What is a Neighbourhood House?
Neighbourhood Houses provide a place for people together to come together to learn in, and contribute to their local community through social, educational, recreational and support activities, using a unique community development approach. They are small not-for-profit organisations which respond to the needs and aspirations of the communities they are located in. Their main aim is to break down social barriers, connect people to their local community, and give them a greater sense of belonging.
There are over 400 neighbourhood houses in Victoria which means there’s bound to be one near you. They may have different names, As they respond to locally identified needs and priorities, the program at a Neighbourhood Houses in metropolitan Melbourne is likely to be quite different from what's on offer in remote, rural Victoria. Some of names include:
- Neighbourhood House,
- Community House,
- Learning Centre,
- Living and Learning Centre,
- Neighbourhood Centre, and
- Community Centre.
What kind of activities do neighbourhood houses provide seniors?
Neighbourhood houses play an important role in the positive ageing experience for older Victorians. They offer a range of opportunities which help seniors to remain socially connected, mentally stimulated and physically healthy.
Every neighbourhood house is unique and will offer different activities depending on the needs of their community, but some common activities you may find include:
- gentle exercise classes such as tai chi or yoga
- arts and crafts classes
- sewing and knitting clubs
- cooking classes
- community lunches
- social groups such as grandparent groups, garden clubs or walking groups
- assistance with technology to help seniors connect online
- English classes for people where English is a second language
- welfare support such as food banks and government services.
Some neighbourhood houses also have community sheds and community gardens.
How much does it cost to participate?
Activities are generally run at low or no cost to participants.
The most common activities include:
- health and wellbeing
- art and craft
- computer training
- community events
- self help and support groups, book clubs and Seniors' groups
- Life skills education
- playgroups
- Internet access
- English as a Second Language classes.
Everyone is welcome
Neighbourhood houses are all about providing a non-intimidating and caring space where everyone feels valued.
They welcome people of all ages, abilities, cultural backgrounds, genders and sexualities.
Where are the Neighbourhood houses located?
To find a house near you search the Neighbourhood House Victoria website via www.nhvic.org.au/searchdirectory
How do you find out more?
Visit the Neighbourhood Houses Victoria website.
Phone: 03 9602 1228
Email: info@nhvic.org.au
Online and other Neighbourhood House activities
Arrabri Community House is located in the leafy streets of Bayswater North in the outer east of Melbourne. We offer a broad range of programs, courses and activities. All our services are designed to be affordable and to bring people together in a warm and welcoming environment. We aim to inspire, empower and create a sense of belonging for our community.
Adult education classes include Introduction and Intermediate level classes in computers and Bring Your Own Device classes to help you get the most out of your phone, iPad and other devices.
We also offer health and wellbeing classes such as yoga, Pilates, chair Pilates and strength training.
Popular social groups include a calligraphy group, sewing and craft group, knitting group and writers group. There is also a weekly facilitated playgroup which is attended by parents, grandparents and other carers with children.
Arrabri also holds special events such as senior’s luncheons, morning teas with guest speakers and one off workshops in art, craft, cooking and more!
Contact information
Phone: 03 9720 0877
Email: arrabri@arrabri.org
Website: www.arrabri.org
Avenue Neighbourhood House @ Eley is a very vibrant and strong Neighbourhood House that has been operating for over 35 years within the City of Whitehorse.
Avenue Neighbourhood House provides an extensive range of low cost social and recreational activities such as yoga, strength training, poetry, dancing, singing, music, language classes, plates, line dancing and creative writing.
Avenue Neighbourhood House @ Eley, is also a Learn Local organisation and provides a range of pre-accredited courses.
These courses are designed to help learners gain the confidence and skills and include courses in communication, digital literacy iPads and computers.
The integrated approach of the Avenue has enabled the needs and aspirations of individuals to be identified and met, usually within the suite of programs provided or in partnership with other local organisations and/or through referral.
