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Neighbourhood houses and learning centres

The neighbourhood houses and learning centres in Yarra provide a variety of programs and activities created specifically for their local communities.

These houses and centres, each managed by a volunteer Committee of Governance, are run in collaboration with staff, and volunteers from the local community.

Programs and activities

They offer services for all ages including:

  • children and youth programs
  • adult education including art, music, cooking and computer classes
  • English and other language lessons
  • Community lunches

All of these services are offered at no (or little) cost for attendees. 

The houses and centres are places you can go for support, education, social interaction, to learn new skills and to make new friends.

You can also find all kinds of services to help you live more sustainably, from workshops to clothes swaps, to places to drop off your hard-to-recycle items such as phones and batteries.

Up to date programs and activities (released each term) can be found on the website of each neighbourhood house or by dropping into your local house.

Explore the neighbourhood houses and learning centres

Alphington Community House

Alphington Community Centre offers a range of activities, support services and events to support the local and surrounding community. The programs and services encourage and enable individuals to lead active, creative and sustainable lives and nurture community connections. The centre is also available for venue hire.

Belgium Avenue Neighbourhood House

Belgium Avenue Neighbourhood House is located in the North Richmond Housing Estate. The house nurtures and supports the neighbourhood by providing a friendly, safe places to meet. The house offers many opportunities for education, personal growth, arts development and friendship through shared activities and programs that are responsive to the needs of the local communities.

Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre

Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre is a place of harmony and diversity where individuals and groups can build knowledge, strength and resilience through learning and community participation.

Collingwood Neighbourhood House

Collingwood Neighbourhood House is located on the Collingwood Housing Estate. They offer a range of creative, social, recreational and educational activities and programs that meet the needs of the diverse multicultural community. The house provides a safe, friendly environment for the community to meet and create friendships.

Finbar Neighbourhood House

Finbar Neighbourhood House supports the community by providing an inclusive environment with wide range of activities and opportunities for lifelong learning, social interaction and sharing of information. Drop in anytime for a cuppa and a chat. The house is also available for venue hire.

Fitzroy Neighbourhood House

Fitzroy Learning Network provides a bridge between the Australian community and newcomers, gives people a voice, and provides a sense of belonging and meaning. The network places priority on assisting people who lack opportunities to access learning and support by providing education, friendship and a welcoming environment.

Holden Street Neighbourhood House

Holden Street Neighbourhood House offers programs and activities for people of all ages and diverse backgrounds. The house provides educational social and recreational activities. It is a safe, accessible and welcoming place for the local community. The house is also available for venue hire.

North Carlton Railway Neighbourhood House

The North Carlton Railway Neighbourhood House provides a wide range of activities, affordable educational classes, as well as social and recreational activities. The house also helps people connect with other services and agencies within the area. The house is also available for venue hire.

Richmond Neighbourhood Centre

Richmond Neighbourhood Centre provides spaces and opportunities for people to connect, contribute and communicate.

Support for neighbourhood houses and learning centres

We support the Yarra neighbourhood houses and learning centres through an ongoing Neighbourhood House Funding Program and our Neighbourhood House Partnership Framework [ PDF, 3.7 MB] which outlines the shared values and commitment to supporting the community.

We also support the Princes Hill Community Centre. The centre provides a range of community programs, workshops and events with a focus on the arts.

Hire Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres

If you want to hire any neighbourhood houses or learning centres facilities please contact them directly to discuss availability and fees.

See our guide to Yarra's neighbourhood houses and learning centres [ PDF, 822.48 KB] for more details.