Neighbourhood Houses

Run by the community, for the community

Neighbourhood Houses are key pillars of healthy, supportive and inclusive communities. Especially as the cost of living rises.

As a network, Neighbourhood Houses form the largest community development infrastructure in Tasmania. They have the most regionally diverse footprint of any non-government service network in the state.

The Tasmanian Government funds and oversees Tasmania's Neighbourhood Houses program.

Neighbourhood Houses:

• Offer place-based programs and activities for people of all ages.
• Provide support services and referrals.
• Create opportunities for volunteering and skill building.
• Foster a sense of belonging and connection in the community.

Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania

Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania is the peak body for Neighbourhood Houses across the state.

As each Neighbourhood House is independently run, Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania’s role is to provide support, represent and empower by:

• providing governance and management support
• offering training and development
• advocating and lobbying at all levels of government
• coordinating joint initiatives and partnerships
• providing resources and strategic guidance.

Visit the Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania website for more information.

Locations of Neighbourhood Houses

There are 35 Neighbourhood Houses across Tasmania. Thirty-four are funded by the Tasmanian Government and one is funded by the Australian Government (Dowsing Point).

How to get involved

You can get involved with your Neighbourhood House by:

• volunteering your time or skills
• participating in programs or events
• joining community development projects
• becoming a member or supporter.

Contact your local Neighbourhood House or visit th Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania website for more information.

Information for Neighbourhood Houses

Needs analysis

The Tasmanian Government is undertaking an independent Neighbourhood House needs analysis to identify house, government and community needs for Neighbourhood Houses.

The needs analysis will enable the Tasmanian Government to better understand the demand for services that houses provide. It will identify long-term sustainability needs, including ways to strengthen and support house governance.

Community Connector Program

The Community Connector Program was developed to support people who were struggling with isolation and mental health concerns during the COVID pandemic. It was also developed to provide easier access to social and health services.

All Neighbourhood Houses across Tasmania can employ a Community Connector.

Community Connectors link community members supporting people with complex needs to support services through warm referrals.

Along with supporting people to navigate complex systems, Community Connectors may run place-based activities targeted at their local area and community.

Capital Improvement Program

The Capital Improvement Program is designed to support the long-term infrastructure needs of Neighbourhood Houses across Tasmania.

The purpose of the program is to upgrade and maintain facilities at Neighbourhood Houses to make sure spaces are safe, accessible, and fit-for-purpose.

This program is part of a broader strategy to make sure Neighbourhood Houses stay resilient, welcoming, and responsive to evolving community needs.

Governance project

In 2022, an independent review of Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania’s governance was conducted. Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania continues to work with the Tasmanian Government to implement the review’s recommendations and strengthen governance practices across the network.