Contact information
Phone: 03 9808 2000
Email: info@theavenue.org.au
Website: www.theavenue.org.au
Casey Connect & Learn brings together classes, activities and social groups across 14 neighbourhood houses and community learning centres in the City of Casey, covering a wide area from Endeavour Hills in the north to Blind Bight in the South. Everyone is welcome at Casey Connect & Learn. We invite you to discover a safe and supportive space to learn, connect and grow within your local community.
Find the perfect activity, class or group for you – right on your doorstep.
Explore hundreds of classes, activities and groups in your community.
Try something new and discover your passion today.
With so many options to choose from, there’s something for everyone in our local community.
Contact information
Website: www.caseyconnectlearn.com.au
Castlemaine Community House Inc. provides a range of programs and services under a community development framework across the Shire of Mount Alexander.
They have a range of regular activities, educational classes for adults, programs for parents and children, and a large number of community projects which they run or contribute to.
They are run by a committee of management and have a number of staff and volunteers.
Key programs include:
- Learn Local and Life Long Learning education programs
- Social and community inclusion programs
- Weekly Community Lunch in Castlemaine (around 100 people attending each week)
- Public Internet Access Computers
- Centrelink and Medicare Centrelink Agency
- No Interest Loans Scheme NILS
- Free tax return programme Tax Help
Contact us for further information on the following:
- Free financial counselling programme
- Castlemaine Pride (LGBTIQ+)
- Mount Alexander Shire Disability Advocacy Group (MASDAG)
- The ELM Network – suicide prevention and awareness
- The Castlemaine Billy Cart Challenge – community connections and awareness of mental health supports across the Mount Alexander Shire
- Community choirs
Contact information
Phone: 03 5472 4842
Email: reception@cch.org.au
Website: www.cch.org.au
Central Ringwood Community Centre is situated in Bedford Park, Ringwood, and is a stone's throw away from the picturesque Ringwood Lake Park. The trees and wildlife that connect our community centre to Ringwood Lake are symbolic of the connection our centre has within the community, being that we are all connected and that healthy and nurtured trees that are given a space of thrive are able to establish themselves and live a healthy life.
Our fundamental aim is to foster and nurture healthy communities through our social inclusion programs, educational and training services, workshops, day programs and our community garden, which is weaving bonds between people and community groups as the roots of these plants weave together underground.
Some of the other services we pride ourselves in delivering are the Keeping Connected Support Group, which is a space for people who are experiencing isolation and loneliness to come together online to connect, make friends and be heard. Art and Craft groups, such as watercolour painting and tapestry, where people come together to learn or build on already existing skills.
Contact information
Phone: 03 9870 2602
Email: info@crccinc.org.au
Website: www.crccinc.org.au
We are proud to be one of the leading not-for-profit community based organisations within the City of Kingston which provides members of the community with opportunities for lifelong learning and skills development.
We are part of the Southern Metropolitan Region of Adult Community and Further Education (ACFE) and a Learn Local provider offering educational programs to assist learners between the ages of 15 to 90.
We encourage people to participate in our courses, groups and activities in order to break down social isolation and enjoy the friendship of others.
We have many local community groups meeting at our Centre during the month, among those being Al-Anon, Australian Shareholders Association, GROW, Chelsea Probus Committee, Chelsea PC Support Group, Bayside Book Club, Bonbeach-Chelsea Railway Station Group and Chelsea and Surrounds Network Group.
Longbeach PLACE Inc. is supported with State Government grants and the City of Kingston.
Contact information
Phone: 03 9776 1386
Email: reception@longbeachplace.org.au
Website: www.longbeachplace.org.au
Cheltenham Community Centre (CCC) is a not for profit organisation that strengthens community by offering all people a diverse range of community services, learning opportunities and resources for personal development.
CCC has over 1000 participants attending a wide variety of services and programs each year, including adult education, childcare, recreational programs for both adults and children and social support groups. The centre is one of the largest community providers of the Adult Migrant English Program.
All programs at CCC are conducted by highly qualified and experienced staff while management of CCC is overseen by a volunteer Board of Governance.
