About Us

Who We Are

West Footscray Neighbourhood House is a not-for-profit community organisation - which means all money raised goes directly back into programs for our community. All programs are services are developed in response to community needs. We are run by local people who have a strong commitment to making our neighbourhood a better place for all. West Footscray Neighbourhood House believes in the power of a community development approach to transform and empower individuals and communities.

Our Mission

We support our community by providing programs, services, and spaces that are needed, innovative, inclusive, and foster connection and togetherness.

Our Vision

Our vision is for West Footscray Neighbourhood House to be a welcoming, community-centered space. We work creatively to be relevant, inclusive, and sustainable now and into the future.

Our Values

Our values inform the way we work internally and externally: within our House and within our community.

Community & Partnerships:

we work alongside our community to meet their needs

Kindness & Compassion:

we value all members of our team and our community

Resilience & Viability:

we adapt to ensure long-term success and stability

Integrity & Accountability:

we operate with honesty and transparency

Our Purpose

To provide a place for all members of our community to feel welcome, supported, connected, and valued throughout activities and services that promote social inclusion and connection.

Our History

West Footscray Neighbourhood House was established in 1989 and started entirely volunteer-run. Neighbourhood houses exist to meet community needs and at that time council and university studies identified social isolation/limited opportunities for social interaction, a lack of adequate childcare, language barriers to participation, a high proportion of both families on a low income, and single-parent families. The house was in an actual four-bedroom house in Barkly Street West Footscray before moving to its purpose-built space above West Footscray Library in 2006. Today community needs are remarkably similar and some of the early programs remain and have grown.