The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP

Minister for Social Services

Friday 6 March 2026

Boosting cohesion, connection and community for vulnerable people across Australia

Neighbourhood houses are at the heart of communities across Australia, helping more than 400,000 people each week to feel welcome, safe and connected.  
 
The Albanese Labor Government is helping 60 neighbourhood houses, neighbourhood centres and community centres to better support vulnerable Australians, thanks to a more than $780,000 investment.  
 
With the help of the Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association (ANHCA), organisations will receive grants of up to $15,000 to support community-led initiatives and combat social isolation.  
 
The funding will help empower young people, people with disability, vulnerable and disadvantaged women, and unemployed people experiencing disengagement to achieve social and economic participation. 
 
Projects will be trauma-informed, helping to break cycles of disadvantage as well as providing tools to build resilience and confidence through activities like cooking programs, cultural hubs and workplace and employment training.  

Funded projects include:  
 

• $15,000 to North Melbourne Language and Learning for The Mending Circle. The Mending Circle is a fortnightly clothing repair and alteration program. Workshops will offer a welcoming, hands-on space where culturally and linguistically diverse women learn practical sewing skills, share traditional techniques, and connect with peers.  

• $15,000 to North and West Neighbourhood Centre for the Home Away From Homework Club.  Three inclusive homework clubs aims to break the cycle of intergenerational educational disadvantage, providing support for students falling behind from grades 4 to 10. Students will be able to get assistance with their homework and get a nutritious afternoon tea, as well as some fun time with games and bonding activities.  

• $10,000 to Highlands Community Centres for their Youth Café. The Youth Café will offer social empowerment, community engagement and skill building for local youth. It will help build practical experience in areas like customer service, teamwork, budgeting and leadership that participants will be able to transfer to future employment. 

• $5,590 to Beaconsfield House Inc for Life Skill for Women: Home, Yard and Car Maintenance. The program will provide vulnerable and disadvantaged women with practical, hands-on experience in learning essential maintenance skills for their homes, yards and cars delivered by qualified facilitators with tools and materials provided.  

This funding is delivered under the Strong and Resilient Communities – Inclusive Communities (SARC-IC) Activity. More information on SARC grants is available on the Department of Social Services website.  

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek:

“Neighbourhood houses and centres are at the heart of our communities, helping people feel safe and connected. 
 
“Every neighbourhood needs places where people feel welcome, supported and valued. That’s what these grants help deliver.  
 
“Projects that are locally led and community driven will help reduce isolation, instil a sense of belonging, build skills and connect people to important services.” 

ENDS