Why it matters What we are doing About the goal Our targets About the Goal About Access to affordable and clean energy that is reliable supports all sectors and facilitates growth. In recent history, much of our energy has come from fossil fuels, such as coal, gas or oil, but burning carbon fuels produces large amounts of greenhouse gases which cause climate change, resulting in harmful impacts of the environment and people's well-being. Global usage of electricity is rising rapidly, and fossil fuels are not easily replenished. Moving to renewable energies such as wind, water and solar will ensure that everyone has access to energy long after fossil fuels have been depleted. Why it Matters 1 in 8 Australians cannot pay their electricity bill 6.2% of total energy consumption was from renewable sources in 2019 Top 10 Australia ranks in the top 10 for solar capacity Why What Neighbourhood Houses & Centres are doing Australia is plentiful is natural resources, with a high number of sun hours and plenty of space for wind farms, Australia can move towards creating sustainable energy. To reduce their carbon emissions, some of our houses/ centres have solar panels that power themselves. Other services that meet this goal include: Disaster relief Grant writing support Reception for hub/ other services Visitor/ tourist information Community advocacy Emerald Community House ECH's recent total renovation of the old Emerald Bakehouse in the centre of Emerald is the first business site to operate totally of the grid as a community accessible space. What Our Targets Targets

NCHC's and decent growth & economic growth and Andrew Leigh offers his comments on the neighbourhood houses sector. Why it matters What we are doing About the goal Our targets About the Goal About This goals aims to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work. Sustained and inclusive economic growth can drive progress, create jobs for all and improve living standards. Having a job does not guarantee a decent living, with many people living below the poverty line despite having paid employment. Additionally, women and girls must have equal access to equal opportunities with men and boys for employment. Everyone benefits when people are more productive and are contributing to their countries economic growth. This process starts in youth, by providing young people with opportunities in education and training it ensures that young people have skills that match the labour market demands. Why it Matters 7.1 % The current unemployment rate in Australia 2.6% Average growth rate in Australian between 2014 - 2018 75% of Australians graduate from high school Why Localising the SDGs A Community Led Approach to Global Issues: Webinar 6 Speakers Andrew Leigh, Federal Shadow Minister Matt Pfahlert, CEO of ACRE Sophie Arnold, UNAA Victoria Oona Ormsby, Northcliffe Family and Community Centre Ramona Barry, The Bridge Daredin Hosted By Nicole Battle, President of ANHCA What Neighbourhood Houses & Centres are doing Neighbourhood Houses and Centres work towards achieving this goal at a community level by providing services that enable people to access services and gain employment. For example our Houses/ Centres offer; Resume services Employment services Child care Centrelink Our Targets Targes What

About the Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres Sector Neighbourhood houses and centres are community-based organisations that provide local, inclusive spaces for people to connect, learn, and access services. These centres are deeply embedded within the communities they serve. In many rural and regional areas, they are the only point of contact for people facing housing insecurity, isolation, family violence, and other complex issues. Their work is shaped by the communities themselves and delivered by staff and volunteers who live locally, giving them a unique capacity to respond quickly to changing local needs. As trusted hubs, NCHCs are often the first to know when something is going wrong in a community, and the first to act in times of crisis. _Q2A8312-Edit (1) Screenshot 2025-10-01 131447 Describe your image IMG_7159 Describe your image _Q2A8312-Edit (1) 1/9 Placed-Based Community Hubs The cornerstone of community development in Australia Every week, more than 400,000 people walk through the doors of an NCHC to access support, connection, and opportunity. From Centrelink and NDIS access, to emergency relief, social inclusion programs, digital literacy training, health and wellbeing groups, and employment pathways, NCHCs offer a flexible, community-driven model that meets people where they are

Why it matters What we are doing About the goal Our targets About the Goal About This goal aims to ensure access to safe water and sanitation for all. With water scarcity impacting more than 40% of the worlds population, it is vital to conserve clean water wherever we can. Australia is an extremely lucky country, but we often experience significant drought and a long fire season, accessible and fresh water is crucial to overcoming these natural disasters. Why it Matters 48% water storage levels are at 48 per cent of capacity down from 55% Most Australians have access to clean water & sanitation, however remote Indigenous communities struggle to meet water standards 80% of household water goes to waste Why What Neighbourhood Houses & Centres are doing Neighbourhood Houses and Centres work towards meeting clean water and sanitation by employing grey water systems to flush toilets and water garden beds and the collection of rain water through innovative roof designs. We all rely on clean water and sanitation, by incorporating water saving and recycling practices we ensure that more people have access to this vital resource. Our Targets Target What

2024-25 Annual Report Thank you to all Neighbourhood and Community Houses and Centres who contributed images, stories and statistics to make this annual report possible. Download Our Latest Report Annual Report Archive Annual Report 2023 - 2024 (PDF 4MB) Annual Report 2022 - 2023 (PDF 4MB) Annual Report 2021 - 2022 (PDF 6MB) Annual Report 2020 - 2021 (PDF 6MB) Annual Report 2019 - 2020 (PDF 5MB)

