Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres

Neighbourhood Houses are the heart of our communities. They are independent, community-based organisations.  Their purpose is to bring people together to connect, learn and contribute to their local community through social, educational, recreational and support activities.  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.

Boroondara Community Centres and Neighbourhood Houses

Our 11 community and neighbourhood houses help people connect with one another. Offering a range of free or low-cost programs in a supportive and friendly environment, they’re the perfect place to learn and make a difference in our local community

Alamein Neighbourhood and Learning

49 Ashburn Grove, Ashburton (opposite Alamein train station)
Phone:(03) 9885 9401. Email: admin@alameinnlc.com.au. Website:Alamein Neighbourhood and Learning Centre

Ashburton Community Centre

160 High Street, Ashburton
Phone:(03) 9885 7952. Email: office@ashburtoncc.org.au. Website: Ashburton Community Centre

Balwyn Community Centre

412 Whitehorse Road, Surrey Hills
Phone: (03) 9836 7942. Email: reception@balwyncc.org.au. Website: Balwyn Community Centre

Bowen Street Community Centre

102 Bowen Street, Camberwell
Phone: (03) 9889 0791. Email: info@bowenstreet.org.au. Website: Bowen Street Community Centre

Camberwell Community Centre

33-35 Fairholm Grove, Camberwell
Phone: (03) 9882 2611. Email: contact@camberwellcc.org.au. Website: Camberwell Community Centre

Canterbury Neighbourhood Centre

2 Kendall Street, Canterbury
Phone: (03) 9830 4214. Email: office@canterburync.au. Website: Canterbury Neighbourhood Centre

Craig Family Centre

7 Samarinda Avenue, Ashburton
Phone: (03) 9790 9955. Email: enquiries@craigfc.org.au. Website: Craig Family Centre

Hawthorn Community House

32 Henry Street, Hawthorn
Phone: (03) 9819 2629. Email: info@hch.org.au. Website: Hawthorn Community House

Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre

4-12 Derby Street, Kew
Phone: (03) 9853 3126. Email: admin@kewnlc.org.au. Website: Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre

Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre

157 Union Road, Surrey Hills
Phone: (03) 9890 2467. Email: enquiries@surreyhillsnc.org.au. Website: Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre

Trentwood at the Hub. Greythorn Community Hub

2 Centre Way, Balwyn North
Phone: (03) 9006 6590. Email: info@trentwood.org.au. Website: Trentwood at the Hub

Ashburton Community Centre turns 40

Priya Mohandoss

This year, Ashburton Community Centre (ACC) celebrates its 40 years as a vibrant part of the community. Today it stands as a modern complex in High Street Ashburton, co-located with the Ashburton Library.

Being a hive of activity, it offers a diverse range of classes and programs, social groups, events, room hire, environmental initiatives and community partnerships. More than just a facility, it is a place where people come together to learn, relate and assimilate.

‘The strongest theme throughout ACC’s history is the sense of connection and belonging it creates,’ said local historian Sarah Craze. ‘Many staff, volunteers, tutors and members describe the friendships, community spirit and supportive environment as the best part of being involved with the centre’.

During the early 1980s Ashburton was in need of a space for people to assemble in order to strengthen social contact, acquire new skills and cater for community support. In November 1983, after much impetus from local residents and advocates, the then Camberwell Council acquired a former doctors’ surgery to house what became known as the ACC, which officially opened its doors in May 1986.

‘Originally, the Centre was intended to provide leisure, recreation and educational opportunities for the local community, particularly for women, older residents and people experiencing social isolation. Early activities included arts, crafts, fitness, cooking, languages and community groups’.

In 2013, Boroondara Council invested in a major renewal of the ACC, transforming it into a purpose-built community structure integrated with the Ashburton Library. Completed in 2014, the redevelopment began a new chapter while honouring its history.

A significant feature that remained throughout this transformation was the striking Angophora Costata (Smooth-barked Apple or Sydney Red Gum). A well-known local landmark, the tree became an enduring symbol of identity and its deep-rooted connection to the community, eventually inspiring ACC’s official logo.

For its festivities, ACC will honour this milestone as part of their Annual General Meeting in September, along with the installation of historical displays highlighting its contribution to the community. Special recognition will also be given to long-term tutors and volunteers, while past and present members will be invited to reconnect and mark the centre’s lasting impact over four decades.

Cr John Friend-Pereira, Solway Ward, praised its ongoing contribution and said, ‘ACC’s success is a credit to the staff, volunteers and locals who have made it such a valued and welcoming part of Ashburton life. Boroondara Council is proud to support this important local organisation as it celebrates 40 years serving the community.’

If you have a story or memory of the Ashburton Community Centre that you would like to contribute to its history, they would love to hear from you. Please contact the Centre on 9885 7952 or email office@ ashburtoncc.org.au.

 Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres in Whitehorse

Neighbourhood Houses bring people together to connect, learn and contribute in their local community through social, educational and recreational activities.  There are ten in Whitehorse.

Click on the links below to explore their programs and activities and to see how you can become involved.

