuation of JOIN locally. While we face significant financial constraints inherited from the former Labor Government, I will continue standing alongside the Nambour Community Centre and advocating for the programs and services our community relies on.”

Mr Hunt’s office said the existing funding agreement for the trial social prescribing program remained unchanged and there had been no notification that funding would be discontinued. Still, concerns remain as the latest Queensland Government budget contains no additional designated funding for social prescribing.