HERVEY Bay residents impacted by ex-Cyclone Alfred will soon have a dedicated space to rest, reconnect, and access support, with the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre (HBNC) launching its Pop-up Recovery Lounge at Pialba Place Shopping Centre this June.
Running until August 2025, the Recovery Lounge is a free, drop-in space designed to help locals recover from recent flood events. Open to everyone, the Lounge aims to provide comfort, connection, and vital support to the community.
HBNC CEO Tanya Stevenson said the space had been created with the whole community in mind.
“This space is about rebuilding positivity and making it easy for our community to connect and recover after the floods,” Ms Stevenson said.
“You don’t need to book or sign up — just walk in. Whether you're seeking information on disaster recovery or preparedness, want to have a chat, or just need a quiet space to rest, the Recovery Lounge is here for you.”
Funded by the Queensland Government, the Lounge will be staffed by HBNC’s Community Recovery Workers, who will offer friendly support, practical information, and referrals to a wide range of services. A rotating roster of visiting service providers will also be available onsite to provide pop-up assistance.
The Lounge will include a number of unique features to make it a welcoming and engaging environment.
A giant sandpit with remote-controlled diggers will serve as a playful symbol of rebuilding, while a children’s play area, tech-free relaxation zone, and seating areas for boardgames will encourage connection and downtime.
The much-loved Kindness Crew will also be relaunched as part of the initiative, bringing joy and connection through craft activities and other creative opportunities.
Their presence will add a special touch to the space, helping people find moments of peace and positivity amid the challenges of recovery.
The official opening date and hours of operation are expected to be announced soon.
For more information, visit https://www.hbnc.com.au/recovery-lounge or contact recovery@hbnc.com.au.
