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

Director ID FAQ The following information to here to assist you in identifying whether your organisation is required to obtain a Director ID. Most Incorporated Associations are not required to obtain a Director ID. However, it will be required to obtain a Director ID if your organisation has an ARBN which permits interstate dealings. Members on the border (and Public Companies Limited by Guarantee) may need to get one. What is a Director ID? A director identification number (director ID) is a unique identifier you will keep forever. It will help to prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities. Who needs a director ID? You need a director ID if you’re an eligible officer of: a company, registered Australian body, or registered foreign company under the Corporations Act 2001 (Corporations Act) an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act). An eligible officer is a person who is appointed as either: a director an alternate director who is acting in that capacity. You will only ever need one director ID. You don’t have to apply for another one if you become a director of other companies. You must apply for your own director ID to verify your identity. People who do not need a director ID You don't need a director ID if you're either: a company secretary but not a director acting as an external administrator of a company running a business as a sole trader or partnership referred to as a ‘director’ in your job title but have not been appointed as a director under the Corporations Act or the CATSI Act a director of a registered charity with an organisation type that is not registered with ASIC or ORIC to operate throughout Australia an officer of an unincorporated association, cooperative or incorporated association established under state or territory legislation, unless the organisation is also a registered Australian body. State Based Incorporated Associations do not need a director ID unless they have an ARBN (this is not an ABN) or if they are a Public Company Limited by Guarantee or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation (registered under the CATSI Act). Do you have or do you need a Australian Registerable Body Number (ARBN)? Some organisations, like associations, can only conduct business in their ‘home’ state or territory, these include associations formed under these Act’s: Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 (Vic) Associations Incorporation Act 1985 (SA) Associations Incorporation Act 2015 (WA) Associations Incorporation Act 2009 (NSW) Associations Incorporation Act 1981 (QLD) Associations Incorporations Act 1964 (TAS) Associations Act 2003 (NT) Associations Incorporations Act 1991 (ACT) In order to business across the border these organisations must become Australian Registrable Bodies and be issued an Australian Registrable Body Number (ARBN) by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC). If you deal interstate and do not have one you need to register. If you register for an ARBN, your board members need to also apply for a Director Identification Number. Apply for your director ID You can apply for a director ID now. When you need to apply is determined by when you were first appointed, and under which Act. If you plan to become a director, you can apply before you’re appointed. Apply now Find out more information here If you are unsure if you have a ARBN you can check here If you would like more details on the ARBN you can see it here You can apply for an ARBN through Form 401 here

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."

