Empowering change in lives and communities

Whether it’s a cup of tea or access to a laptop, Community Gro is supporting the most vulnerable members of the Townsville community.

Community Gro Leadership team, Tracey Peace, Kathrin Meehan and Diane Jarden. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Whether it’s a cup of tea or access to a laptop, Community Gro is supporting the most vulnerable members of the Townsville community.

At a time when support and connection are more critical than ever, local not-for-profit organisation Community Gro is on a mission to empower change in lives and communities.

Operating from the Upper Ross Community Centre and Garbutt Community Centre, Community Gro provides services that enhance the quality of life for individuals, families, and the broader community.

Their Community Centres play a vital role in providing support across the areas of crisis intervention, prevention-related programs, and access to resources that empower people to participate in society.

Community Gro Chief Executive Officer Kathrin Meehan says the organisation aims to reduce social isolation and enhance the wellbeing of its community members through cultivating a welcoming environment where people can access support, information, advice, and referrals.

“We believe that creating a safe and welcoming space for individuals to connect and seek support can make a significant difference in their lives,” says Kathrin.

“Our Community Centres serve as places where people can come in, connect with others through a range of groups and programs, and make their own lives hopefully just a little bit better.

“Whether it’s through interacting with other people, utilising our phone services or providing bread, we recognise that even small actions contribute to improving individuals’ lives and community connections.”

At the heart of Community Gro are its diverse programs each tailored to meet the unique needs of the most vulnerable members of the community.

These include the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters, which assists families to provide education to their children, and the Family Support Hub which provides playgroup and access to services to support parenting and family issues, with a focus on early intervention. Both are delivered through their Upper Ross Community Centre, which also facilitates the Rasmussen Connected Beginnings Program, targeting service gaps for First Nations children.

Community Gro Leadership team, Tracey Peace, Kathrin Meehan and Diane Jarden. Picture: Shae Beplate.

At the Garbutt Community Centre, programs such as the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme foster friendships between volunteers and socially isolated aged care residents, while the Linking Schools Program, funded by the Smith Family, is focused on the re- engagement of students and their families with schools. They also offer a free Financial Resilience Program to build financial literacy and budgeting skills and support during financial challenges.

“Our approach is deeply community-centric,” Kathrin said. “Each of our Community Centres operates based on the specific needs of the local community, ensuring that our services are not just effective but also deeply relevant.

“For instance, our Linking Schools Program, which collaborates with six schools in Garbutt and surrounding areas to provide support to families referred by the schools, has yielded remarkable outcomes, with families experiencing significant improvements in attendance and overall engagement with the school community.

“This is just one example showcasing that when people can easily access programs and resources, they not only receive the support they require but also experience a sense of empowerment, both personally and within their communities.”

Both the Upper Ross and Garbutt Community Centres run their own Youth Hubs, offering early intervention services for young people aged between 10 and 17 who require a haven after school and during evenings. Operating five nights a week, the Youth Hubs serve as a reliable place where youth can access mentorship, educational support, and activities designed to foster personal growth and resilience.

“Our Youth Hubs are more than just spaces—they’re sanctuaries for our young people,” Kathrin said.

Community Gro's Youth Hub in Gartbutt is being defunded. Tarnia Long, 13, Quayarna Taiters-Rice, 11, and Tayarnie Ross, 12. Picture: Evan Morgan

“For some, home may not be a safe place for them, or they’re looking for somewhere that they can go to hang out with a good crowd, so our Youth Hubs provide that place for young people who just need somewhere to go at night.

“We currently have over 100 young people who are registered in the programs. They can book in for the evenings they want to attend, and our bus collects them and drops them home.”

Kathrin highlights how many young people often refrain from seeking support during times of hardship and emphasises the critical role the Hubs play in offering accessibility and assistance to youth when it is needed most.

“Our Youth Workers provide a supportive place for young people to discuss challenges they may not feel comfortable sharing with family,” Kathrin explains.

“Whether it’s issues at home, school, or within the community, our youth can confide in them for guidance, support, and to explore their dreams and aspirations for the future.

“We also provide homework and assignment support, and over time, the young people build up quite the relationship with our youth workers.

“We’ve seen remarkable transformations, not just in terms of improved school attendance but also in the aspirations and confidence of our youth.”

In addition to its core programs, Community Gro actively collaborates with other local organisations and members to expand its reach and impact.

Through strategic partnerships, such as those with schools, First Nations communities, and social service agencies, Community Gro leverages resources and expertise to address complex social issues more effectively.

“By working together with stakeholders and members of the Townsville community, we can establish solutions that empower individuals and strengthen community resilience,” she said.

“As we continue to navigate the challenges of today’s world, it is important to remember the impact that small acts of support and kindness can have on individuals and communities.

When we work together, we can create a brighter future for all.”

Originally published as Empowering change in lives and communities