Keep Our Doors Open: Why Sustainable Funding Matters for Neighbourhood Houses

Sussex Neighbourhood House has always been a place where people can come to learn, connect, share skills, and feel part of a community.

Every week, we welcome people of all ages and backgrounds into our programs, activities, volunteer roles, and social spaces. These everyday interactions help build confidence, reduce isolation, strengthen resilience, and foster a sense of belonging.

Across Victoria, Neighbourhood Houses play a vital role in community wellbeing. They are local, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the people who walk through the door. As needs have grown in recent years, Neighbourhood Houses have continued to show up and adapt, offering support in ways that are practical, inclusive, and community-led.

94-96% of participants said the activity they participated in at their local NH had a positive or very positive impact on their physical and emotional wellbeing, and on their social connections. 

However, despite this increasing demand, the core funding that sustains Neighbourhood Houses has not kept pace. Many houses are now providing more services with fewer resources, and nearly half are operating at a financial loss. Without sustainable funding, the ability to continue delivering these essential community programs is at risk.

About the Keep Our Doors Open Campaign

The Keep Our Doors Open campaign is a statewide initiative led by Neighbourhood Houses Victoria. It calls for a 25% increase to core funding for Neighbourhood Houses across the state. This increase would ensure that houses like ours can continue to meet community need, retain skilled staff, and provide safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for everyone.

At SNH, we have set up a campaign station in our hub. Community members are invited to fill out postcards sharing what Sussex means to them – postcards which will then be delivered to our local representatives as part of the campaign to advocate for sustainable, long-term funding.

We would like to acknowledge Anthony Cianflone MP for his ongoing support of our community and the neighbourhood house sector. We are also calling on Ros Spence MP to support the campaign and recognise the essential role that Neighbourhood Houses play in the health, strength, and connectedness of Victorian communities.

How You Can Support the Campaign

If SNH has been meaningful to you – whether through programs, volunteering, social connection, or simply as a welcoming place to belong – your voice can make a difference. We invite you to

• Visit us and fill out a campaign postcard
• Share your experience of SNH
• Encourage others to do the same

These messages help show the real value of community-led spaces and the importance of keeping them open and accessible.

Looking Ahead

Our commitment is to continue being a supportive, inclusive, and welcoming place for everyone who walks through our door. Sustainable funding is essential to ensuring we can keep doing this, not just now, but for years to come.

When community spaces remain open, everyone benefits.