North Melbourne Language & Learning NMLL

⚠️ Neighbourhood Houses are at risk — and our communities need your support.

At North Melbourne Language and Learning (NMLL), we see every day how life-changing a Neighbourhood House can be — a place where people learn, connect, and find belonging.

Peggy, a community member who has been part of NMLL for just over a year, shared this message in her postcard to Minister Ros Spence:

“This place is a big family to me that helped me learn a lot and get to know many good friends from different countries.”

Peggy’s words reflect what so many feel — that Neighbourhood Houses are safe, welcoming spaces where people grow together and build community.

But right now, nearly half of Victoria’s 401 Neighbourhood Houses are running at a loss. Years of underfunding mean many can no longer even cover the cost of employing a manager, let alone keeping the doors open.

In 2024–25 alone, underfunding meant communities lost the equivalent of $230 million in benefits, as vital program funds were redirected to basic operating costs. That means fewer programs, reduced hours, and stretched staff — at a time when demand is highest for support with housing, mental health, and family violence.

We’re joining Neighbourhood Houses Victoria’s 2026 Campaign to call for sustainable funding — because every community deserves stability, connection, and opportunity through their local Neighbourhood House.

💛 Here’s how you can help:
1️⃣ Visit us at 33 Alfred Street, North Melbourne to sign a postcard and share why you love NMLL.
2️⃣ Share this post to raise awareness.
3️⃣ Tell your local MP why North Melbourne Language and Learning matters to you.
4️⃣ Visit nhvic.org.au/2026-campaign to learn more and show your support.

Together, we can make sure every Neighbourhood House — including ours — keeps its doors open, its lights on, and its people connected.

2026 Campaign | NHVic Neighbourhood Houses deliver enormous social and economic value. But with the NHCP rate 20% lower than a decade ago, open hours have dropped to their lowest level in 10 years.