Here, we will include details of the many services and organisations that exist in our region and do so much to strengthen our community.
They cover:
- Community Services
- Community Action Groups
- Community Support Groups
- Environmental Groups
- Community Service Organisations
- Educational and language resources
- English Conversation Classes
- Friendship groups
- Sharing your interests and developing your skills
- Getting active
- Music, movies and other marvelous entertainments
- Getting to know your local area
- Community Centres and Neighbourhood Houses
- Volunteering
Click on the links above or scroll down to find out about the many active organisations that we have in our local region and follow the links to make contact with them. And please tell us about your group. We’d love to include them in this list.
Community Radio – 94.1FM 3WBC
The Box Hill Town Hall Community Hub in Bank Street, Box Hill at the rear of the Box Hill Town Hall is home to a range of community groups, not-for-profit organisations and service providers. One group that is doing much to provide a voice for the Whitehorse and Boroondara communities is the community radio station 94.1FM 3WBC.
Community radio station 3WBC broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed entirely by volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. Since it commenced full time broadcasting in September 2001, 3WBC has sought to reflect the broad and diverse community in Melbourne’s eastern region with a wide range of ethnic, specialist and general programming.
The best way to experience what 3WBC has to offer is to tune your radio to 94.1FM. Whatever time of day or night, you are sure to find music and conversation to suit your taste and interests. To find out more about their programs, go to their website at https://www.3wbc.org.au/
Need a Justice of the Peace? Here’s where to go.
A Justice of the Peace is a member of your community authorised to witness signatures on legal documents, swearing/affirming Statutory Declarations and Affidavits, authorizing copies of documents, and witnessing/attesting documents such as wills, application for visas, marriages, and divorces, etc.
One way to find a JP is to go to a Document Signing Station. These are set up in public spaces such as libraries, community centres, Neighbourhood Centres and Police Stations. Call the Department of Justice and Community Safety on (03) 8684 0000 or go to http://www.justice.vic.gov.au to locate your nearest JP.
There is a DSS operating from the Boroondara Police Station at 34 Harp Road, East Kew. We are in attendance: Mondays and Wednesdays 11am-1pm; Thursdays 5pm-7pm except for Public Holidays and periods of lockdown. No appointment is necessary.
Information supplied by Lindy Anderson Justice of the Peace
Community Services
Municipal Councils
Local government is an important layer of Australia’s democracy. We encourage you to participate in the work of your local council by responding to their calls for submissions on matters they have under consideration. Listed here are links to the engagement sites for Whitehorse, Boroondara, Manningham and Maroondah. Other ways to participate include attending regular council meetings and making contact with your local councillor. Details are readily available on the website for each council.
Have Your Say: Whitehorse
Engage Boroondara
Your Say Manningham
Your Say Maroondah
Neighbourhood Watch Whitehorse
Neighbourhood Watch in Victoria was started when it was realised that the Police alone could not control the rising crime rate, in particular burglary and related thefts. The support of the public was sought to help reduce crimes such as burglary and theft which resulted in a pilot area opened on June 15, 1983 in Kananook, a suburb of Frankston.
Community Support Groups
Our region has many organisations that provide support to people who are experiencing challenging times. We have been made aware of so many that they don’t easily fit on this page. Please click here to find out more about organisations that can share your experience and provide both care and friendship.
Community Action Groups
Surrey Hills Progress Association
The Surrey Hills & Mont Albert Progress Association (SHPA) aims to improve, preserve and advance the neighbourhood of Surrey Hills & Mont Albert, Victoria.
Heatherdale Community Action Group
HCAG is a community organisation committed to work positively and constructively with elected councillors, the council organisation, State government ministers, State instrumentalities and departments and Federal members to achieve its Statement of Purpose.
HCAG’s geographical area of interest is centred on Heatherdale Road (the Maroondah and Whitehorse boundary) and comprises the three closest Maroondah wards and the four closest Whitehorse wards. Click here to go to their Facebook page.
Environmental Groups
There are many environmental groups operating with our region; some have a broad focus , others with a more specific purpose. These groups play an important role in working to address the challenge of climate change and reminding us of the need to protect our natural environment.
Go here to find out about how you can become involved.
Please tell us about your group so we can promote its objectives.
Community Service Organisations
Community service organisations promote, provide or carry out activities, facilities or projects for the benefit or welfare of the community or any members of the community who have a particular need.
In this region, there are many vibrant, active service organisations. These include groups such as Rotary, Lions and Probus. Go here to find how you can become involved in one in your area.
