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About Us Australia's Largest Placed-Based Social Infrastructure We work in partnership with six state-based peak bodies and are also a member of the International Federation of Settlements and Neighbourhood Centres, the global peak for place-based work. Through strategic partnerships, evidence-based advocacy, and place-based approaches, 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. ANHCA's purpose is to contribute to national policy, promote the sector's national identity, enhance quality and skills, and support the activity and work of neighbourhood houses and community centres in Australia. We amplify the collective voice of NCHCs to shape national policy, funding priorities, and program design, ensuring place-based community solutions are recognised and resourced. Our Purpose We amplify the voice and impact of Australia's Neighbourhood House and Centre sector by driving policy influence, building sector capacity, and championing place-based approaches to create a stronger, more connected and resilient sector. Together, we champion place-based community development, amplifying local voices and expertise to build a just, equitable, resilient and inclusive Australia. Our Vision Strategic Objectives Sector Capacity Building Develop targeted training, resources, and support programs to enhance the skills, knowledge, and leadership capabilities of neighbourhood house and centre staff and volunteers, improving service quality and community impact. National Identity and Awareness Implement a comprehensive and consistent communications strategy to promote the neighbourhood house and centre sector's national identity, values, and achievements, increasing public awareness and recognition of the sector's contributions to Australian communities. Data-Driven Decision Making Establish a robust data collection and analysis framework to track the sector's impact, outcomes, and trends, informing evidence-based policy advocacy, sector development, and resource allocation. Influence National Policy Strengthen ANHCA's advocacy efforts to ensure the neighbourhood house and centre sector's voice is represented in national policy discussions, driving systemic change and resource allocation to support community development. Community Partnerships and Collaboration Foster strategic partnerships between the State Peak bodies, government agencies, businesses, and other community organisations to leverage resources, expertise, and funding, driving collaborative solutions to local challenges.

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

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

$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 18 Opens: Monday 2 February Closes: Monday 2 March Applicants Notified : Early April 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 Register for the info session | Tuesday, 17th February 1PM AEDT 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 18! Opens: Monday, 2nd February | Closes: Monday, 2nd March at 5PM AEDT* APPLY NOW! 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

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

SDG's for Neighbourhood and Community Houses and Centres

Why it matters What we are doing About the goal Our targets About the Goal Goal 10 aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries. Inequalities can be based on myriad of determinants; income, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion and opportunity. When individuals are excluded, it impacts upon long-term social and economic development, harms poverty reduction and destroys people's sense of fulfillment and self-worth. We cannot achieve sustainable development and improve the planet for all when people are excluded from opportunities and services. Why it Matters Australia has seen the biggest fall in living standards in 30 years <1% The lowest 20% of households owned less than 1% of all household wealth The children of families at the bottom of the income ladder have little chance of moving upward Why About What Neighbourhood Houses & Centres are doing At the heart of what Neighbourhood houses and centres aim to do is to reduce inequalities that persist within the community. Whilst it will take a collective movement, supported by all aspects of society, Houses/ Centres address these inequalities in the community by offering services and programs which provide people with the building blocks to overcome these inequalities. Some of these programs/ services include; Volunteer skills bank/ Volunteer matching Tutoring Resume services Public computer and internet access Emergency relief Disaster relief Community Advocacy At a local, state and national level, Community and Neighbourhood Houses & Centres lobby governments in community advocacy, such as the Raise the Rate Campaign to reduce inequalities. What Localising the SDGs Reduced Inequalities Targts Moderator: Nicole Battle, President (ANHCA) Speakers Sophie Arnold, Executive Manager, UNAA Victoria Nyadol Nyuon, Australian lawyer and human rights advocate Kathryn Coff, Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation Steven Portericker, Associate Deputy Executive Director at Goddard Riverside Our Targets

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)

