ICDRS Neighbour Dispute Resolution Service

Fee Service to help to overcome neighbour disputes.

ICDRS Neighbour Dispute Resolution Services

Helping Neighbours Talk, Understand, and Resolve Disputes — Respectfully and Free of Charge

When everyday issues between neighbours turn into ongoing tension — over trees, fences, parking, or noise — it can affect everyone’s wellbeing.
Our 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).

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 or related areas, we’ll guide you to another service that can help.

Neighbour mediation
Neighbour Dispute Resolution

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 if you have to pay for lawyers

Neighbour mediation helps preserve relationships, reduce stress, and avoid ongoing disputes.

Free Service

How the Neighbour Mediation Process Works

  1. Pre-Intake: Quick Assessment 
    A team member calls you to understand the issues and confirm eligibility for the Pro-Bono Neighbour Mediation Service.  If it isn’t an eligible neigbour dispute, we’ll discuss other options or referrals. 

  2. Intake (Private Pre-Mediation Discussion) 
    This is a confidential discussion with the mediators to: 

    • Share your perspective
    • Discuss safety or communication concerns
    • Learn how the process works 
    • Clarify the outcomes you’d like to see and help you to prepare for the next step 

  3. Invitation to Mediate
    After the Intake with the first person to contact us we’ll reach out to the other neighbour(s) to invite them to participate.

    Mediation only proceeds if both parties agree. If they agree, we’ll have an intake session with them as well.  Nothing you discussed with the mediators will be shared with them. 

  4. Joint Mediation Session
    Both neighbours meet with the mediator (online, by phone or in some cases, in person) 

    • Enforce ground rules for respectful conversation

    • Help each person explain their point of view

    • Help to clarify the key issues and explore options for resolution.

    • Help you to negotiate towards practical and realistic agreements.

    • Sessions usually last 2 – 3 hours.  

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 “without prejudice” — they can’t be used as evidence in court

  • 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. 
  • ICDRS 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

Additional Resources

The Agreement to Mediate provides the Terms and Conditions of the mediation service.  This service is a Pro-Bono (Free) service. 

 

Scroll to Top
Skip to content