Our History

Clunes Neighbourhood House has been a cornerstone of community life in Clunes since its founding in 1982. Part of a broader network of over 400 Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria, our story is uniquely shaped by the people, place, and priorities of Clunes.

From the beginning, Clunes Neighbourhood House has embraced the belief that communities are strongest when people are actively involved in shaping their future. As a community-led organisation, we focus on bringing people together to connect, learn and contribute — not by doing for the community, but by doing with them.

Funded recurrently by the Victorian State Government, this steady support has allowed us to take a long-term, strategic approach to building a more connected, inclusive, and resilient community. Every three years, our volunteer-led Committee of Management works with staff and the wider community to develop a strategic plan that keeps us focused on what matters most — the wellbeing of people and place.

Over the years, Clunes Neighbourhood House has evolved significantly. What began as a small local initiative has grown into a dynamic, multifaceted organisation delivering activities and services 7 days a week across more than seven venues. From running social and recreational programs, to coordinating local events, to offering essential services such as Open House Meals, Crisis Relief Clinics, and a Carer’s Network, we aim to meet community needs while fostering opportunities for reflection, exploration and connection.

Our work spans a wide range of areas including:

Volunteering & Leadership Development
Retail & Business Initiatives (BOOM Retail and BOOM Business)
Community Events & Recreational Activities
Health, Wellbeing and Emergency Support Services
Asset Management & Infrastructure Support for Community Use

At the heart of everything we do are the more than 27 active volunteers who help bring programs to life, lead community activities, and ensure we operate efficiently. Paid staff focus on business development, compliance, administration, and long-term sustainability — all guided by a flat organisational structure that encourages participation at every level.

By keeping our operational costs low and continuously seeking ways to diversify income, we ensure that every dollar we generate is returned to the community. This community-minded approach has not only enhanced local livability but also enabled Clunes Neighbourhood House to grow significantly over the past decade — in both impact and capacity.

Today, Clunes Neighbourhood House stands as a trusted and vital hub, where individuals of all ages can belong, learn new skills, access support, and actively shape the future of Clunes.