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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

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

The ANHCA Public Fund for DGR removes this barrier, allowing Neighbourhood & Community Houses and Centres (NCHCs) to apply for these grants. By submitting an application to the ANHCA Public Fund for DGR, NCHCs can access these valuable grant opportunities. Applying for DGR Grant Funding Many philanthropic foundations/trusts and corporations offer grants, but require DGR status for eligibility. The ANHCA Public Fund for DGR removes this barrier, allowing Neighbourhood & Community Houses and Centres (NCHCs) to apply for these grants. By submitting an application to the ANHCA Public Fund for DGR, NCHCs can access these valuable grant opportunities. Once you have found a grant that you would like to apply for that requires DGR status, follow these steps: 1. Fill out ANHCA’s online grant 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 ANHCA’s online grant agreement form . NOTE: You must allow two weeks before the closing date of your grant application for our processes. Your application will go to the ANHCA Public Fund Committee for approval. We will contact with you to provide a copy of the approval to submit with your grant application. You are required to repeat this process for each grant. A copy of your application form and the agreement will be automatically emailed to both you and ANHCA. NOTE: To support the continued administration of the Public Fund for DGR, ANHCA receives 5% of each grant. Grant Application Form Grant 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 use the ANHCA Public Fund for DGR for grant applications expected to provide reports? While a formal report is not required, we strongly encourage every Neighbourhood and Community Houses and Centres (NCHC) that apply for grants requiring DGR through the ANHCA Public Fund for DGR to share photos and updates showcasing the grant outcomes. 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. NCHCs having access to more grants are essential to their role in supporting 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 your grant outcomes Read the Guidelines Summarised document of the processes and guidelines on the ANHCA Public Fund for DGR . Guidelines Documents

Why it matters What we are doing About the goal Our targets About the Goal About 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 4 million are facing food insecurity each year Key to other goals Achieving Zero Hunger is the first step to reaching other goals 60% of people on Youth Allowance live below the poverty line Why What Neighbourhood Houses & Centres are doing Tackling hunger is at the core of many Neighbourhood houses and centres do, with many working hard within their communities to alleviate food insecurity. Across our houses you will typically see food parcels being available to members of the community, cheap healthy and nutritious lunches that bring the community together, and community gardens that teaches how to grow sustainable and healthy food. To ensure that our programs are accessible to everyone many of Houses/ Centres will deliver food parcels to vulnerable people. Targets What Localising the SDGs Zero Hunger Speakers David McNamara; CEO of Foodbank Victoria Mitchell Bowden; Manager of Engagement and Impact at Child, Family Community Australia Houses/ centres Sussan Kin; (Manager) at Frank Konecny Community Centre Sarah Smith (Manager);The Murray Bridge Community Centre in Michael Higgins (Manager); Geeveston Community Centre in Tasmania Debra Crompton (CEO); Mount Gravatt Community Centre Greg Thompson (Manager); Philip Island Community and Learning Centre Tracey Zani (Manager); Westside Community Centre Our Targets

Managing Contractors and the Associated Risks Every organisation is responsible for classifying your workers for tax and super purposes. If you make an incorrect decision, you may face penalties. On 9 Feb 2022, the High Court handed down decisions in CFMMEU v Personnel Contracting [2022] HCA 1 and ZG Operations v Jamsek [2022] HCA 2, which impact ATO advice and guidance in relation to classifying workers. This session catered to how these recent changes impact the Australian Neighbourhood House sector. Topics covered in the session: Determining whether your workers are an employee or contractor Superannuation obligations that may apply to certain contractors Where to find additional support Brought to you by ANHCA , presented by NHV Assist and Salt Legal . You can watch the recording of the session here. (Passcode: #n15@Adl) Access the presentation slides here. If you have any follow-up questions contact Sonya from NHV Assist at info@nhvassist.com

Why it matters What we are doing About the goal Our targets Abou About the Goal The goal is to take urgent and necessary action to tackle climate change and its impacts. As greenhouse gas levels continue to climb, climate change is occurring at much higher rates than anticipated, and its effects are evident worldwide. By addressing climate change, we can build a sustain-able world for everyone. We need to act now. We are already seeing how climate change can exacerbate storms and disasters, and threats such as food and water scarcity. In Australia, we are seeing the impact of climate change, with longer droughts, worse fire seasons, and coral bleaching. Australians are extremely dependent on the climate for our economic growth, from tourism to farming and agricultural. If climate change goes unchecked it will have devastating implications for not only us but the rest of the world. Why it Matters Australia is experiencing longer and more extreme droughts Australia has one of the highest per capita of carbon dioxide in the world 30% of the Great Barrier Reef is dead after 2016 bleaching Why What Neighbourhood Houses & Centres are doing Neighbourhood Houses and Centres work to tackle climate action through incorporating sustainable practices into their everyday operations. Many of our houses and centres are the main community organisation operating in natural disasters, strengthening community resilience and providing much needed support. For example in the 2019/2020 fires, Snowy Mountains Neighbourhood House held regular community meetings to keep the people informed and offer support for those who had lost loved ones and homes. At a local, state and national level, to build community resilience for the recent fires, many houses and centres held a community morning tea or lunch to raise funds for the impacted houses/ centres. Together we raised over $10,000. What Our Targets Targets