Avenue Neighbourhood House

Box Hill South Neighbourhood House

47 Kitchener Street, Box Hill South VIC 3128

Phone: 9898 8270. Email: info@bhsnh.org.au.  http://www.bhsnh.org.au

Burwood Neighbourhood House

1 Church Street, Burwood VIC 3125

Phone: 9808 6292. Email: burwoodn@bigpond.net.au.  www.burwoodneighbourhoodhouse.org.au

Clota Cottage Neighbourhood House

31 Clota Avenue, Box Hill VIC 3128

Phone: 9899 0062. Email: admin@clotacottage.org.au.  www.clotacottage.org.au

Kerrimuir Neighbourhood House

57 Linda Avenue, Box Hill North VIC 3129

Phone: 9899 7660. Email: info@kerrimuirhouse.org.au.  www.kerrimuirhouse.org.au

Louise Multicultural Community Centre

Suite 8, Town Hall Hub

27 Bank Street, Box Hill VIC 3128

Phone: 9285 4850.  Email: info@louise.org.au.  www.louise.org.au

Mitcham Community House

19 Brunswick Road, Mitcham VIC 3132

Phone: 9873 4587. Email: info@mitchamcommunityhouse.org.  www.mitchamcommunityhouse.org

Vermont South Neighbourhood House

Karobran Drive, Vermont South VIC 3133

Phone: 9803 2335. Email: info@vsnh.org.au.  www.vsnh.org.au

Mitcham Community House celebrates 50 years

Glenys Grant

The Mitcham Community House (MCH) is turning 50. An Open Day is planned for 17 May. Staff are busy organising many exciting activities.

Community House Chair, Wendy Gander, said there would be activities for everyone.  These include an animal farm, face painting, biscuit decorating, Storybook time, an Art show and lots of delicious food, craft and plant items for sale.

Victoria Police will bring a car and Fire Rescue Victoria will have a fire engine. Vermont Football Club will host a mini Auskick Session. Our belly-dance class and the Yeng Gali Mullum Choir will entertain, and there will be a great raffle.

We invite you to tell us about your connection to Mitcham Community House for Open Day

Everyone who has had a connection with the work of MCH over the past 50 years is invited to write a story on their experiences. All stories will be displayed on the Open Day on 17 May.

The story writing opportunity is open now. We ask that you keep your story to one A4 page with size 14 font. Send your stories by email to manager@mitchamcommunityhouse.org by Wednesday 7 May 2025.

Thank you, Yarra Valley Water

In preparation for the day, Yarra Valley Water employees voluntarily participated in a working bee, clearing old stumps and weeds, planting trees, revitalising the entrance garden, trimming hedges, cleaning windows and painting. They reinvigorated the community garden and playground areas.

Divisional Manager Asset Transformation and Technology Danny Ivanoski said, ‘Our volunteer program is our way to give back to and benefit the organisations we work with.  It gives a sense of connection to our staff. With this work, we’ve created a vibrant space for kids and families to enjoy and help the community thrive.’

This volunteer effort builds on previous support provided by Yarra Valley Water’s Asset Planning staff in 2024, when the volunteer crew established a new garden and wildlife habitat as part of a successful community grant application which provided over $5,500 investment in plants and materials.

What is the proud history of this organisation?

MCH began in 1975 through the collective energy and enthusiasm of about 12 local women, who partnered with the then Nunawading Council.  The women, responding to community need, met and ran programs in a three-bedroom house at 563 Whitehorse Rd, Mitcham, leased from its neighbour, Mountview Uniting Church.

The initial program included about 12 courses, childcare and a family violence and incest support group.  There were many Saturday workshops, socially connecting activities and an annual craft market.

At first the house was staffed by volunteers, and clerical work was haphazard. Staff members were paid $5 per hour, but worked many extra unpaid hours without computers and photocopiers. Correspondence and term booklets were painstakingly and slowly produced. Staff were supported by a strong committee.

This was a time before government grants and compliance to industrial issues. Tutors were paid or volunteered, depending on funds with most classes at $2 per person per session.

MCH historian and Foundation member Sue Curlis says ‘This original energy of so many dedicated people became a movement across Victoria and subsequently across Australia. Now Community/Neighbourhood Houses are an institution enhancing our lives’.

Today MCH has about 430 clients attending more than 1000 visits each week and employs about 20 tutors.  It provides many affordable classes and activities, led by qualified and experienced tutors. Manager Melinda McGinley says ‘Mitcham Community House offers a wide range of affordable and inclusive recreational and educational classes and social activities, childcare, playgroups, and support programs for people of all ages.’

Costs are high for this quality service, so money is a constant battle. MCH keeps its client fees modest and affordable, staying true to their original vision.  Rooms are sometimes rented out, there is some State Govt. assistance, some funding from Whitehorse Council. But to survive they have to raise 60pc of costs themselves.

For more information, go to the Mitcham Community House website here: www.mitchamcommunityhouse.org.

Introducing Blackburn North Neighbourhood House

Formerly known as Koonung Cottage, Blackburn North Neighbourhood House is located at 109 Koonung Rd Blackburn North and has been serving our community for over 45 years.

Our name may have changed but our mission remains the same: to provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment to respond to the social and learning needs of our community and provide a sense of belonging.

We offer a range of low cost or free programs, workshops and events to give community members an opportunity to connect with each other while building skills, getting fit or just having fun. We also have a Childcare Program, rooms available for community hire and a variety of volunteer opportunities. Our staff are fonts of local knowledge and are keen to help, and we pride ourselves on our willingness to respond to community interest. With office hours of 9am to 3pm weekdays during school term, we invite you to pop in and see what we have to offer.

For more information, click here.