Constitutions, DGR and The ACNC There are changes coming to not-for-profit (NFP) eligibility and tax exemptions. We strongly recommend you take the time to consider your organisation's purpose and activities against specific requirements of an eligible income tax exempt entity before 1 July 2024. From 1 July 2023, non-charitable not-for-profit organisations with an active Australian Business Number (ABN) that self-assess as income tax exempt are required to lodge an annual self-review return with the Australian Tax Office (ATO). Until then, not-for-profit organisations that self-assess had not been required to report annually to the ATO. The first self-review return is due between 1 July 2024 and 31 October 2024, but lodgement will be allowed up to 31 March 2025. Read more about the changes If the purpose of your Neighbourhood House does not match the definitions of NFP correctly, they may decide that the organisation does not meet requirements and you could be at risk of losing the tax exemption/NFP status. We have a number of available supports to help you navigate these changes or gaining NFP and DGR status: If you already have charity status, we strongly recommend you complete the assessment tool below attend a Community of Practice to ensure your purpose and constitution comply with requirements. If you do not yet have charity status and would like to apply, you can do so through the bulk register. For access to the bulk register, please contact info@nhvic.org.au If you already have charity status and would now like to apply for DGR status, please contact info@nhvic.org.au and register for the Community of Practice If you're not sure and/or need more information , attend a Community of Practice . Community of Pra ctice These sessions on Constitutions, DGR and The ACNC fortnightly on Fridays at 11:30am AEDT up until October 2024. You do not need to make an appointment, these sessions are casual workshops on a drop-in basis. The information is tailored to the attendants, so recordings are not available. Register for the 2024 Community of Practice here Registering will give you access to the Zoom link and allow you to save it to your calendar. This link is used for all 2024 meetings, so you only need to register once. Charity/NFP Asse ssment Tool This Charity/NFP Assessment tool is designed to introduce updated requirements and regulations that are critical for gaining and/or maintaining income tax exemption status for not-for-profits and charities. It will guide you through an initial review of your constitution and provide direction for the next steps required. Deakin University, through its Law School, has developed this survey tool. Your responses will be received by Neighbourhood Houses Victoria (NHVic), which will be working on behalf of the Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association (ANHCA). Access the tool here

Board Nominations The ANHCA Board of Directors is responsible for governing the organisation, setting its strategic direction, overseeing performance, ensuring compliance, and acting in the best interests of the sector. Directors provide leadership and make decisions that guide ANHCA’s long-term growth and impact. They may be nominated by member organisations or appointed as independent directors based on their skills, experience, and alignment with ANHCA’s mission Are you a purpose-driven leader looking to make a meaningful impact nationwide? Are you excited by the opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of a national organisation during a pivotal stage? Would you like to work alongside passionate leaders to ensure the sector is heard at a federal level of government and policy? Why Join the ANHCA Board Our sector is doing critical, place-based work every day, yet they remain under-resourced and overlooked in national policy and funding decisions. Our sector is bigger than McDonald’s in scale, but lacks the strong, united voice it deserves. We are transforming ANHCA into that voice: a powerful, professional, and influential national peak that unites the sector, strengthens its capacity, and ensures it is heard at the highest levels. With the right people at the table, we can build a sustainable, impactful organisation that shapes the future of the sector. By joining, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring ANHCA not only survives, but thrives, becoming the national leader our communities urgently need. Member Representatives Member Representatives help ensure ANHCA stays accountable and connected to members’ interests. They represent their state member organisation at the national level, exercise voting rights on key matters such as Board appointments and constitutional changes, and act as a communication link between the member and ANHCA. Members (the State Peak bodies) may appoint an individual as its Representative to exercise any or all powers the member may exercise: at general meetings; or in relation to resolutions passed without a meeting. Board Members The ANHCA Board is responsible for governing the organisation, setting its strategic direction, ensuring compliance, and acting in the best interests of ANHCA. Directors are appointed based on their skills, experience, and alignment with the organisation’s mission. Sector (member-nominated) Board members bring direct knowledge and perspectives from member organisations, while Independent Board members contribute external expertise and skills to strengthen governance and strategic oversight. Download ANHCA's 2025 Constituion

$10,000 of grant funding available for Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres to tackle poverty and disadvantage. The Supporting Stronger Communities (SSC) grant program provides Neighbourhood and Community Houses and Centres (NCHCs) across Australia the opportunity to apply for up to $10,000 for projects/programs that seek to promote equality and inclusion in their communities. WHO CAN APPLY? All NCHCs located within metropolitan areas are eligible (see this document ). Other NCHCs located in towns or cities with a population of more than 15,000 people are also eligible, based on postcode. If you are from an area with a smaller population, see Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) Strengthening Rural Communities program. These grants are only available to NCHCs who are members of our state peak bodies . Only one submission will be considered per NCHCS in each round. Round 19 Opens: Monday 20 July Closes: Monday 24 August Applicants Notified: Early October Read the 2026 Applicant Guidelines Summarised document of the Supporting Stronger Communities (SSC) grant program eligibility requirements, application process etc. READ GUIDELINES Watch the Info Session Recording - passcode: 8L9t+.kn View the Metropolitan based NCHCs Explained Download the 2026 Program Guidelines Download the Budget Template Download the Assessment Rubric Download the Progress Form (PREVIEW ONLY)* * this PDF form is for preview purposes only, it may assist your planning process. The online acquittal will be emailed out. Download the Final Acquittal Form (PREVIEW ONLY)* * this PDF form is for preview purposes only, it may assist your planning process. The online acquittal will be emailed out. Download the Application Form (PREVIEW ONLY)* * this PDF form is for preview purposes only, it may assist your planning process. Click the below for the online application. Round 19! Now Open! Round closes Monday, 24th August at 5PM AEST R19 NOW OPEN Please note this link is for the FINAL submission only. We recommend that you use the preview application form to work on your application offline before submitting. Get inspiration for your application! Over 190 NCHCs across Australia have received SSC grants to deliver important initiatives. READ ABOUT THEM