Contact information
Phone: 03 9583 0095
Email: admin@chelt.com.au
Website: www.chelt.com.au
Cohuna Neighbourhood House offers people information about connections in the community, an opportunity to learn a skill, or meet new people; as well as assisting those people looking for help. It extends a hand of friendship to all members of the community and aims to develop an understanding of social and emotional needs within the community.
We encourage any people new to town to call in and receive a “Pack” containing a wealth of information about local services.
We publish a regular newsletter with updated information about the community and the house.
Contact Information
Phone: 03 5456 4666
Email: nhcohuna@bigpond.com
Website: www.cnh.org.au
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/CohunaNH
Rosewall Community Centre is a fun, vibrant hub in the heart of Corio offering a friendly and welcoming place to all. From relaxing art sessions to volunteering and employment training, Rosewall offer a variety of programs to suit all ages and interests.
With friendly staff, a state-of-the-art accessible building and a whole host of activities, you're sure to find something you like! Our most popular programs include Monday Pottery and Thursday craft groups, where you can let your inner creativity shine in a friendly, relaxed group. All our activities are seniors-friendly, and most already have a few senior citizens involved, but we also offer an over 50s social group, with a welcoming and vibrant group, and an over 50s weight loss group, where you can connect with like-minded people.
Contact information
Phone: 5275 7409 or 0491 757 031
Email: admin@rosewallnc.org.au
Website: www.rosewallnc.org.au
We are a neighbourhood house originally started by the Creswick community in the early 1980s. We are an incorporated, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to community development, education, and training.
Governed by a volunteer Committee of Management we are funded in part by the state government and partly self-funded.
If you know someone who needs a hand please suggest they visit the ‘Neighbourhood Share’ cupboard located at the rear of the house for our free food share.
If you need disposable masks for vulnerable people in our community let us know, we can help.
We have a range of information and resources available so please contact us here if you think we can assist our local community.
Wear a mask, wash your hands, keep your distance – stay well and love your neighbours!
Contact Information
Phone: 03 5345 2356
Email: info@creswicknc.org.au
Website: creswicknc.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CreswickNC
We support and advocate on behalf of 20 Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres across the Wellington and East Gippsland Shire council areas.
Most East Gippsland Network Neighbourhood Houses offer opportunities to participate, learn, volunteer and get to know your community. Activities are generally run at low or no cost to participants. Amongst the most common are:
- Health and wellbeing activities
- Arts and crafts
- Computer training
- Community lunches
- Self help and support groups
- Seniors' groups
- Life skills education
- Internet access
- English as a Second Language
To find a Neighbourhood House in East Gippsland Shire or Wellington Shire visit the website www.egnnh.net.au/find-a-neighbourhood-house
Contact information
Phone: 0499 970 099
Email: network@egnnh.net.au
Website: www.egnnh.net.au
In the centre of the Angliss Housing Estate in Footscray, Angliss Neighbourhood House has been providing education to the community for 30 years. The neighbourhood house provides a range of programs, classes and activities for local residents and the wider community
Digital Sessions Supporting Seniors to get Online – this program is designed to help seniors get online and stay connected. These are one-on-one sessions where you will have an opportunity to ask and learn about what matters to you online. We can come to you or you can visit us in Footscray.
One on one sessions available, tailored to you!
Want to learn to make a Zoom call? Maybe how to use an iPad? Whatever it is you need online, we can help you feel confident doing so.Call Angliss Neighbourhood House on 9687 9908 for more information and to book.
Contact information
Phone: 03 9687 9908
Email: admin@anglissnh.net.au
Website: anglissnh.net.au
Kerrie Rd Neighbourhood House (KNH) in Glen Waverley is proud to have over a 40 year history that works to enrich our community by developing social connectedness, promoting healthy lifestyles and providing opportunities for lifelong learning, recreation and support within an inclusive, safe and welcoming environment.
A colourful bunch that embraces diversity and inclusion, we are very fortunate to have a dedicated team who all work hard and are committed to the same cause. Each year we hold an open day event for the community which provides an opportunity for local families to get to know each other and for us to connect.
