Search

Why it matters What we are doing About the goal Our targets About the Goal About This goal aims to make cities and communities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. The world is becoming increasingly urbanized, with many people moving into urban areas, however cities account for about 70% of global carbon emissions and over 60% of resource use. As such it is critical that our cities are sustainable, as this reduces pollution levels, creates shared prosperity and social stability, without harming the environment. The better the conditions created in the community, the greater effect on quality of life. Why it Matters 86% of Australians population live in an urban area 72% non-native invasive plants are from home garders which impact on biodiversity 3rd Transport accounts for the third largest contributor to greenhouse emissions in Australia Why What Neighbourhood Houses & Centres are doing Neighbourhood Houses and Centres work towards achieving sustainable cities and communities by incorporating sustainable practices into our everyday operations. Many of our state peaks and houses/centres are going paperless, reducing office waste. Additionally, some houses and centres use solar panels to reduce their carbon footprint. Our Targets Tagets What

About the goal Why it matters What we are doing Our targets About the Goal About Quality education is a crucial element of the Sustainable Development Goals, as it improves the overall quality of life and is important in securing a successful future. Ensuring that quality education is accessible for is a major factor of achieving this goal as many people are left out of the mainstream system in Australia. Additionally, promoting lifelong learning will Australia's adult literacy and numeracy rates pose a significant problem. Results from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) indicate that many Australians have literacy skills that are at a level that makes them vulnerable to unemployment and social exclusion. “We need a national lifelong learning policy that includes an adult literacy strategy, in order to create a fairer and more equitable Australia" Why it Matters Young people who fail to finish high school face the prospect of long term poverty 1 in 3 1 in 3 Australians struggles to find and keep work because of low literacy 60% of young people from low socio economic backgrounds don't complete high school Why What Neighbourhood Houses & Centres are doing Neighbourhood Houses and Centres are working with Learn Local and other partners to target those who have been left out of the education system. We attract unemployed adults looking to up-skill, early school leavers who were disenchanted by the mainstream education system, new migrants who are looking to build their language skills, older Australians who want to learn digital skills, and people with disabilities looking for a safe and positive environment. By supporting people through education we are helping them find further education, employment, a sense of belonging and social connection. All of which is invaluable. Maleny Flexi School , run by Maleny Neighbourhood House, exemplifies this, supporting over 30 students who engage in different aspects of vocational development training along with the basic subjects of English and Maths. The students of Maleny Flexi School feel they belong. It is a place where they can complete their studies at their own pace and engage in activities that will assist them in vocational development. For some students the smaller school community at Flexi is a lot less daunting than the larger high school community What Our Targets Targets

Training for Grant Applications Emily, the ANHCA Grants officer has put together two videos that discuss eligibility factors and the assessment criteria that the panel consider when reading grant applications. Watch these videos to improve your application. Eligibility Factors Assessment Criteria

Why it matters What we are doing About the goal Our targets About the Goal About Goal 15 aims to sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss. Forests cover nearly 31 per cent of our planet’s land area. From the air we breathe, to the water we drink, to the food we eat–forests sustain us. Biodiversity and the ecosystem services it underpins can also be the basis for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies as they can deliver benefits that will increase the resilience of people to the impacts of climate change. Many people and cultures rely on the forests and nature for recreational and spiritual purposes, which further good health and well-being. Why it Matters 75% of the worlds poor are affected by land degradation 13 million hectares of forests are being lost every year to desertification and deforestation Nearly half of Australia's forests have been cleared in the past 200 years Why What Neighbourhood Houses & Centres are doing Neighbourhood Houses and Centres are working to towards improving life on land primarily through the implementation of several community gardens that use organic practices. These educate the community on sustainable gardening through what native plants to use, and through the use of organic pesticides and soil which reduce harmful run off. Other examples of services provided are: Disaster relief Food security Our Targets What Tagets

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

Thank you for your interest in making a tax deductible donation to our wonderful Neighbourhood and Community Houses and Centres (NCHC) across Australia. DONATIONS Thank you for your interest in making a tax deductible donation to our wonderful Neighbourhood and Community Houses and Centres (NCHC) across Australia. We accept and distribute donations ($20 or over) on the behalf of NCHCs across Australia under our DGR Status. We also accept donations for the Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association as the peak body. All donations made through the ANHCA Public Fund for DGR will receive a tax receipt. NOTE: To support the continued administration of the Public Fund for DGR, ANHCA receives 5% from donations. Complete the online donation form Make a direct bank transfer to ANHCA’s public fund Await a tax-deductible receipt from ANHCA via email After receiving the payment and confirming the donor has completed the form, the donation (minus a 5% administration fee) will be forwarded to the NCHC. Shortly, the tax-deductible receipt will be emailed to you. Donate to a House or Centre Donate to ANHCA Park Orchards Community House & Learning Centre, VIC Central Ringwood Community Centre, VIC Can we specify which NCHC the donation will benefit? You are able to indicate the Neighbourhood or Community House or Centre you would like your donation to go to. All donations made have been directed to the organisation nominated by the donor. Your donation must be made unconditionally to the ANHCA Public Fund for DGR in order to be tax deductible, and the distribution of funds received is legally the decision of the ANHCA Public Fund Committee. Who oversees how the donations are used? The ANHCA Public Fund for DGR operates under the rules determined by the Australian Taxation Office, which requires the majority of committee members to meet their definition of ‘Responsible Persons’. As not-for-profit entities, each organisation must report annually on their financial position to the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC), their state regulatory body and their members. Do you need support? If you need assistance with the donation process, contact Jarrah at 0428 964 817 or jarrah@anhca.org

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