What’s the deal with neighbourhood houses?

Seven neighbourhood houses across Bendigo and Heathcote provide a place for all members of the community to undertake initiatives to improve the lives of locals.

These are Bendigo Neighbourhood Hub, Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre, Eaglehawk Community House, Kangaroo Flat Community House, Huntly Community Hub, Marong Neighbourhood House, and Heathcote Community House.

Coordinator at Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre, Kerry Parry, said many neighbourhood houses like LGNC started from a group of residents wanting to create a designated space for the community to come together in ways to benefit all.

“Being able to have projects that individuals and groups could sort of do together, working for people who are perhaps a little bit vulnerable, or who might be experiencing disadvantage,” she said.

“Our society today, it’s certainly not a one-size-fits-all, but it’s important for all people to feel like they have a sense of connection and belonging in their local community.

“That’s not measured by any of the things that we kind of see as prejudicial now, whether it’s race or religion or background, we see our neighbourhood centre as being a place for anybody who lives in the neighbourhood.”

Neighbourhood centres can also assist with providing extra food if you may be running low and general help with technology and forms as well.

More information on Greater Bendigo’s neighbourhood houses can be found at ranch.net.au/Bendigo and huntlycommunityhub.com.au for Huntly Community Hub.