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Neighbourhood and Community House and Centre Week celebrates the incredible work happening in local communities across Australia. Every week, more than 400,000 people walk through the doors of an NCHC to access support, connection, and opportunity. This year the theme is 'Your Place to Connect', highlighting how over 1,000 NCHCs across the country provide welcoming spaces where everyone can come together, share experiences, learn, and support one another. From volunteering and community projects to casual conversations and learning new skills, these placed-based community hubs are the cornerstone of community development in Australia. Join us in celebrating NCHC Week by visiting your local House or Centre, attending events, sharing your story, or helping others get involved. Neighbourhood Community Houses and Centres are 'your place to connect'. Download the Fact Sheet to explore the growing impact of loneliness in Australia and the vital role our sector plays in responding to it. Houses and Centres respond to this challenge every day by creating inclusive, community-led spaces where people can connect, share meals, build relationships, and feel a sense of belonging. This is brought to life during NCHC Week through Australia’s Biggest Community-Led Lunch, where communities across the country come together over food to strengthen connection and belonging. Download the Fact Sheet As part of Neighbourhood Centre Week, we are attempting Australia's record for the 'Largest Community Led Lunch'. Throughout the week, Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres across Australia will host local lunches that bring people together to connect and celebrate community. Each participating NCHC will register the number of lunches they hold, contributing to a national total. Together, we will showcase the scale and impact of community led connection across Australia and celebrate the vital role Neighbourhood Houses play in strengthening local communities. The campaign will include: National media coverage: ANHCA is engaging a PR firm to maximise visibility and reach across media channels. Engagement with sponsors, government, and philanthropic partners to amplify support and impact. Data collection for impact: Participating houses can submit their meal counts, helping us demonstrate the reach of the initiative. Register to Get Involved Download the 'Record Guidelines' below for information to plan, run, and track their events during the week. Download the Guidelines Downloadable Tool Kits To support your involvement in NCHC Week and the World’s Largest Community-Led Lunch Initiative, ANHCA has developed a suite of ready-to-use templates and promotional resources. Each state-specific pack includes co-branded logos, social media tiles, and editable materials to help you promote your events with ease and consistency. Queensland New South Wales South Australia Tasmania Victoria Western Australia Included in the pack As well as the logo and state specific social media tiles, each pack contains the following resources, branded for Houses, Centres or Community Centres: I Love ... sign Give your members, guests, and event participants the opportunity to express why your House / Centre is important to them. Editable Weekly Schedule Promote your NHW events using the editable poster. Poster/Flyer Promote your NHW event using the editable poster/flyer. Photo Frame Template Add in your photos from NHW with this photo frame to share.

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."

$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.

Why it matters What we are doing About the goal Our targets About the Goal Goal 12 aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns to reduce environmental degradation. If we do not act to change our consumption and production patterns, we will cause irreversible dam-age to our environment. There are many aspects of consumption that with simple changes can have a big impact on society as a whole. For example, about one third of the food produced for human consumption each year is lost or wasted. Not only with responsible consumption and production can we reduce our environmental impact but we can divert wasted resources to where they are needed most. By recycling and donating clothing we reduce the amount of water used to make garments and stop them going to landfill while simultaneously reducing poverty. About Why it Matters 3 planets In 2050, almost 3 planets are required to sustain current lifestyles. $1 trillion worth of food ends up in bins - one third of all food produced 0.5% of the worlds water is accessible and drinkable for people What Neighbourhood Houses & Centres are doing Neighbourhood Houses and Centres work towards promoting responsible consumption and product through partnering with food saving companies such as Second Bite, to redistribute perfectly good food that would have gone to landfill to families in need. Some houses and centres also offer fix it services, where people can take broken items to be fixed by members of the House/ Centre, instead of buying a new item. By promoting responsible consumption and production we also minimise poverty within the community. Our Targets Targes What Why

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)