Community Centres and Neighbourhood Houses
Boroondara Community and Neighbourhood Houses
Our 11 community and neighbourhood houses help people connect with one another. Offering a range of free or low-cost programs in a supportive and friendly environment, they’re the perfect place to learn and make a difference in our local community
Alamein Neighbourhood and Learning
49 Ashburn Grove, Ashburton (opposite Alamein train station)
Phone:(03) 9885 9401. Email: admin@alameinnlc.com.au. Website:Alamein Neighbourhood and Learning Centre
Ashburton Community Centre
160 High Street, Ashburton
Phone:(03) 9885 7952. Email: office@ashburtoncc.org.au. Website: Ashburton Community Centre
Balwyn Community Centre
412 Whitehorse Road, Surrey Hills
Phone: (03) 9836 7942. Email: reception@balwyncc.org.au. Website: Balwyn Community Centre
Bowen Street Community Centre
102 Bowen Street, Camberwell
Phone: (03) 9889 0791. Email: info@bowenstreet.org.au. Website: Bowen Street Community Centre
Camberwell Community Centre
33-35 Fairholm Grove, Camberwell
Phone: (03) 9882 2611. Email: contact@camberwellcc.org.au. Website: Camberwell Community Centre
Canterbury Neighbourhood Centre
2 Kendall Street, Canterbury
Phone: (03) 9830 4214. Email: office@canterburync.au. Website: Canterbury Neighbourhood Centre
Craig Family Centre
7 Samarinda Avenue, Ashburton
Phone: (03) 9790 9955. Email: enquiries@craigfc.org.au. Website: Craig Family Centre
Hawthorn Community House
32 Henry Street, Hawthorn
Phone: (03) 9819 2629. Email: info@hch.org.au. Website: Hawthorn Community House
Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre
4-12 Derby Street, Kew
Phone: (03) 9853 3126. Email: admin@kewnlc.org.au. Website: Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre
Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre
157 Union Road, Surrey Hills
Phone: (03) 9890 2467. Email: enquiries@surreyhillsnc.org.au. Website: Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre
Trentwood at the Hub. Greythorn Community Hub
2 Centre Way, Balwyn North
Phone: (03) 9006 6590. Email: info@trentwood.org.au. Website: Trentwood at the Hub
Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres in Whitehorse
Neighbourhood Houses bring people together to connect, learn and contribute in their local community through social, educational and recreational activities. There are ten in Whitehorse.
Click on the links below to explore their programs and activities and to see how you can become involved.
Avenue Neighbourhood House
87 Eley Road, Blackburn South VIC 3130
Phone: 9808 2000. Email: info@theavenue.org.au. http://www.theavenue.org.au
Bennettswood Neighbourhood House
7 Greenwood Street, Burwood VIC 3125
Phone: 9888 0234. Email: info@bennettswoodnh.org.au. http://www.bennettswoodnh.org.au
Blackburn North Neighbourhood House
109 Koonung Road, Blackburn North VIC 3130
Phone: 9878 6632. Email: admin@blackburnnorthnh.org.au. www.blackburnnorthnh.org.au
Box Hill South Neighbourhood House
47 Kitchener Street, Box Hill South VIC 3128
Phone: 9898 8270. Email: info@bhsnh.org.au. http://www.bhsnh.org.au
Burwood Neighbourhood House
1 Church Street, Burwood VIC 3125
Phone: 9808 6292. Email: burwoodn@bigpond.net.au. www.burwoodneighbourhoodhouse.org.au
Clota Cottage Neighbourhood House
31 Clota Avenue, Box Hill VIC 3128
Phone: 9899 0062. Email: admin@clotacottage.org.au. www.clotacottage.org.au
Kerrimuir Neighbourhood House
57 Linda Avenue, Box Hill North VIC 3129
Phone: 9899 7660. Email: info@kerrimuirhouse.org.au. www.kerrimuirhouse.org.au
Louise Multicultural Community Centre
Suite 8, Town Hall Hub
27 Bank Street, Box Hill VIC 3128
Phone: 9285 4850. Email: info@louise.org.au. www.louise.org.au
Mitcham Community House
19 Brunswick Road, Mitcham VIC 3132
Phone: 9873 4587. Email: info@mitchamcommunityhouse.org. www.mitchamcommunityhouse.org
Vermont South Neighbourhood House
Karobran Drive, Vermont South VIC 3133
Phone: 9803 2335. Email: info@vsnh.org.au. www.vsnh.org.au
Introducing Blackburn North Neighbourhood House
Formerly known as Koonung Cottage, Blackburn North Neighbourhood House is located at 109 Koonung Rd Blackburn North and has been serving our community for over 45 years.
Our name may have changed but our mission remains the same: to provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment to respond to the social and learning needs of our community and provide a sense of belonging.
We offer a range of low cost or free programs, workshops and events to give community members an opportunity to connect with each other while building skills, getting fit or just having fun. We also have a Childcare Program, rooms available for community hire and a variety of volunteer opportunities. Our staff are fonts of local knowledge and are keen to help, and we pride ourselves on our willingness to respond to community interest. With office hours of 9am to 3pm weekdays during school term, we invite you to pop in and see what we have to offer.
English Conversation Classes
English Conversation on Sundays – Burwood Heights Uniting Church
Getting active
We have created a separate page to list some of the many sporting and activities in our region. Please click here to find out about those we have been told about.
Music, Movies and other Marvelous Entertainments including Theatre
Go here to find out what is happening in our region.
Getting to know your local area
Open Gardens Victoria
Open Gardens Victoria (OGV) is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation that promotes the benefits of gardens and gardening for all Victorians. We assist garden owners to open their private gardens to the public and organise gardening and horticulturally themed events. Our activities are funded by ticket sales, and each year a portion of our surplus is applied to grants under our Giving Program for horticultural projects in the fields of education, wellness, innovation, community and sustainability.
For more information about open gardens and events, visit the Open Gardens Victoria website.
Volunteering
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to contribute to your community, use your particular skills to help others and to meet people who share your interest and commitment to a stronger community.
The many community groups in our area rely on volunteers to do their essential work. Go here to find out about some of them. We encourage you to tell us about your organisation.