Anglicare NSW South, NSW West & ACT is building a network of community hubs across Canberra and Queanbeyan that bring together affordable retail, low-cost groceries, emergency relief and welcoming spaces for people to connect.
The network builds on Anglicare’s existing op shops, community centres and parish partnerships, creating greater opportunities for individuals and families experiencing financial pressure to access affordable food, practical support and community connection close to home.
The announcement comes as Anglicare confirms its Phillip op shop will not reopen following flood damage earlier this year. While the decision marks the end of a much-loved chapter for Phillip volunteers, customers and supporters, a review of the site’s long-term future found it could not accommodate the broader range of facilities, services and community activities envisioned under Anglicare’s evolving community hub model.
Following that review, Anglicare determined that future investment would have the greatest community impact through the continued expansion of its community hub network across Canberra and Queanbeyan.
A response to growing financial pressure
Demand for Anglicare’s emergency relief services has grown substantially in recent years. In 2023/24, Anglicare assisted around 21,000 people, a 61 per cent increase on the approximately 13,000 people supported the previous year.
Demand has continued across the ACT, where Anglicare responded to more than 7,500 requests for emergency relief in 2024/25, with Gordon Community Centre remaining one of its busiest locations.
Many of the people seeking help have never needed support before. They include families choosing between rent and groceries, older people living on fixed incomes, and households feeling the pressure of rising living costs. Many can contribute towards the cost of groceries but find standard supermarket prices increasingly difficult to manage.
The community hub model responds to that need. Emergency relief remains available for people experiencing crisis, while low-cost groceries provide an additional option that helps households stretch their budgets with dignity and choice.
The hubs also offer an earlier point of connection, providing access to information, practical support, referrals to financial counselling and opportunities to build relationships within the community.
“Anglicare will continue to provide emergency relief for people in crisis. But many people are doing it tough without being in crisis, and our hubs give them a way to choose and buy affordable groceries in a way that supports their dignity and independence,” said Sandra Michie, Executive Director of Support Operations and Communications.
“These hubs are also about connection. Social isolation and loneliness are increasing, and many people tell us they come not just for food but for the warmth, welcome and conversation they find with our volunteers. We want everyone who walks through our doors to feel they belong.”
The community hub network reflects Anglicare’s long-term vision to move beyond one-off crisis responses and create more opportunities for people to access ongoing support, build connections and strengthen their wellbeing.
Anglicare’s community hub network
The network brings together Anglicare’s op shops, established community centres and long-standing partnerships with local Anglican parishes:
- Queanbeyan: The op shop is being redeveloped as a community hub combining affordable groceries, emergency relief, retail and community connection under one roof. It builds on Anglicare’s Food Fair, which has supported the Queanbeyan community for many years.
- Erindale: The op shop is expanding into adjacent premises, creating space for affordable groceries, community activities and connection opportunities alongside the existing retail offering.
- Parish of Arawang: An emergency relief food pantry operated in partnership with the Arawang Anglican parish, providing fresh food, essentials and a welcoming place for conversation and support.
- Gordon Community Centre: Operated in partnership with Lanyon Valley Anglican Church, the centre provides emergency relief alongside community lunches, playgroups, exercise and cooking programs, Centrelink access and referrals to financial counselling.
- Canberra’s north side: Anglicare is exploring opportunities to expand the community hub network to Canberra’s north, helping ensure more communities can access affordable food, practical support and connection closer to home.
Op shop locations will continue to operate as Anglicare op shops, where people can shop, donate and volunteer as they always have. The hub model builds on the success of these stores by expanding their role as welcoming community spaces that connect people with practical support and affordable food options.
Powered by community generosity
The community hub network is powered by the generosity of volunteers, parishes, schools, donors and supporters. Together, they help create welcoming places where people can access affordable food, practical support and a sense of belonging in their local community.
Looking ahead while farewelling Phillip
“Phillip has been much more than an op shop. For more than a decade, it has been a place where volunteers, customers and supporters came together to create genuine community, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of its story,” Ms Michie said.
“Closing the shop was not a decision we took lightly. Following the flood, we took the opportunity to consider how we could best meet the changing needs of our community into the future. That review led us to invest in a community hub network that will bring together affordable food, practical assistance and opportunities for connection, allowing us to support more people across the region.”
“The spirit of what made Phillip so special, people helping people and building community, will continue through the hubs we are developing and the partnerships that strengthen communities across Canberra and Queanbeyan.”
Phillip volunteers are warmly invited to continue volunteering with Anglicare across the community hub network, where their experience, generosity and commitment to helping others will continue to make a meaningful difference.
Further details about the Queanbeyan redevelopment, the Erindale expansion and future opportunities to expand the network into Canberra’s north will be shared as planning progresses.
