Upper Murray Regional
Neighbourhood
House Network
3 Sept 2025
For Jeff, the Community Cafe has been life-changing
For Open Door Neighbourhood House in Wangaratta, the Community Café has become much more than just a place to share a coffee—it’s a space where lives are being reshaped through connection. Now running from Intermezzo Café in central Wangaratta, the project is part of the Upper Murray Regional Neighbourhood House Network’s social prescribing initiative, linking people to community, wellbeing, and new opportunities.
“This has been an amazing project for us and we’ve been lucky enough to be part of both rounds through the Network,” said Project Worker Tanya Grant. “It has been a pleasure to watch the evolution of not only our Connecting Community Café but all our programs under the 'Connecting Community' umbrella. We have a great group of volunteers and participants who give the café such a welcoming and friendly feel.”
For Jeff, one of the regular participants, the café has been life-changing. “A lady I know mentioned the café to me; she was a volunteer and thought it would be good for me to attend,” he explained. At first, Jeff was quiet and reserved. “I needed a life,” he said, reflecting on how the café has “brought me out a lot.”
Now, Jeff attends most weeks and values the camaraderie. “I enjoy the socialisation, the stirring, giving a bit of cheek. I enjoy the company of people who come to the café. And the coffee? Love it,” he laughed. Previously, Jeff rarely visited cafés, but now he goes several times a week and feels comfortable sitting in.
The café has also been a springboard into other activities. Jeff has joined the men’s cooking at Pangerang Community Hub, community lunches, and community cooking programs, and even completed the IAm Course and started going to the gym. “Through people I’ve met at the café and The [Mental Health and Wellbeing] Local, I’ve joined a social group too. I wouldn’t have done this before.”
Community cooking tutor Dion described Jeff’s enthusiasm: “Jeff’s great—he gets in and has a go. He asks about the menu and how to do it himself at home.”
Jeff says the biggest difference is how he feels about life. “Getting more connected to my community has improved my outlook. Just having things to look forward to—I have something now every day Monday to Friday, and I feel more positive.”
Through the Community Café and the broader social prescribing framework, Open Door Neighbourhood House is helping people like Jeff build connections, confidence, and wellbeing—showing the real impact of community-based health initiatives.