On the first Sunday of each month, a group of Logan residents gather with gardening gloves, cleaning supplies, and big smiles.
They're part of Neighbour in Need, a program run by Logan Connect, and their mission is simple: to bring hope and practical help to people in their community who need a hand.
For many living in the Logan area, life's challenges can make everyday tasks feel difficult or even overwhelming. That's where Neighbour in Need steps in.
The heartbeat of Logan Connect
An initiative of Logan Connect, Neighbour in Need began with a simple idea: build stronger, kinder communities by neighbours helping neighbours.
Volunteers come together for two hours each month to make a real difference in their local
community - whether it's through yard work, cleaning, cooking, visiting or even knitting.
Today, around 30 volunteers regularly give their time. Some are retirees with energy to spare, others are young people wanting to give back. All share the belief that small acts of kindness can ripple outward, strengthening the whole community.
While lawns are trimmed and windows are cleaned, the deeper impact is harder to measure. The real gift the program brings is connection.
A friendly chat over a cup of tea, a shared laugh while pulling weeds - moments that remind people that they are not alone. It's in the smiles, the restored confidence, and the friendships formed. Volunteers often say they get as much out of the program as the residents do.
"You think you're just mowing a lawn. But then you see the joy on someone's face, and you realise you've given them back a piece of their life," one volunteer explained.
Extending impact
In 2025, Logan Connect was successful in receiving a grant through Carinity's Collaborative
Community Projects.
According to community chaplain and Neighbour in Need program manager, Kerry Anderson, the grant has enabled the program to build its capacity and gain full momentum in 2025.
"The requests for assistance have really increased this year. With six new volunteers joining us, it's been wonderful to be able to support a larger number of households than we hoped and planned for," Kerry said.
Allison's story: Finding strength through community
Life has not been the easiest road for Allison. As a single full-time mum, her days are consumed with caring for her girls and managing her poor health. The basics like school supplies, packed lunches, and petrol for the car were often out of reach.
While she often leans on the support of a local food pantry, and is grateful for the relief it provides, the weight of daily challenges remains heavy.
Despite these hardships, Allison's warmth and friendliness shine through. Her community connections, however, had been limited, mostly tied to her daughters' school.
That changed when she reached out to someone she trusted, Kerry Anderson - a former school chaplain she had known for six years, and the program manager for Neighbour in Need.
Kerry's first visit to Allison's home revealed just how overwhelming things had become. Housework and yard maintenance had piled up, leaving Allison feeling defeated.
A team of volunteers from Neighbour in Need stepped in, beginning with a house cleanup. Over time, they returned to mow, whipper snip, and restore her backyard. Each act of service lifted a burden.
"At times when I haven't been able to meet the bills, it's been invaluable," Allison shared. "The volunteers are always beautiful. It's really nice to know that people care.
"When you're facing problems in everyday life, sometimes you feel very alone. With people volunteering their help and coming around with smiles, it's really lovely and heart-warming to know that acts of kindness still happen in this world," Allison added.
Inspired by the kindness she had received, Allison started giving back in her own way, supporting her neighbour who had been unwell. Allison looked out for him, and in return he fixed her car and now regularly helps maintain her property.
This mutual care became a symbol of the resilience and generosity that grows when people stand together.
Looking forward
As Logan grows, so does the need for programs like Neighbour in Need. Logan Connect hopes to continue expanding its reach, welcoming more volunteers and supporting more households.
The vision is clear: a city where no one feels forgotten, and where help is always just a neighbour away.
