About CHN Southern

Welcome to the Community House Network Southern Region, where we are dedicated to empowering and supporting Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres throughout Southern Victoria. As one of the sixteen networks in Victoria, our mission is to strengthen communities by providing comprehensive management, operational assistance and resources tailored to the unique needs of each Neighbourhood House.

Our Mission

At the heart of our network is a commitment to fostering community connections and promoting sustainable growth. We work collaboratively with committees, boards of management, staff and volunteers to enhance the governance and operation of Neighbourhood Houses. By offering a strategic consultative role, we ensure that each House can deliver impactful programs and services to their communities.

What We Do

Our support extends across ten Local Government areas, where we serve seventy-three Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres. We provide a wide range of resources, including:

• Peer Support: Facilitating connections and knowledge-sharing among Neighbourhood Houses to strengthen community ties.
• Advocacy: Representing the interests of our members at local and state levels, ensuring their voices are heard in policy discussions and decision-making processes.
• Training: Offering professional development opportunities to enhance the skills and capabilities of staff and volunteers.

Our Impact

Through our dedicated efforts, we have helped numerous Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres thrive, enabling them to deliver essential services and programs that meet the diverse needs of their communities. Our commitment to excellence and innovation ensures that each House can operate effectively and make a meaningful difference.

Get Involved

We invite you to join us in our mission to empower communities. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, partnering or learning more about our work, we welcome your involvement. Together, we can continue to build strong, connected communities across Southern Victoria.

How are we funded?

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) provides core funding for Network activity through the Neighbourhood House Coordination Program (NHCP). ​​Below is the link to the details of the NHCP funding.
Further to our funding our members pay an annual membership fee.

Our Constitution

If you would like to find out more information you can read our Constitution that was adopted in October 2024 by clicking the link below.