Councillor Matters | Cr Justine Hide, August 7, 2026
Published on 07 August 2026
Halls Gap Neighbourhood House looking to the future
Like many people, I had heard of neighbourhood houses. I knew the name, but if I am honest, I never really understood what they did until I came to live in Halls Gap.
Did you know Victoria is home to more than 400 neighbourhood houses, more than any other state in Australia? More than half are in rural and regional communities, where they play a vital role in bringing people together, building connections and strengthening local communities.
The Victorian Neighbourhood House movement began in the early 1970s, led by pioneering women determined to move beyond ‘the kitchen sink’ and create opportunities for learning, social connection, and positive change. More than 50 years later, that vision is still thriving.
Halls Gap Neighbourhood House has a relatively recent history. It began in 2022 as the Budja Budja Neighbourhood House before becoming an independent organisation with its own board in July 2023. Today it operates from the Halls Gap Hub on Grampians Road, providing a welcoming space for people of all ages.
What makes the Halls Gap Neighbourhood House special is that its programs are shaped by the community itself. Residents are encouraged to suggest ideas, develop new activities and volunteer to help deliver them. Current programs include First Aid and CPR training, gentle exercise classes, Qi Gong, writers' groups, Craft and Chat, birdwatching, wellbeing activities, playgroups, school holiday programs and computer support, with new opportunities continually evolving.
Following the 2024/25 Grampians bushfires, the Halls Gap Hub and Neighbourhood House became an important gathering place, supporting community recovery through meetings, wellbeing initiatives and local events, including activities associated with the community-led GLOW winter festival.
Ironically, the neighbourhood house has become a victim of its own success. The dedicated team of volunteers and staff have outgrown their current space, creating a need for a larger, permanent home to meet growing demand.
The good news is the organisation has secured funding through the Victorian Government's Tiny Towns Fund to undertake a professional feasibility study into future options.
Now they need the community's help. The team is inviting residents to complete a short five-minute survey and share ideas about what a future neighbourhood house could look like. Surveys are available at the Halls Gap Hub or via the Halls Gap Neighbourhood House Facebook page – but be quick, they close on Monday, August 10.
If you've ever wanted to become more involved in your community, this is also a great opportunity to put your hand up. After all, a neighbourhood house belongs to its community, and the best way to shape its future is for the community to have its say.