HOW WE WORK WITH OUR MEMBERS



Neighbourhood houses in Upper Murray provide outstanding community value.
The community value of the work of our neighbourhood houses in 2022 is over $18M. This equates to:
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$3.26 for every $1 of income generated;
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$12.19 for every $1 of Neighbourhood House Coordination Program funding; and
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$485.68 for every hour the average neighbourhood house is in use
LATEST NEWS
Grant Garden launch in Wodonga

An exciting step toward addressing food relief needs in Wodonga and surroundsThe Garden Grant Launch at Trudewind Rd Neighbourhood House saw friends and supporters of all five Neighbourhood Houses in Wodonga gather for a morning tea in the garden to launch the 2025 Food Relief Grant Pilot project for the Wodonga Neighbourhood Houses Food Security Co-op.
The last few years have seen an increase in food relief access from Birallee Park Neighbourhood House with a clear need to increase the service provision in the area. The opening of the Food Relief grant was timely and opened the opportunity to broaden the food relief service and build on partnerships with other houses in the area.
The model of the project will enhance collaboration between the houses leveraging each house's strengths to build a stronger and more sustainable food system for our city. “We will be uniting around shared kitchens, gardens and pantries and putting people and place at the center of our response”. – says Birallee Park Neighbourhood House Manager, Edwina Bugge.
The project itself incorporates core community development principles; community participation, ownership, empowerment, access and equity, life-long learning, inclusion, networking, advocacy, self-help, and social action.
The morning tea was the first step to promote the project, and engage with the local community and recruite volunteers, and to ensure community are a part of the journey. As the project is in the developing stages further partnerships will develop, but the current project is being delivered as a collaboration with the five local houses: Birallee Park Neighbourhood House, Felltimber Community Centre, Trudewind Road Neighbourhood House, Baranduda Community Centre, & Bandiana Neighbourhood House.
The Food Security Grant Garden Launch in Wodonga brought together five Neighbourhood Houses to kickstart the 2025 Food Relief Grant Pilot project, aiming to address food security concerns through shared kitchens, gardens, and pantries.
Hosted at Trudewind Road Neighbourhood House, the event highlighted community collaboration, participation, and empowerment, with emphasis on the importance of placing people and place at the center of the initiative.
Bandi House Blacksmiths!

Bandiana Neighbourhood House brings a unique program to build skills and community.
Bandiana Neighbourhood House has introduced a unique Blacksmithing program aimed at defence families to foster connection and personal growth. Facilitated by The Cuppacumbalong Foundation and Tharwa Valley Forge's mobile 'Big Black Truck,' the workshops teach participants how to create campfire tools and knives while providing a bonding experience for families. "We've seen the therapeutic benefits of this program, particularly for men," said Bandi House Manager Karen Ramsay.
Informing and empowering the Wangaratta community

Relevant, engaged and effective information drives community connection in Wangaratta
Open Door Neighbourhood House has played a key role in updating Wangaratta’s community directory, in partnership with the Rural City of Wangaratta and the Grit & Resilience Program.
“Open Door was the perfect partner, with strong community links and expertise in social prescribing,” said a Grit & Resilience spokesperson.
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628 Upper Ryans Creek Rd, Upper Ryans Creek VIC 3673, Australia
0488 572225