$10,000 of grant funding available for Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres to tackle poverty and disadvantage. Strong & Resilient Communities (SARC) The Strong & Resilient Communities (SARC) grant program provides Neighbourhood and Community Houses and Centres (NCHCs) with the opportunity to access up to $15,000 to support the social and economic participation of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in their local communities within a 6-month period. Eligible projects will deliver group or individual services designed to improve participant wellbeing, social connection, resilience, independence, and life skills to: Support young people aged 12–18 who are disengaged or at risk of disengaging from school, employment or training. Support people with disability to increase independence and participation in their community. Support unemployed individual s to build skills, networks and pathways to employment or education. Support vulnerable and disadvantaged women, including those experiencing social isolation or discrimination, to strengthen self-agency and engage in the community or economy. Read the 2025 Applicant Guidelines Summarised document of the Strong & Resilient Communities (SARC) Grant program eligibility requirements, application process etc. READ GUIDELINES Round 2! This round closed on Monday 1st December. *Strictly no late submissions, note that 5pm closing time is in AEDT time. Register for the info session | Wednesday 12th November 1PM AEDT Download the 2025 Program Guidelines Download the Assessment Rubric Download the Participant Survey (PREVIEW ONLY)* * this PDF form is for preview purposes only, it may assist your planning process. The online acquittal will be emailed out. Download the Progress Report (PREVIEW ONLY)* * this PDF form is for preview purposes only, it may assist your planning process. The online acquittal will be emailed out. Download the Acquittal Form (PREVIEW ONLY)* * this PDF form is for preview purposes only, it may assist your planning process. The online acquittal will be emailed out. Download the Application Form (PREVIEW ONLY)* * this PDF form is for preview purposes only, it may assist your planning process. Click the below for the online application. Download the Budget Template * this PDF form is for preview purposes only, it may assist your planning process. Click the below for the online application. Now Closed Reporting 1. Progress report due 3 months into the acitvity. Access the online form here . 2. Final acquittal is due upon completion of the activity, and no later than six months from its commencement. Access the online form here . Both forms should only take 15-20 minutes to complete and will automatically be emailed to ANHCA upon completion. All funded organisations under the SARC grant are required to collect basic participant data. This information helps the Department of Social Services (DSS) better understand who is accessing these programs and informs broader policy development. How to Submit Data: ANHCA has provided an online data collection survey which you can access here to be completed for each participant when they first engage with your program. A PDF version of the form can be accessed here for participants who cannot complete the survey online. If you choose to print and use the manual (PDF) form, please ensure that the participant details are later entered into the online form. This only takes a few minutes per participant, as only basic demographic information is required. Data should be collected and entered on an ongoing basis throughout the project to avoid backlog. Reminders will be sent on a regular basis to ensure all participant data is up to date. ANHCA will collate and upload all participant data to the DSS Data Exchange (DEX) on your behalf. The DEX system automatically de-identifies the data, ensuring participants’ personal information is protected.

2026 Federal Budget Submission View Our Latest Budget Submission

The Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association (ANHCA) is the national peak body for Neighbourhood Houses and Centres in Australia. Australia's Largest Placed-Based Social Infrastructure ANHCA is the national peak body harnessing the collective strength of over 1,000 Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres (NCHCs) through six state sector peaks. See Our Work About NCHCs 1,069 400,000 NCHCs in our national network Australian's engage with NCHCs each week. We amplify, connect and grow the sector’s national impact. ANHCA sets a national standard of value, guidance, and leadership, connecting State Peak bodies and developing reach to members as one unified sector. By doing so, ANHCA empowers local communities to build capability, sustainability, driving collective impact and delivering growth. National Identity and Awareness Building Community Partnerships and Collaboration Sector Capacity Building Influence National Policy Robert Fitzgerald & Rosemary Kayess Australia’s Disability and Age Discrimination Commissioners "We strongly support Neighbourhood Centres being recognised and funded as a formal part of social infrastructure to deliver sustainable and flexible place based supports and solutions.They are capable of nurturing social connectedness and inclusion, offering valuable support to help people navigate complex care systems and providing locally based and flexible foundational and other supports."

Contact Call 0428 964 817 Email jarrah@anhca.org Follow We would love to hear from you! Contact ANHCA any day of the week.