Privacy Policy Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Assoication (ANHCA) is committed to safeguarding your privacy online. Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Assoication has created this privacy statement in order to demonstrate our firm commitment to privacy. The following discloses our information gathering and dissemination practices for Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Assoication. Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Assoication does not collect personally identifiable information about individuals except when such individuals specifically provide such information on a voluntary basis. For example, such personally identifiable information may be gathered from the registration process for subscription or services and in connection with content submissions, community postings (e.g., forums), suggestions and transactional areas. Personally identifiable information on individual users will not be sold or otherwise transferred to unaffiliated third parties without the approval of the user at the time of collection. At such points of collection, the user will have the opportunity to indicate whether he or she would like to "opt out" of receiving promotional and/or marketing information about other products, services and offerings and/or any third parties. Further, notwithstanding any opt out of promotional information by the user, we reserve the right to contact a subscriber regarding account status, changes to the subscriber agreement and other matters relevant to the underlying service and/or the information collected. We do reserve the right to perform statistical analyses of user behaviour and characteristics in order to measure interest in and use of the various areas of the site and to inform advertisers of such information as well as the number of users that have been exposed to or clicked on their advertising banners. Upon request, we will allow any user to "opt out" of further promotional contacts at any time. Additionally upon request, we will use reasonable efforts to allow users to update/correct personal information previously submitted which the user states is erroneous to the extent such activities will not compromise privacy or security interests. Also, upon a user's request, we will use commercially reasonable efforts to functionally delete the user and his or her personal information from its database; however, it may be impossible to delete a user's entry without some residual information because of backups and records of deletions. Access to the database containing personal information is restricted to Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association staff members with direct responsibility for customer service or management of the website. Authorised staff members are not allowed to pass on information about members to non-authorised staff without the express permission of the Managing Director. Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association reserves the right to change this policy at any time by notifying users of the existence of a new privacy statement. This statement and the policies outlined herein are not intended to and do not create any contractual or other legal rights in or on behalf of any party. Your data may also be available to our website provider to enable us and them to deliver their service to us, carry out analysis and research on demographics, interests and behaviour of our users and supporters to help us gain a better understanding of them to enable us to improve our services. This may include connecting data we receive from you on the website to data available from other sources. Your personally identifiable data will only be used where it is necessary for the analysis required, and where your interests for privacy are not deemed to outweigh their legitimate interests in developing new services for us. In the case of this activity the following will apply: Your data will be made available to our website provider The data that may be available to them include any of the data we collect as described in this policy. Our website provider will not transfer your data to any other third party, or transfer your data outside of the EEA. They will store your data for a maximum of 7 years. This processing does not affect your rights as detailed in this privacy policy. Choice/Opt-Out Our site provides users the opportunity to opt-out of receiving communications. This site gives users the following options for removing their information from our database to not receive future communications or to no longer receive our service: 1. You can send email to emma@anhca.org 2. You can call the following telephone number: (03) 9602 1228 If you have any questions about this privacy statement, the practices of this site, or your dealings with this website, you can contact : Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association Shop B41, Level 4 744 Bourke Street Docklands VIC 3008 Telephone: (03) 9602 1228 Email: emma@anhca.org

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)

Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP) IMPORTANT CHANGES - 30TH JUNE 2026 The Shout for Good fundraising platform will be closing on 30 June 2026, meaning all existing fundraisers hosted through the platform will become inactive from this date. At the same time, CRSA fundraising activities will transition from ANHCA to being managed directly by CRSA in-house. CRSA will be in contact with Community Support Groups regarding the new fundraising platform and next steps. The Australian government has partnered with Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA) in the design and delivery of a new Australian community sponsorship program for refugees, known as the ‘CRISP’ (Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot) This program enables groups of everyday Australians (including those in regional communities) to welcome refugees into their local community from ‘day one’ of their Australian journey and provide them with practical resettlement and integration support, in line with other community sponsorship programs operating successfully around the world. If you are interested in learning more about the CRISP program or want to get involved, please visit the CRISP page on CRSA’s website . For any questions, please email jarrah@anhca.org or call 0428 964 817 Fundraising Guidelines humanKIND short film In 2022 members of the Wonthaggi community came together to welcome a refugee family from Syria under the new CRISP community sponsorship program. humanKIND, a short film directed by Sal Balharrie, follows the group’s journey as they prepare for the Ali family’s arrival and welcome them into the local community. The film gives a clear and engaging snapshot into the life of a CRISP group. CRSA and the filmmaker have made the 30-minute film available to community groups (with no charge) to give insight into the CRISP and grow the community sponsorship movement in Australia. If you’d like to show the film for a community event – perhaps a refugee fundraiser or an event to recruit members for a CRISP group – please get in touch: info@refugeesponsorship.org.au . Watch the full film here! (PASSWORD: humanKIND_launch_23)

