Neighbour Mediation
A free pro-bono service for eligible neighbour disputes — confidential, voluntary, and with the support of qualified volunteer mediators.
How we can help
When everyday issues between neighbours turn into ongoing tension — over trees, fences, parking, or noise — it can affect everyone’s wellbeing. The ICDRS Pro-Bono Neighbour Mediation Service provides a safe, neutral and confidential space where neighbours can have constructive conversations, understand each other’s perspectives, and reach fair agreements.
This service is free for eligible matters and delivered by qualified volunteer mediators from the Interact Community Dispute Resolution Service (ICDRS), part of Interact Support Inc.
Request a call back — complete our enquiry form
What is neighbour mediation?
Neighbour mediation is a guided conversation between neighbours who are experiencing conflict. An independent mediator helps everyone speak and listen respectfully, identify what’s really important, and agree on practical steps forward — without blame or judgment.
It’s a confidential and voluntary process where the focus is on finding common ground and restoring positive peace.
When neighbour mediation can help
This service can assist with most neighbourhood issues, including:
- Fence and boundary disagreements
- Tree or vegetation concerns (overhanging branches, roots, damage)
- Noise complaints (music, parties, animals, machinery)
- Parking and access issues
- Pet behaviour (barking, safety, mess)
- Use of shared spaces or driveways
- General communication breakdowns between neighbours
If your concern falls outside these areas, we’ll guide you to another service that can help.
Why choose mediation instead of legal action
Mediation offers a faster, friendlier and more affordable way to resolve neighbour disputes.
| Mediation | Court or Tribunal |
|---|---|
| Voluntary and private | Public and formal |
| Focus on understanding and solutions | Focus on blame and evidence |
| Quick turnaround (usually within weeks) | Often takes months |
| You stay in control of the outcome | A third party decides for you |
| Free (if eligible) or low-cost | Can be expensive, especially with lawyers |
Mediation helps preserve relationships, reduce stress, and avoid ongoing disputes.
How the neighbour mediation process works
- Pre-intake: quick assessment. A team member calls you to understand the issues and confirm eligibility for the Pro-Bono Service. If it isn’t an eligible neighbour dispute, we’ll discuss other options or referrals.
- Intake (private pre-mediation discussion). Confidential conversation with the mediators to share your perspective, discuss any safety or communication concerns, learn how the process works, and clarify the outcomes you’d like to see.
- Invitation to mediate. After the intake with the first person to contact us, we reach out to the other neighbour(s) to invite them to participate. Mediation only proceeds if both parties agree. If they agree, we run an intake session with them as well. Nothing you discussed with the mediators is shared with them.
- Joint mediation session. Both neighbours meet with the mediators — online, by phone, or in some cases in person. The mediators enforce ground rules for respectful conversation, help each person explain their point of view, clarify the key issues, explore options, and help you negotiate practical and realistic agreements. Sessions usually last two to three hours.
For full information, please read our Agreement to Mediate (PDF).
Ground rules for neighbour mediation
To keep the process constructive, everyone agrees to:
- Speak respectfully and take turns
- Listen without interrupting
- Focus on solutions, not blame
- Keep discussions confidential
- Be honest and cooperative
The mediator may pause or end a session if these standards aren’t followed or if safety becomes a concern.
Legal and confidential protections
- Mediation discussions are generally “without prejudice” — they are confidential and in most cases can’t be used as evidence in court or a tribunal. There are limited exceptions: a duty of care if we become concerned that someone is at risk of serious harm, or a court order to share information (though courts usually do not allow material from mediation to be used as evidence). Your mediators will explain how confidentiality applies in your situation during the intake.
- Any written agreement is voluntary and may become legally binding if both sides choose to formalise it
- You can seek legal advice before or after mediation
Important notes
If safety concerns exist (such as threats or harassment), our intake team will work with you to assess whether mediation is appropriate or if other services should be recommended.
- The Pro-Bono Service provides mediation for community-based disputes only — but we offer a range of mediation services at affordable prices.
- Our service is not suitable for criminal matters, urgent safety concerns, or situations involving significant violence.
- If mediation is not appropriate, we will do our best to connect you with other support services.
Get started today
Neighbour Mediation Enquiry Form
Or call us on 1300 079 345.
Additional resources
- Agreement to Mediate (PDF) — terms and conditions of the pro-bono service
- Neighbour Dispute Resolution Service Flyer (PDF)
- Quick Guide to Neighbour Disputes — three steps to reduce the conflict