A vehicle Neighbourhood and Community Houses and Centres can use to accept tax deductible donations ($20+) or apply for grants from philanthropic foundations/trusts and corporations that require DGR tax status. About the ANHCA Public Fund for DGR The ANHCA Public Fund for DGR is a channel Neighbourhood and Community Houses and Centres can use to accept tax deductible donations ($20+) or apply for grants from philanthropic foundations/trusts and corporations that require DGR tax status. The Public Fund for DGR is overseen by the Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association (ANHCA) Inc. This includes the ANHCA Public Fund Committee, made up of representatives from the NCHC sector, the majority of whom come under the ATO definition of ‘Responsible Persons.’ ANHCA has been listed by name as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) from 1 July 2013. It is covered by Item 1   of the table in section 30-15 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. This ensures donations of $2 or more to the ANHCA Public Fund for DGR are tax deductible. Download the full guidelines document here. NOTE: To support the continued administration of the Public Fund for DGR, ANHCA receives 5% from each donation/ grant application. What is DGR status? DGR stands for deductible gift recipient. An organisation that has DGR status can receive tax deductible gifts. This means that when an individual or business makes a donation to an organisation with DGR status they can deduct the amount of the donation from their taxable income, which means they pay less tax. Apply to receive tax deductible donations Make a tax deductible donation a NCHC Apply for a grant requiring DGR status Hambledon House Community Centre, QLD Key Information for Neighbourhood and Community Houses and Centres (NCHC) Is my NCHC eligible? To be eligible, your NCHC must meet the following criteria: Be an organisation (as opposed to an individual) Be a financial member of the relevant State peak body Be a legal entity (ie an incorporated body) If the organisation is a network or peak body rather than a NCHC in its own right, it must apply funds to furthering or supporting the work of NCHCs Not have DGR status Do the funds have to align with ANHCA Constitution? Yes, the ANHCA Public Fund for DGR can legally only direct funds to other entities in furtherance of the purposes in ANHCA’s constitution. These are to: Contribute to national policy and issues of common interest to the NCHC sector in Australia Promote and strengthen the national identity of the NCHC sector in Australia Enhance the quality, skills and knowledge of the NCHC sector in Australia Support the activity and work of the NCHC sector in Australia. ANHCA can accept funds and direct them for the work carried out by NCHCs. Does the ANHCA Public fund for DGR mean my NCHC has DGR status in its own right? No, the DGR status remains with ANHCA, which is why funding applications are lodged in ANHCA’s name and all donations and grants money must be paid through ANHCA to be issued with a tax receipt. Does the ANHCA Public Fund mean NCHC can access salary packaging? No. Salary packaging is only available for employees directly employed by a Public Benevolent Institution (PBI). The ANHCA Public Fund for DGR is not a PBI. Does the ANHCA Public Fund for DGR act as an auspice? No, the ANHCA Public Fund for DGR does not act as an auspice for NCHC accessing project funds from philanthropic foundations/trusts and corporations. The ANHCA Public Fund for DGR simply acts a vehicle for the collection of tax deductible donations or funds that require DGR status. Do you need support? If you need assistance with the process, contact Jarrah at 0428 964 817 or jarrah@anhca.org Read the Guidelines Summarised document of the processes and guidelines on the ANHCA Public Fund for DGR . Guidelines Documents

Find a Neighbourhood House/ Centre Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association (ANHCA) represents over 1000 houses and centres around Australia. Each Neighbourhood House and Centre across Australia is represented by six state peak bodies that make up the membership of ANHCA. Tasmania Find a House/Centre Victoria Find a House/Centre Linkwest (WA) Find a House/Centre Queensland Find a House/Centre NSW Find a House/Centre South Australia Find a House/Centre

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

Financial support payments for Rochester and surrounding residents impacted by the Octorber 2022 flood event, Victoria, Australia. Rochester Community Access Flood Relief Fund In response to the floods in October 2022, Rochester Community House established a flood recovery bank account to collect donation funds to be distributed to the flood-affected residents of their community. To assist with the distribution of these funds, Rochester Community House has partnered with the Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association (ANHCA) . With additional funding from Community Bank Elmore, Lockington and Rochester , ANHCA has established the 'Rochester Community Access Flood Relief Fund' . We aim to ensure that these funds are readily available for local community members of Rochester and surrounding residents. Who can rece ive funding? Residents of Rochester (3561) and surrounding localities impacted by the October 2022 flood event . This funding is only available for your primary residence. This includes people who are renting or are homeowners. This excludes rental properties that are rented or owned but are used as a secondary residence (e.g., holiday homes). Rental properties will be addressed on an individual basis. This funding is only available for individu als and not for businesses. You can apply for Round Two even if you received Round One funding. Funding Available: Apply for up to $200 of financial support payments. Round One: Open 20 July 2023, max $500 per household. Closed 27 November 2024. Round Two: Open 27 November 2024, max $200 per household. Close date TBC. Assessment Process: Applications are reviewed on a monthly basis. Funding will be transferred after assessment to community members who are deemed eligible. The administrator’s decision is final. Feedback for unsuccessful applications may not be provided. Other s upport available for flood relief Financial support available for people impacted by the Victorian floods and Bogong landslip Business Groups Flood Recovery Grants Register for a structural assessment Good Shepherd's No Interest Loans (NILs) Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee Salvation Army Disasters Assistance Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) Disaster Relief Grants If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, please contact: Jarrah Kelly, Project Support Specialist jarrah@anhca.org Round 2 Opens 27 November 2024 DOWNLOAD GUIDELINES APPLY ONLINE