We have a great drop in space where you can make a cuppa and enjoy a chat with a friend and for those that need some one-on-one help, if you BYO device we can help you with this too.
A full list of our courses and classes can be found on the Kerrie Rd Neighbourhood House website.
Contact information
Phone: 03 98876226
Email: info@knh.org.au
Website: www.knh.org.au
Both Hampton Community Centre and Highett Neighbourhood Community House provide social, educational and recreational activities for all of the community in a warm, welcoming environment.
When participating in learning experiences people will meet new people and form new connections with their community. Both Centres are open and flexible in its curriculum and will respond readily to the community as needs change and new interests develop. The aim is to provide low-cost activities thereby enabling the whole community to participate.
There are now also online classes in Spanish, French, Acrylic Painting, Paint Draw Create and Movement to Music and Pilates.
Our houses are also offering a free counselling service to our community. There are now 2 Counselling Students from Monash University on hand to lend an ear Monday to Friday to chat on the phone or online.
Contact Information
Website: baysidecommunitycentres.org.au
Hampton Community Centre
Phone: 03 9598 2977
Email: adminhcc@highett.org.au
Highett Neighbourhood Community House
Phone: 03 9555 3797
Email: office@highett.org.au
Inverloch Community house, the 'House in the Hub', endeavours to offer a welcoming place for people to meet, develop skills and, together with other members of the community, find solutions to the challenges facing our people.
A wide range of programs, classes and activities are provided for the local residents including dance, French classes, craft, and fishing.
Contact Information
Phone: 03 5674 2444
Email: office-ichi@dcsi.net.au
Website: www.inverlochcommunityhouse.org.au
The Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre Inc. (LGNC) is a non-profit organisation governed by a voluntary Committee of Governance comprising mostly of community members, and managed on a day to day basis by a Centre Coordinator. The Neighbourhood Centre plays an important role in providing opportunities through training, programs, activities, events and projects for individuals of all abilities who are vulnerable and experiencing disadvantage. Flexibility and creativity allow us to be inclusive and to connect people socially.
Newsletter
Each fortnight brings the New Beginnings Newsletter, a newsletter of hope and encouragement – it is available online to be downloaded from our website: www.lgnc.org.au/newsletter.
You can subscribe to the Newsletter by emailing projects@lgnc.org.au and have it emailed to you. Alternatively, to obtain a printed copy, please also contact the Neighbourhood Centre.
Contact Information
Phone: 03 5442 1165 or 03 5443 0998
Email: coordinator@lgnc.org.au
Website: www.lgnc.org.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lgncorg
Since 1986, the Maldon Neighbourhood Centre has provided a place for the community to come together to create, play and learn.
The Maldon Neighbourhood Centre has a full range of activities and services and offers a child-friendly outdoor space, a meeting area and classroom, a Community Garden open to all and a drop-in centre with comfy couches, a welcoming atmosphere and free Wi-Fi.
Maldon Neighbourhood Centre activities and programs include:
- Weekly community lunch
- Be Connected support - help improve your internet skills
- Community transport service
- Walks and community bus day tours
- Yoga, Tai Chi and Belly Dancing
- Walking groups
- Regular gatherings of clubs and societies (such as Maldon Golden Movies, Night Sky Appreciation and Cryptic Crossword)
Contact Information
Phone: 03 5475 2093
Email: info@maldonnc.org.au
Website: www.maldonnc.org.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/maldonnc
Mitcham Community House is a not-for-profit organisation governed by a voluntary Committee of elected community members. We offer a wide range of recreational and educational classes and social activities, childcare, playgroups, and support programs.
We offer a variety of activities to choose from: very short courses, term classes, workshops, and social activities.
Try out our wide range of health and fitness classes, learn a new language or art skills, improve your tech skills and more.
It’s a space where you can make new friends through our wide range of social activities, classes and volunteering.
