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.

Joint Media Release: New Mural at Pantry@3051

Hi Everyone - check-out the volunteer roles we have at NMLL on Ethical Jobs - Pantry Support, Classroom Support and Community Development Support Volunteers.

Here are the links to the volunteer posts on ethical jobs
https://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/members/nmll/community-development-volunteer-1
https://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/members/NMLL/classroom-support-volunteer-1
https://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/members/nmll/pantry-at-3051-volunteers

Please share with your networks

Pantry@3051 Volunteers - Job in Melbourne - North Melbourne Language & Learning Inc Are you passionate about supporting neighbourhood-based community initiatives? Become a Pantry@3051 volunteer and support an initiative to help reduce food insecurity for people in North Melbourne.

Dear Friends - NMLL and our partners NMPHRA (North Melbourne Public Housing Residents Association) have an exciting new volunteer opportunity to support the Pantry@3051 project. We are recruiting volunteers to support us with stocking and caring for the pantry. See attached the flyer for more information. If you are interested in volunteering click on the flyer and it will take you to the application form. I have also attached the application form to this post. Cheers Loretta

NMLL and NMPHRA are excited to announce that we are in the process of developing a community food pantry for North Melbourne. We are calling out for food donations for the food pantry (Pantry@3051) which will be located in the outside area but undercover in 12 Sutton Street. If you would like to contribute an food item that's on the list (see attached flyer) please drop off donations to NMLL on Tuesdays 2-5pm and Thursdays 9.30am -1pm initially. Once the pantry is installed and is in place community members will be able to take their food donation and place directly in the pantry (no middle person). We would welcome your support and please spread the word. See attached information translated in 7 different languages. Thankyou to NMLL staff and NMPHRA members with supporting the translations in community languages. Cheers Loretta

FREE Workshop for Migrant Small Business Owner!!!

LOOKING FOR DOUBLE DOOR STAINLESS STEEL FRIDGE/FREEZER FOR A COMMUNITY PANTRY - the fridge/freezer does not need to be in working condition (better if it is not working) - but it does need to be clean and usable to store food for a community pantry that we are setting up at the North Melbourne Public Housing Estate called Pantry@3051. I have included a photo for an idea of what I am looking for. If you can help. Please contact Loretta at NMLL 9326 7447 or [email protected]

Any leads or help would be greatly appreciated

Our Yarra River Cruise with Yarra River Cruises Melbourne as part of our Out & About excursion program last week was so exciting! It was great to see so many smiling faces enjoying the best of Melbourne 🛥 A huge thank you to City of Melbourne for supporting this wonderfully enriching program 🤗

Join us this Tuesday, September 5th to celebrate Adult Learners' Week at North Melbourne Language & Learning!

We'll be celebtrating the incredibly inspiring Adult Learners of our community both past and present with speeches, games, free books, and great food 🎉

Date: Tuesday September 5th from 11am-1pm
Venue: NMLL outdoor area - Ground Floor, 33 Alfred Street North Melbourne

Hope to see you there!