Network of Inner East Community Houses

Welcome to NIECH

The Network of Inner East Community Houses (NIECH) includes 26 Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres in the Inner-East of Melbourne, covering four local government areas –
Boroondara, Manningham, Monash and Whitehorse

Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres in NIECH are non-profit organisations run by community based committees of management. The Centres make all people welcome. They provide accessible and affordable opportunities for learning, personal development and support to all members of the community. Many Centres provide childcare.

Each Neighbourhood Centre has its own unique identity, and offers different services in response to needs of the local community. Centres receive funding and in-kind support from a variety of sources, including the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD), Adult Community and Further Education (ACFE), Department of Human Services, local government, local businesses, service clubs and churches. Volunteers are an integral part of the network and are highly valued.

NIECH is managed by a committee that employ a Networker and an Administration Asssistant, with funding provided by the Department of Planning and Community Development, State Government Victoria. The Network offers the following services to members:

• Organises regular members’ meetings and forums
• Referrals to appropriate resources and services
• Assistance in reviewing important documents
• Organises professional development opportunities for committees and paid staff
• Information on employment issues
• Individual visits to Houses
• Representation and advocacy for members to other agencies, and all levels of government
• Independent advice
• Links to the sector’s peak organisations -
  ANHLC (state peak organisation)
  National Association of Community Development Organisations (NACDO), (formerly known as National Link)

	Supported by the  Victorian Government