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

Why it matters What we are doing About the goal Our targets About the Goal About The SDGs goal seeks to achieve gender equality by empowering women and girls. Women and girls make up 50% of the worlds population, and thus half of its potential, however gender inequality persists everywhere. Women continue to be underrepresented at all levels of political leadership and women and girls continue to perform a disproportionate share of domestic unpaid work. Women are often expected to take on the primary care giving role when looking after children, which results in less career and further education opportunities, than their male counterparts. Empowering women and promoting gender equality is crucial to accelerating sustainable development. Ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls has a multiplier effect on all other development goals. “When we exlude women, everyone pays the price. When we include women, the whole world wins." Why it Matters 22.3% The gender pay gap is highest in Health and Social Services - a female dominated industry Women make up 70% of unpaid childcare work Women earn $242.90 less than men per week Why What Neighbourhood Houses & Centres are doing Neighborhood houses and centres are delivering on this goal both directly and indirectly. Programs such as occasional childcare, maternal and child health checks/ immunisations and NILS/ Loan schemes. We foster a safe, welcoming environment for everyone, with gender equality ingrained in our culture. Through the Supporting Stronger Communities grant, many Neighbourhood Houses and Centres have been able to fund programs and projects that empower women and girls. Offering these women and girls support, and access to valuable resources that provide them with the tools to succeed. Localising the SDGs: What A community led appraoch to global issues webinar 5 Speakers Gabrielle Williams - Victorian Minister for Women, Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Tanja Kovac - CEO, Gender Equity Victoria Sophie Arnold - Executive Manager, UNAA Victoria PRACE Banksia Gardens Neighbourhood House Women's Resource Centre Host Nicole Battle - ANHCA President Targets Our Targets

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

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

Why it matters What we are doing About the goal Our targets About the Goal About We are all in this together. Strong international cooperation is needed now more than ever to ensure that countries have the means to achieve the goals. The Agenda is universal and calls for action by all countries and developing countries, to ensure no one is left behind. Support for the goals is gaining momentum, but major challenges still remain, by forming partnership we can ensure that the goals are being worked on together. Why it Matters Australia should learn from SDG leading countries such as Sweden & Denmark Need to increase public awareness on the SDGs through partnerships 38th Ranking decreased from 17th to 38th in 2019. Why What What Neighbourhood Houses & Centres are doing Without our partners houses and centres would not be able to serve the community the way they do. Our partners help us reach more people and provide more services and give us the opportunity to target the Sustainable Development Goals. In Victoria in 2018 there were a reported 3,689 active partnerships in neighbourhood houses in an average month. Our Partnerships include, but are not limited to; Local, State and Federal Governments Sidney Myer FoodBank SecondBite Learn Local Our Targets Targets

$10,000 of grant funding available for Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres to tackle poverty and disadvantage. Supporting Stronger Communities Grant Program The Supporting Stronger Communities (SSC) grant program provides Neighbourhood and Community Houses and Centres (NCHC) across Australia the opportunity to apply for up to $10,000 for projects/programs that seek to promote equality and inclusion. This grant program will seek to achieve national coverage across the total grant pool. As such, targets are set for the proportion of funding that will be allocated in each state per round. 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. Before you begin your application determine whether your project meets the eligibility criteria by reading the applicant guidelines. If you are unsure, contact Jarrah on 0428 964 817 or jarrah@anhca.org Register for the info session | 29th July AEDT View the Metropolitan based NCHCs Explained Download the 2025 Program Guidelines Download the guide on Creating a Budget Download the Assessment Rubric 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. Round 17! Opens: Wednesday 16th July 2025 | Closes: Thursday 21st August 5pm AEDT* *Strictly no late submissions, note that 5pm closing time is in AEDT time. APPLY NOW! Please note this link is for the FINAL submission only. You cannot save your progress. We recommend that you use the preview application form to work on your application offline before submitting. Read the 2025 Applicant Guidelines Summarised document of the Supporting Stronger Communities (SSC) grant program eligibility requirements, application process etc. READ GUIDELINES Get inspiration for your application! Over 140 NCHCs across Australia have received SSC grants to deliver important initiatives. READ ABOUT THEM