Living close to others can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and tensions. Whether it’s noise, fences, trees, pets, or parking, neighbour disputes can escalate if not addressed early.
ICDRS offers a free, confidential, and professional mediation service to help neighbours resolve conflicts respectfully and collaboratively.
Our service is designed to empower neighbours to find mutually agreeable solutions without the stress and expense of legal action.
Neighbour mediation is a structured conversation, guided by a trained, neutral mediator. The mediator helps neighbours:
Communicate openly and respectfully
Understand each other’s perspectives
Explore options for resolving issues
Reach agreements that work for everyone
Mediation is voluntary, confidential, and focused on the future — not the past.
Initial Contact
Contact ICDRS to register your interest. One of our intake coordinators will discuss the situation with you privately to make sure that mediation is a suitable process, explain mediation to you and help you to prepare if mediation is going to proceed.
Invitation to Mediate
We will reach out to the other neighbour(s) to invite them to participate. Mediation only proceeds if both parties agree. If they agree our intake coordinator will do an intake session with them as well.
Mediation Session
A professional mediator facilitates the discussion. In this pro bono service sessions are held online. We have a paid mediation service if you would like in-person mediation. In-person sessions may be available where local practitioners are available and fees apply based on your ability to pay. Link to our standard mediation service.
Agreement
If an agreement is reached, it can be written down. If you are all ready to commit to your agreement, you can sign it to confirm. In some cases, an agreement may meet the requirements to be a contract so you can get legal advice before signing.
Free Service: No cost for eligible community disputes.
Accredited Mediators: All mediators are nationally accredited under NMAS / AMDRAS. www.amdras.au
Confidential: Your privacy is protected.
Community Focus: We help build stronger, safer communities through conflict resolution.
Flexible Delivery: Online (video meeting or phone) with after hours options available.
Neighbour mediation may help if:
You’re experiencing conflict and want a peaceful resolution.
You’re willing to listen and negotiate.
You prefer to avoid court and ongoing conflict.
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.
Taking the first step can make all the difference.
Contact us today to discuss your situation confidentially.
➡️ Call: 1300 079 345
➡️ Email: icdrs@interact.support
➡️ Online Form: Enquiry Form
The Agreement to Mediate provides the Terms and Conditions of the mediation service. This service is a Pro-Bono (Free) service.
