Our Story

Our Story

Neighbourhood Collective Australia is a not-for-profit that grew out of the vibrant community centre the Old Church on the Hill. Building on the success and innovation developed at the Old Church, we kindle stronger, resident-led communities where everyone belongs. We actively support inclusion of newly arrived community members and cross-cultural connections.

We believe that whatever the problem is, communities have their own, and the best, solutions. Working both at the Old Church and in partnership with community groups across Australia, we facilitate spaces, activity and conversations that bring people together to connect, build relationships and develop their own initiatives, programs and happenings.

The Old Church on the Hill was originally a Uniting Church property. In 2009, when the congregation had dwindled, the site was set to be sold to developers and be made into a series of apartments. A local campaign started to keep the Old Church as a community space, and with hundreds of locals involved, the site was eventually handed over for permanent community use. Over more than 12 years community has continued to grow and flourish in and around the Old Church, and the centre is now used by over 30 community groups and associations and see hundreds of local residents participate each week. To see what’s happening at the Old Church or find out more, visit the Old Church website here.

In addition to managing the Old Church and running a range of programs and activities on-site focused on inclusion and connection, Neighbourhood Collective Australia supports community capacity building and leadership development across Australia. We work from and Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) model and deliver a range of workshops, training, mentoring and consultancy.

Neighbourhood Collective Australia is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and we gratefully accept tax-deductable donations. You can donate to our work here.