"Network helps grow resilience in society" - opinion piece in The Mercury, 24 January 2025

The first few weeks of January are a time for new resolutions – for changes, big and small. Neighbourhood Houses are here for Tasmanians all year round – and unlike resolutions that often don’t quite stick, we are dedicated to making long-term positive changes in our communities.

Neighbourhood Houses are places where people come together for support, belonging and purpose as they support their local community and make a real difference in people’s lives.

The Network of Neighbourhood Houses helps form the heart of our communities. They are located across Tasmania harnessing the energy of local people collectively and individually. Our strength is in our approach – by the community, for the community.

Our goal is to grow Tasmania’s resilience, ensuring our island is a place where everyone feels valued and can live a fulfilling, inclusive, good life. We support Tasmanians to build foundations for better futures through connections with each other and access to health and social services, no-interest loans, fresh produce, community gardens, childcare, crafting workshops, cooking programs, repair cafes, walking groups and much more.

Neighbourhood House staff can connect people facing complex individual, family and community issues and link them to appropriate programs, services and resources both in the community and in the service system. They can help people navigate government systems, find financial advice, access food relief and improve personal relationships.

Volunteers lie at the heart of the network with more than 1400 volunteers engaged in Neighbourhood Houses in 2024.

The benefits people receive from their involvement in their local houses create a ripple effect that develops into a more resilient, connected community. We utilise this collective power quietly through thick and thin, responding to needs as they arise. For instance, when there was widespread flooding and power outages across the state last year our houses welcomed people and helped them connect to power, basic supplies and the support of fellow-neighbours.

One Neighbourhood House that had been providing frozen meals to the community decided to set up a free cooking program to build the capacity of individuals to support themselves. The program had a focus on budget cooking using fresh produce supplied at the house. From their involvement in the program, participants were able to work with Neighbourhood House staff who could assist them with job seeking, financial management, and housing. From here, many participants became more active in their community, with some becoming regular house volunteers.

Another house supported a person facing a large power debt who had not been aware of the support available to help them manage their finances. House staff provided the individual with simple, easy-to-understand information and referred the person to a financial counsellor who gave personalised advice on managing debt and creating a budget. The person was then able to establish a flexible payment arrangement with their energy provider, reducing their immediate financial crisis and avoiding a disconnection.

These are just two examples of the life-changing role Neighbourhood Houses play, with connections like these happening across our state every day.

In 2025, we invite you to stop by your local Neighbourhood House. Each House is unique, offering programs and activities in response to local needs. There are opportunities to get involved in your local house at whatever level is comfortable – whether you’re looking to meet new people, learn a new skill, join a board, or have a cuppa and a chat about what is important in your community.

Unlike a new year’s resolution, we’re here all year!

Simone Zell is Chief Executive Officer of Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania