We Are Neighbours Aid
Discover how we make a positive impact and create lasting change for those in need.
How we started
From Humble Beginnings
Neighbours Aid’s journey began in Nambour with the opening of our first store. Supported by our local community, our store quickly grew from strength to strength. Seeing the change we could make, we then took the first steps of this remarkable journey of compassion, generosity, and positive change!
Our Mission
Neighbours Aid Ltd empowers vulnerable communities around the world through the development of sustainable projects.
Our Vision
Through the pillars of education, healthcare, and essential initiatives, we strive to create a brighter future, our vision is to improve the lives of children in underprivileged communities across the world. With our child sponsorship program, op shops, and other approved channels we are proud to be a driving force behind positive change.
How We Make A Difference
At Neighbours Aid, we believe that empowering communities and breaking the cycle of poverty is within our reach. By focusing on education, health, and sustainable solutions, we bring about lasting transformations in the lives of individuals and communities in need.
Stores
Not only do we offer a range of quality items for sale, but our Op Shops also provide a sense of community for our volunteers, giving them the opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and help make a difference in the world. When you volunteer with Neighbours Aid, you become a part of the positive change we strive for!
Donations
Every contribution we receive, no matter how small, plays a crucial role in making a difference. We ensure transparency and accountability when using your donations and ensure they go to those who need it most.
Projects
We support projects that focus on education, healthcare and sustainable solutions, so that we can help them address the core needs for improving communities in need. We provide various avenues through which you can support these projects, from making donations to becoming a valued volunteer.
Want to make a difference?
Working Together Toward a Better World
Our Board
Meet the leaders that drive change, empower communities, and transform lives with unwavering passion and vision.
Timothy McNamara – Board Chair
Tim is a pathologist and sits on the board of Nambour Christian College. He actively participates in Helping Hands Working Expeditions to Africa, where he shares his medical expertise with local staff.
Tim holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, as well as being a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and possessing a Graduate Diploma in Computing. His commitment to healthcare and education drives his involvement in various initiatives that make a positive impact in communities.
Richard John O’Hara
John is a founding director of Neighbours Aid with over 40 years of experience in running a small business. He has also lent his expertise to a number of Not for Profit Boards, enhancing their performance with his industry insights. John’s qualifications are a testament to his skill set, including a Diploma in Horticulture and being a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
Jesma O’Hara
Jesma is a founding director of Neighbours Aid and a founding director of the Nambour
Christian College Board, serving as chair from 2001-2022. She has also served on the ICEJ Australian Board for 20 years, bringing many years of experience as a board and committee member of Not-for-Profit organisations. Jesma is a wife to John, mother of 5 and grandmother of 4, and an internationally known speaker and writer of books and articles. She currently fills the role of Senior Project Manager at Neighbours Aid.
Helen Hall
Helen is a practising psychologist, with a background in business management. Her experience with World Vision sparked her dedication to improving the lives of children in developing nations and promoting sustainable living. With four children of her own, Helen understands the importance of creating a better future for all. Helen serves on multiple nonprofit committees and boards, driven by her desire to empower individuals and enable them to live fulfilling lives.
Tenille Peni-Hudson
Tenille brings over 15 years of progressive career development in the private and nonprofit sectors, including executive roles in international aid and development organisations. With expertise in strategic planning, financial management, donor engagement, and risk management, she contributes valuable operational knowledge to our board.
Tara Van Der Vliet
Tara is a dedicated hospital pharmacist who possesses a profound passion for aiding individuals living in poverty. Having actively participated in various Neighbours Aid Service Trips, she deeply appreciates the enriching opportunities they have provided. While initially drawn to the Pacific Islands, Tara’s experiences in Africa and India have ignited a love for these regions as well.
Moreover, she has recently established a national special interest group for hospital pharmacists interested in aid and volunteering, aiming to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among individuals who share a common dedication to improving healthcare for those in need.
Daniel Watts
Daniel has spent more than 20+ years in the international aid and development sector designing, developing and implementing a broad range of community development projects. Daniel has a strong skill set in leadership development and more specifically, the development of remote teams. He has extensive on-the-ground experience spending extended periods living in Indonesia, Cambodia, East Timor, Germany and England. He has consulted with several nationally and internationally recognised NGO’s including Opportunity International, Watoto, IGF and Global Development Group. More recently Daniel founded and built Rapid Building Inspections into the largest business of its type in Australia. Daniel is a qualified carpenter joiner and also holds a bachelor’s degree in international studies and a Masters of Applied Anthropology and Development.
Our Commitment To Sustainability
We believe in the power of reuse to reduce waste and minimise our environmental footprint and are proud to be accredited under the clothing reuse export accreditation scheme. We ensure that donations are responsibly managed, giving them a second life and reducing the waste in landfills.
Neighbours Aid is committed to making a difference in the world by transforming lives, empowering communities, and inspiring global change, one community at a time.
