Neighbourhood house network

Also commonly known as community centres, learning centres, community houses or neighbourhood centres, these inclusive community-based organisations welcome people of all ages, abilities and walks of life, creating opportunities for people to enrich their lives through connections they might not otherwise make.

There are over 400 Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria, but no two Neighbourhood Houses are ever the same. Guided by a community development approach, they each engage and respond to the needs and priorities of the communities they serve.

Community advocacy is also an essential role of Neighbourhood Houses. Often, they will advocate to their local council, MPs and other relevant bodies on issues of importance to their local communities.

Neighbourhood Houses have a significant and meaningful impact on the individual lives of everyday Victorians and hundreds of local communities across the state.
Neighbourhood Houses bring people within the local area together to meet, socialise, and mobilise to achieve positive community outcomes. They strengthen community spirit, pride and connection.

Neighbourhood Houses combat social isolation and loneliness by being accessible, non-threatening and inclusive spaces that welcome people from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, ability or economic status. They allow people to mix, learn from each other, and support each other.

Many Neighbourhood Houses are also involved in community partnerships with other local service providers, small businesses, and community groups to maximise their impact and form stronger connections within the local community.

“No two Neighbourhood Houses are ever the same!” you’ll often hear us say.

This is because Neighbourhood Houses are flexible and diverse in their delivery, responding to the needs of their communities at any given time.

The services, program and activities which may be relevant for one Neighbourhood House may be completely different to another. For example, for areas with low socio-economic populations, the Neighbourhood House may run a food pantry to ensure people have the essentials to put food on the table. For a community with a high migrant population, the Neighbourhood House may deliver programs that help migrants settle into Australian life and gain independence.

When communities are impacted by emergencies such as bushfires, Neighbourhood Houses are often on the frontline, supporting responders in any way they can, and play a significant role in disaster recovery.

Many Neighbourhood Houses offer pre-accredited and accredited adult education to assist people in their career pathways. These Neighbourhood Houses are known as Learn Local providers.

People may choose to begin their learning journey at a Neighbourhood Houses over TAFE or University due to their affordability, flexibility and because they provide a less intimidating, community-friendly setting compared to the big educational institutions.

Courses range from developing skills in speaking and writing English, computers, hospitality, construction, community services, to reception work and how to run a small business.

Some even provide job ready courses to assist people with the job seeking process including how to search for a job, resume and cover letter writing and interview techniques.

Neighbourhood Houses also have diverse volunteering programs which increases a participant’s skills and experience working in a professional work setting.

Many provide health and well-being activities such as soft exercise and yoga classes, walking groups, tai chi and healthy cooking classes to promote healthy living. Many provide arts and crafts activities, or musical groups, for people to engage creatively in a relaxed, social setting. For seniors, they promote an active and positive ageing experience.

Neighbourhood Houses positively impact the mental and physical health of the people that participate at them.

Typically, Houses and Centres are small organisations situated in local community settings that operate at grass roots level. They strive to be accessible and welcoming, and to be inclusive and supportive of people from diverse backgrounds with varying abilities. The staff and volunteers at our Houses actively work to redress structural disadvantage in society through their philosophy, principles and practices. Houses and Centres aim to improve the social, environmental, economic and cultural infrastructures within their communities.

More broadly speaking, Neighbourhood Houses open up people’s interpersonal networks, and break down social isolation through community participation and inclusion. People make new friends, share time with others, and feel a deeper sense of purpose by contributing to their community in a meaningful and impactful way.

Our network

Many Neighbourhood Houses offer pre-accredited and accredited adult education to assist people in their career pathways. These Neighbourhood Houses are known as Learn Local providers.

People may choose to begin their learning journey at a Neighbourhood Houses over TAFE or University due to their affordability, flexibility and because they provide a less intimidating, community-friendly setting compared to the big educational institutions.

Courses range from developing skills in speaking and writing English, computers, hospitality, construction, community services, to reception work and how to run a small business.

Some even provide job ready courses to assist people with the job seeking process including how to search for a job, resume and cover letter writing and interview techniques.

Neighbourhood Houses also have diverse volunteering programs which increases a participant’s skills and experience working in a professional work setting.

NHVic is the peak body for Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres in Victoria. It was established in the early 1970s, and provides strategic leadership for Neighbourhood Houses in Victoria, supporting members with effective state-wide advocacy, quality research, and timely advice on relevant policy and legislative developments.