Bowen Community Centre

We’re here for our community and we care about the dignity, well-being, and quality of life of each-and-every person.

Bowen Neighbourhood Centre services

Based in the Bowen Community Centre, the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre offers support in relation to housing needs, legal assistance, domestic violence referrals and other health and community matters. If you’re not sure if we can help, please ask. All enquiries are welcome and if we can’t help, we may be able to suggest someone who can.

community connect – we connect you to support information and referrals

Community Connect

For housing needs, legal assistance, domestic violence and other health and community related matters, we can connect you with support, information, and referrals.
Bowen community op shop

Bowen Community Op Shop

Check out our affordable second-hand furniture and household goods and clothing.
Bowen Community Food Bank

Bowen Community Food Bank

Stock up on free and low-cost grocery items. Access is by application.
no interest loans

No Interest Loan Scheme

No Interest Loans (NILs) of up to $2000 are available for purchasing essential goods and services such as fridges, washing machines, car repairs and medical procedures.
Tuckerbox Kitchen soup

Bowen Community Soup Kitchen

Nutritious home cooked meals available for minimal cost to homeless people or those experiencing severe crisis. If you can’t afford to pay please speak to staff about an exemption from paying.
emergency relief for bowen residents

Emergency Relief for Bowen

Assistance for those in urgent need of food, medication, utility payments, fuel, or rental arrears on a case-by-case basis.
Homeless Facilities

Homeless Shower & Laundry Facilities

We have shower and laundry facilities at the centre for those experiencing homelessness which are available for weekdays before midday. Care Bags containing toiletries donated by Zonta Club of Bowen also available for adults & children if needed.
Second Bite

Second Bite

Second bite grocery items donated by Woolworths Bowen and Peries IGA available in reception daily for any community members to access. Gumlu Growers Association members also provide fresh vegetables during the harvest season. 
Chair Exercise

Chair Exercise

Chair Exercise program using fun music & easy yoga techniques facilitated by Exercise Angels. Held at CWA Hall. A Bowen Community Centre program sponsored by North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation.
JP

JP Service

Free JP Service available weekdays.
Stay Connected

Stay Connected

Free Tech classes for over 55s.  Smart phone basics, Email, Scanning, Staying safe online. Call to register your interest.

Cooinda Family Centre services

A welcoming hub for the families of the Bowen community. Cooinda Family Centre provides a range of services and programs for families and children at little-to-no-cost.

parenting group

Building Blocks

Parents wanting to positively shape their family can explore ideas through group discussions, guest presenters and practical activities. All while their children are supervised by play helpers. Morning Tea provided.
Bindi Bindi pre-kindy program

Pre-Kindy Playgroup

Aimed at engaging children 3-5 years old during school terms. Has a strong focus on early learning, nutrition, science activities (STEM) and a variety of group activities to help children and parents with transition to Kindy.
Certified Parenting Courses

Certified Parenting Courses

Certified parenting programs available each school term for parents and carers to increase confidence and understanding of parenting and secure attachments. Play helpers available to help with children.
Cooking Classes

Cooking Classes

Cooking classes to promote intergenerational respect and learning from diverse community members and our elderly community to share their culinary traditions. 6 week program during school terms. Limited numbers. Call to book.
stay'n'play outside water play

Stay’N’Play at Cooinda

Share a cuppa and a chat with fellow parents/carers while the little ones play and enjoy the morning tea provided. This free playgroup is designed for children from birth to 8 years old.
Outdoor playgroup

Explore’N’Play

Get together with fellow parents/carers while the little ones play and enjoy this explore and play outdoor playgroup. This free playgroup is designed for children from birth to 8 years old and will alternate between Bowen Front Beach and Queens Beach Park.

Drop-in Baby Clinic

Weigh your bub and let them enjoy some sensory play time. This clinic is facilitated by a Child Health Nurse from Bowen Hospital. Drop by for a cuppa and a chat with fellow parents.
parent support

Parent Support

Families going through difficult times can drop in to find an ear to listen and be helped to find a path through challenges with helpful referrals to other services.

Bowen Neighbourhood Centre is a not-for-profit organisation which couldn’t operate without the amazing, ongoing support of our volunteers. Find out how you could become a valued member of our Volunteer Program.

volunteering in Bowen

The Bowen Community Centre has meeting and activity rooms as well as office space for hire. Find out more about how to hire a space.

bowen meeting room hire

The Red Bench at Bowen Community Centre was a joint project with the Zonta Club of Bowen Inc.

Find out more about our partnerships with local organisations.

red bench against domestic violence