Contact information
Phone: 03 9873 4587
Email: info@mitchamcommunityhouse.org
Website: www.mitchamcommunityhouse.org
The Mount Eliza Neighbourhood House aims to be a place for community connections, community information and educational and recreational programs to enhance the well-being of Mount Eliza residents and our wider community.
Our program offers something for all ages including health and wellbeing classes, community talks, art and craft, walking groups, community lunches, social groups, chess, computers, sustainability workshops, events, community support and fun!
Contact information
Phone: 03 9787 8160
Email: mail@mountelizanh.com.au
Website: www.mountelizanh.com.au
Mackie Rd Neighbourhood House (MRNH) opened at the Wellington Reserve Community Centre, Mulgrave, on Monday 24th July 2017. The Centre is open to everyone in the community and provides a range of opportunities to learn, share skills and interests, and belong.
Mackie Rd NH offers a range of classes to encourage social connection, and mental and physical stimulation. Whether you want to learn Italian, take a Pilates class, or practise Tai Chi, we have a variety of activities for all ages.
To enquire about or book any of our courses, please email info@mackierdnh.org.au, or book directly from the Mackie Rd Neighbourhood House website.
We also offer a range of social and support groups such as craft and walking groups to allow people to connect with their neighbours and surrounding community.
Contact information
Phone: 03 9548 3311
Email: info@mackierdnh.org.au
Website: www.mackierdnh.org.au
Outlets Co-op Neighbourhood House LTD
Outlets Co-operative is a not-for-profit Neighbourhood House located in Newport, Melbourne. We offer various Adult Education courses, community and social support programs, and also operate an emergency food relief service and an approved childcare centre.
We are unique, inclusive and welcome all diverse community members.
We are ‘YOUR’ centre.
Outlets caters for all ages and demographics of the community; we support our senior members by providing a wide range of face to face and online classes. Our classes include computer and tech savvy sessions, seated yoga, Bicycle User Group (BUG), calligraphy, art and music.
Contact information
Phone: 03 9391 8504
Email: outlets@outletsco-op.com.au
Website: www.outletsco-op.com.au
Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, or just want to get involved with the community, Jika Jika Community Centre offers a range of activities and classes.
They’re run by members of the community - people like you! If you have an idea of an activity or class that you could run at the centre, call or email us, it would be great to hear about it! It could be elaborate or simple, run once a week or once a month - anything you think would be great for the community to participate in.
Contact information
Phone: 03 9482 5100
Email: admin@jikajika.org.au
Website: www.jikajika.org.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jikajikacc
e-Newsletter: Subscribe to our colourful newsletter
The Community Houses Association of the Outer eastern Suburbs (CHAOS) is a network of 30 neighbourhood and community houses and centres, across the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Activities and opportunities vary between organisations, however there is a great array of free and low cost social and learning opportunities. At present we are mainly working online, with a small number of group activities by phone, with many people of all ages enjoying activities in health and wellbeing, art, technology, cooking and importantly chatting, laughing together and meeting new people.
Living our best life project
People aged 65+ in the City of Knox who are experiencing loneliness are supported to connect with community activities via the Living our best life project.
Volunteer Community Connectors are supporting people referred by health practitioners or other service providers to join in community activities. At this stage those activities are mostly online.
The project also includes two Talking Cafés. These weekly events enable people to join either a Zoom or phone group to have a chat and hear what’s happening in the local community. As community organisations gradually re-open people will be supported by our volunteers to safely access available activities.
Outer East Chatline (CHAOS Network) 1800 984 825
This chatline is somewhere you can call for a chat, Monday to Friday 10am - 1pm and Monday - Thursday 5pm - 7.30pm. We can also link you into groups and activities through your local Neighbourhood and Community House and other organisations.
As well as calling us for a chat, we can organise for someone to call you on a regular basis. Calls to the Chatline are free.
Members Contacts
If you would like to find out where your local House or Centre is please call Maureen on 0409 021 055 or phone the Outer East Chatline 1800 984 825, 10 - 1pm Monday - Friday or 5pm - 7.30pm Monday to Thursday.