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

Why it matters What we are doing About the goal Our targets About the Goal About H&W To ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages is important to building prosperous societies. Concerted efforts are required to achieve universal health coverage and sustainable financing for health; address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, tackle antimicrobial resistance and environmental factors contributing to ill health. Why it Matters 1 in 4 are currently experiencing an episode of lonliness x2 The Indigenous suicide rate is double that of the general population 63% of Australians over 18 are overweight or obese WHY HW What Neighbourhood Houses & Centres are doing Good Health and Well-being is multifaceted, therefore the way in which Neighbourhood houses and centres address this Sustainable Development Goal differs greatly. Across our Houses/ Centres there are healthy cooking classes, exercise groups, and gardening to promote physical health, but there are also art classes and social groups, such as Men's Shed targeted towards building mental health within the community. Localising the SDGs Good Health and Well-being What HW Moderator: Nicole Battle, President (ANHCA) Speakers: Sophie Arnold; Executive Manager, UNAA Victoria Mark Morgan; Professor of General Practice at Bond University Chair, Expert Committee – Quality Care Royal Australian College of General Practitioners David Perry; Policy and Research Officer, (NHVic) Redland Community Centre Highett Neighbourhood Community House Targets HW Our Targets

Our Governance Team Driving ANHCA during this period of transformation, is an incredibly capable, experienced and knowledgeable powerhouse of a governance team. Our Board combines extensive experience from across the community sector, bringing together leaders with deep grassroots knowledge, state peak expertise, and national-level perspective. It includes those who have led NCHCs, as well as leaders from outside the sector with experience in government, philanthropy, and large national community service organisations. This blend of hands-on sector experience and high-level strategic insight ensures the organisation is well-governed, professionally managed, and positioned for growth. The Board’s leadership is driving ANHCA’s transformation into a strong, influential national peak, capable of shaping policy, securing sustainable resources, and maximising impact across communities nationwide. Board Observers ANHCA was successful in our application to the Westpac Board Observer Program for 2026. Through this program, we are excited to welcome Briohny Hamilton and Tom Campitelli who both hold senior roles at Westpac. They will attend our board meetings as non-voting observers for a 12-month period and bring diverse skills and fresh perspectives that will enrich our discussions and contribute to strategic thinking.

Donations are a fantastic way for local businesses, community members, and foundations to support the vital work of Neighbourhood and Community Houses and Centres (NCHC). Your generous contributions can fuel a variety of impactful activities and opportunities, and help to create a thriving, connected communities! Apply to Receive Tax Deductible Donations Donations are a fantastic way for local businesses, community members, and foundations to support the vital work of Neighbourhood and Community Houses and Centres (NCHC). Your generous contributions can fuel a variety of impactful activities and opportunities, and help to create a thriving, connected communities! For your NCHC to be eligible to receive tax deductible donations ($20 or more) follow these steps: 1. Fill out ANHCA's online donation application form Please note that as a part of the form you will be required to provide the following documents: - A copy of your constitution. - A copy of your latest financial statement. - A copy of your board or committee membership. 2. Fill out the online donation agreement form A copy of your application form and the agreement will be automatically emailed to both you and ANHCA. Your application will go to the ANHCA Public Fund Committee for approval. We will contact with you to confirm your NCHC's eligibility to receive tax deductible donations. Once approved, if you have donors interested in supporting your NCHC, direct them to the donations webpage . They will need to fill out the online donation form and make a direct transfer to ANHCA's public fund. NOTE: To support the continued administration of the Public Fund for DGR, ANHCA receives 5% from donations Donation Application Form Donation Agreement Form 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 Are NCHCs that receive donations using the ANHCA Public Fund for DGR expected to provide reports? While a formal report is not required, we strongly encourage every Neighbourhood and Community Houses and Centres (NCHC) that receive donations through the ANHCA Public Fund for DGR to share photos and updates showcasing the impact of these contributions. Please email these to jarrah@anhca.org By sharing your stories with the ANHCA team, you'll help us spread the word of this initiative to other NCHCs across Australia. Every donation, no matter how big or small, helps NCHCs to support local communities. Do you need support? If you need assistance with the donation process, contact Jarrah at 0428 964 817 or jarrah@anhca.org Share photos & updates showcasing the impact of donations Read the Guidelines Summarised document of the processes and guidelines on the ANHCA Public Fund for DGR . Guidelines Documents

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