Community careers counselling Expand Year released: 2015 Summary: What are the enablers of effective career guidance and learning choice for people with a disability? Which enablers are the most effective for educators? This report examines challenges and enablers and provides practical guidance for practitioners. This Adult and Community Further Education (ACFE) funded research was conducted as partnership between Neighbourhood Houses Victoria and the ACE DisAbility Network. Download - full report Download - guidelines for adult educators
How do I raise a concern or make a complaint? Expand Members of the public who have a complaint about a Neighbourhood House should use the organisation’s complaint process. Each Neighbourhood House is required to have one of these which may be an online or a paper based form. Members of the organisation who have a complaint about the governance should use the process outlined in the organisation’s constitution. Employees who have a complaint about their manager/committee should use the process outlined in the relevant industrial award or agreement as per their employment contract.
Project Manager - Melinda Spiteri Expand Melinda is responsible for the Safe Seats, Safe Kids program and other project management and business support functions.
Victoria's mental health system Expand In response to: Royal Commission into Victoria's mental health system Submitted: July 2019 Summary: As places where people with mental health issues participate equally alongside other community members in a range of activities and capacities over time, Neighbourhood Houses undoubtedly contribute to improved attitudes to people with mental illness.
Project Manager (Carers and Inclusion) - Kristine Rawlinson Expand Kristine is responsible for projects and professional development relating to the support, inclusion and empowerment of unpaid carers.
Project Coordinator (Carers and Inclusion) - Michelle Willoughby Expand Michelle works alongside the Project Manager (Carers and Inclusion) on projects and professional development relating to the support, inclusion and empowerment of unpaid carers.
Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan (2019–2023) Expand In response to: Department of Health and Human Services' Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Draft Plan Submitted: June 2019 Summary: While the plan’s priorities are targeted at a limited number of contributors to the Sate’s burden of disease; other factors, including social isolation, often contribute to adoption and maintenance of unhealthy lifestyle choices. Improving people’s self reported social connection, and sense of health and wellbeing are documented outcomes of the Neighbourhood House program. The mobilisation of local community resources in response to local needs and contexts is a key strength of the neighbourhood house sector. Where local activity supports the broader plan goals, the activity should be actively supported.
The social and economic benefits of improving mental health Expand In response to: Productivity Commission Inquiry Submitted: April 2019 Summary: The Neighbourhood House sector in Victoria has a track record of achieving strong social inclusion outcomes but operates with significant capacity constraints. With 90 per cent of Victoria’s Neighbourhood Houses funded at less than full time with the majority funded for just 25 hours per week of coordination, there is significant potential to increase activities that strengthen mental health and wellbeing with relatively modest investment.
Future opportunities for adult learners in Victoria Expand In response to: Department of Education and Training's 'Future Opportunities for Adult Learners in Victoria Pathways to Participation and Jobs' Discussion Paper Submitted: August 2018 Summary: Investing in outreach and engagement in the ACE sector is possibly the single most effective strategy that can lead to increased participation by learners with high needs and low language, literacy and numeracy.
Project Support Specialist - Gaayathri Thakkrar Expand Gaayathri supports the operational functions of the organisation.
Special Projects Manager - Emily Harnett Expand Emily supports a variety of projects for Neighbourhood Houses Victoria, in conjunction with her role as National Grants and Public Fund Manager for the national peak, ANHCA (Australian Neighbourhood Houses Centres Association).
Wimmera West Grampians Neighbourhood House Network Collective Local Government areas: Ararat, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack Expand Network Manager: Christine Zubrinich Phone: 0488 913 001 Email: [email protected]
Upper Murray Regional Neighbourhood House Network Local Government areas: Alpine, Indigo, Moira, Towong, Wangaratta, Wodonga Expand Network Manager: Trish CurtisPhone: 0488 572 225 Email: [email protected] Website Facebook
South West Neighbourhood House Network Local Government areas: Corangamite, Glenelg, Moyne, Southern Grampians, Warrnambool Expand Network Manager: Debra King Phone: (03) 5571 9780 Email: [email protected]
Regional Association of Neighbourhood and Community Houses Local Government areas: Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Greater Bendigo, Loddon, Macedon Ranges, Mount Alexander Expand Network Manager: Kaz WilliamsPhone: 0437 859 874 Email: [email protected] Website
Northwest Neighbourhood House Network Local Government areas: Hume, Moreland Expand Network Manager: Karen Washfold Phone: 0475 729 198 Email: [email protected] Website
North East Neighbourhood House Network Local Government areas: Banyule, Darebin, Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Yarra Expand Network Manager: Julie JohnstonPhone: 0419 873 415 Email: [email protected] Website Facebook
Network West Local Government areas: Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Melton, Moonee Valley, Wyndham Expand Network Manager: Tania Phillips Phone: 0437 644 050 Email: [email protected] Website Facebook
Network of Inner East Community Houses Local Government areas: Boroondara, Manningham, Monash, Whitehorse Expand Network Manager: Nikki Maddern Phone: 0447 326 266 Email: [email protected] Website Please note: the Local Government areas of Manningham and Whitehorse are shared with the Community House Association of Outer Eastern Suburbs.
Neighbourhood Houses Gippsland Local Government areas: Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Latrobe, South Gippsland, Wellington Expand Network Manager: Antonia Halloran-Lavelle Phone: 0409 110 939 Email: [email protected] Website Facebook
Information about the Board Expand How often is there an election? It varies. Each year in October we invite people to nominate to the Board. An election will only take place if the number of nominations outnumbers the number of vacancies. If required, the election is undertaken via an online ballot and only full member organisations can participate. The new Board members are announced at the Annual General Meeting. How long does a term on the Board last? Two years. A person can choose to re-nominate when they reach the end of their term, but can serve no longer than six consecutive years. How is the President elected? During the first Board meeting following the Annual General Meeting, the Board votes on who will occupy the roles of President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. These positions are held for one year.
Neighbourhood Houses Barwon Local Government areas: Colac Otway, Greater Geelong, Queenscliffe, Surf Coast Expand Network Manager: Amy Hunter Phone: 0481 566 774 Email: [email protected] Website Facebook
Mallee Neighbourhood House Network Local Government areas: Buloke, Gannawarra, Mildura, Swan Hill Expand Networker: Kim Darley Email: [email protected]
Goulburn North East Association of Community Centres Local Government areas: Benalla, Greater Shepparton, Mansfield, Mitchell, Moira, Murrindindi, Strathbogie Expand Network Manager: Paul Sladdin Phone: 0407 545 142 Email: [email protected] Website Facebook