A listing of Houses by Local Government area, contact details and links to websites is available at www.chaosnetwork.org.au/index.php/members
Contact information
Look for your outer eastern suburbs local neighbourhood house and its contact details on the CHAOS members webpage.
Website: www.chaosnetwork.org.au
Bridge Darebin (Preston Neighbourhood House Inc.) is an innovative, not-for-profit community organisation based in Preston and Thornbury, serving the Darebin community since 1982. Our mission is to strengthen our community by providing social and education services to empower those who need it most.
We offer a number of services aimed in providing senior Victorians with range of classes and community programs such as Laneway Lunches.
If you visit our Moon Rabbit cafe, your coffee might be served by the manager or by a trainee in their first week on the job. This is a social enterprise cafe, where the team is a mix of staff, trainees and volunteers.
Contact information
Phone: 03 9484 5806
Email: connect@bridgedarebin.org.au
Website: www.bridgedarebin.org.au
The Reservoir Neighbourhood House is a community space where everyone is welcome to learn, get support and find friendship in their local area.
We bring people together to develop and encourage employment prospects, support health and well-being and enhance belonging. The Reservoir Neighbourhood House is a place where everyone is welcome to learn and actively participate in building their community life.
We are offer one to one IT support sessions for anyone who needs some help with their computer technology needs. Please call the house on 9462 4611 for more information.
Emergency Food Relief
If you are in need of some help with food we have regular deliveries of fresh fruit/veg and pantry items to help support you.
Contact information
Phone: 03 9462 4611
Email: admin@reservoirnh.org.au
Website: www.reservoirnh.org.au
Richmond Community Learning Centre provides spaces and opportunities for people to connect, contribute and communicate. As a neighbourhood house we support a community development approach, by working closely with local people to provide a range of inclusive programs activities and events. Our aim is to create a stronger and more vibrant community.
Our regular activities and classes include zumba and yoga, gardening, Spanish, and technology confidence classes.
Contact information
Phone: 03 9428 9901
Email: admin@rclc.org.au
Website: www.rclc.org.au
Rosanna Fire Station Community House (RFSCH) hold a number of classes targeted for senior participants, for example tai chi, yoga, water colours, walking group, computer skills, gentle exercises and gardening. We also run a fortnightly friendship group, put on community lunches and participate in senior’s week. We run a volunteer program where most of our volunteers are seniors.
We provide a focal point for community development and opportunities for mutual support and self-help. Our Community House provides an accessible and safe environment for all participants. We provide services without discrimination.
Contact information
Phone: 9458 1935
Email: office@rfsch.org.au
Website: www.rfsch.org.au
The Rowville Neighbourhood Learning Centre Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation which has been a focal point for community involvement, social networking and lifelong learning opportunities since 1995.
The Neighbourhood Learning Centre runs a variety of programs and is dedicated to the provision of high quality, financially accessible services and educational programs in a welcoming and respectful environment, which encourages participation, sharing, growth and learning.
Contact information
Phone: 03 9764 1166
Email: rcc@knox.vic.gov.au
Website: www.communitylc.org.au
Torquay Community House is committed to the provision of a welcoming environment in which the development and enrichment of the lives of the people in the local communities are facilitated.
In 1996 a community newsletter ‘Springboard’ began and is now distributed to over 6000 households and drop-off points by hand and via email.
The community house offers a range of programs and classes including zumba, life drawing, French, yoga, craft and a Women's Sharing Shed.
Contact information
Phone: 03 5261 2583
Email: administration@torquaycommunityhouse.org.au
Website: www.torquaycommunityhouse.org.au
Whittlesea Community House Inc. (WCH) is committed to providing education, information, community groups and recreation for the township and surrounding areas.
The community house offers a diverse range of education and training through various classes, short courses and workshops throughout the year.
We have a range of regular activities which seniors (and juniors) can enjoy! These activities include crafternoons, ukelele, gardening, pilates and walking groups.
Contact information
Phone: 03 9716 3361
Email: info@wchi.com.au
Website: www.wchi.com.au
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