About Us
We are a welcoming Neighbourhood House that works with our community to support one another through good and challenging times. We love hearing from our community and getting involved where we can. If you have an idea and need support, come and talk to us about how we can help.
We support our community through a range of programs, including our Community Foodbank, Community Lunch, Social programs, Community Garden, Woodend Repair Café and Woodend Community Bike Shed. These activities provide practical support, reduce isolation, and help build strong community connections.
We offer children’s activities and adult learning opportunities, and we support local community groups by providing meeting spaces and printing services.
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The House is managed by Melissa Baker, supported by Helen (Activities Coordinator), Paula (Room Bookings Officer), Kylie Park and Jo Essex (Administration officers- casuals) and a dedicated team of wonderful volunteers.
Together, we are building a connected, inclusive, and supportive community.
Our Vision:
Woodend Neighbourhood House sees Woodend as a connected community, inclusive of all, respecting differences and fostering responsive capacity.
Our Mission:
To build, strengthen and connect our community in order to create a community that is resilient.
Our Purpose:
Woodend Neighbourhood House Inc. is a public institution which has the charitable purpose of advancing social and public welfare by:
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Providing a place that is welcoming, safe and inclusive
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Advancing mental health and preventing social isolation
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Offering affordable and accessible activities and programs to reduce loneliness, increase social connection and improve health and wellbeing
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Building community capacity and resilience that is responsive to the needs of the Woodend community and surrounding area
Our Annual Reports
We produce an Annual Report each financial year to report on our progress, achievements and financial position.
See current and past editions here.
WNH Annual Report 2024
WNH Annual Report 2023
WNH Annual Report 2022
WNH Annual Report 2021
WNH Annual Report 2020
Our History
Woodend Neighbourhood House Inc started its life as a short-term drop-in centre after the Ash Wednesday bushfires in 1983. Run by local members of the Red Cross, it became the impetus for a community-led recovery and support centre that then grew into what we are today.
It became incorporated in 1984, open for one day a week; it has had many different names and venues in its 40 year life. Its most recent home, as the Woodend Neighbourhood House, is the Woodend Community Hub, a space that was built onto an existing old house in 2006 and has delivered a lovely shared space for community use.
We are open five days a week, we hire rooms for functions and meetings after hours and provide learning and connection opportunities for all members of our community.
Committee of Governance
The House is led by a community Committee of Governance, currently, eight members are made up of interested and skilled community members. We are always looking for new members to join our committee.
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If you have a passion for your community and want to get involved and support new initiatives and ideas then talk to us about joining our committee.
If you are interested the House Manager can give you an overview of what’s involved and put you in touch with our President.
Funding
The House receives core funding through the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Neighbourhood House Coordination funding. Our work is also supported through donations, room booking fees, grants and other community contributions, which help us continue to deliver programs and services for our community.
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Supporting and strengthening local community groups is an important part of what we do. Many community groups call the House home, using our spaces to meet, connect, and grow.
Get Involved
Become a member and support Woodend Neighbourhood House to support our community. The house is an important place for locals to make connections.
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The House is a member-driven organisation, just like any other small incorporated association, and has a small membership fee that delivers benefits to members such as Wi-Fi access at the House and access to our free activities. We want your input; by becoming a member it also gives you the opportunity to contribute to the direction of the house!