Our story
Springvale Neighbourhood House (SNH) is one of over 400 neighbourhood houses across Victoria, striving to build a local area together to socialise with old friends or make new friends. Although each neighbourhood house is not the same – we do however hold the same values, processes and continuously respond to the needs and priorities of the communities we serve.
Our House commenced as a purpose-built centre through an unemployed youth project whose participants constructed handmade bricks with clay from the local quarry. We are unique in the Neighbourhood House movement, established primarily for self-help and empowerment of the culturally diverse community of the City of Greater Dandenong.
Enterprise Hostel
During 1983-1992, many cultural groups arriving at Enterprise Hostel often made their way to our House. With its assistance we established support groups for their respective emerging communities enabling these individuals/families to integrate in the local community. Most of these individuals/families are still involved with the House, in a role of a participant, volunteer or worker.
Two decades later many new migrants, refugees and asylum seekers have found their way to Springvale Neighbourhood House, enriching our House through sharing new cultural experiences, traditions, native dances & singing, language, food and deepening our understanding of their celebrations. Our House has played a vital role in managing & coordinating major multicultural events such as;
– Sumnation World Cultural Festival | 1996-2006
– All Nations Arts & Craft Market | 2003
– Annual Diversity Day | 2008
– Harmony Festival with City of Greater Dandenong | 2016
- Harmony Festival 2017, 2018, 2019
In addition, Springvale Neighbourhood House is a Registered Training Organisation running English language, computer and literacy classes. Our Neighbourhood Learning Program coordinates ESL classes in Springvale and suburbs across the City of Greater Dandenong & City of Casey.