About Us

Benambra Neighbourhood House (BNH) is a vibrant community hub dedicated to supporting, connecting, and empowering individuals and families in our region since 1989. Located at 34 Gibbo Street, Benambra, right beside Dejarlis Community Park, we offer a welcoming space where people of all ages can learn, grow, and belong.

The property is owned by Benambra Neighbourhood House Incorporated and is managed by a Committee of Management, supported by two part-time staff - a Manager/Coordinator and a Bookkeeper. Volunteers and committee members assist with daily operations, events, and activities. The office is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, with additional days as needed.

We deliver a diverse range of programs including classes, accredited training, workshops, events, and activities designed to support lifelong learning, personal wellbeing, and strong community connections.

BNH is proud to advocate for our local community, providing information, support, and referrals to services that matter. Whether you're seeking a new skill, a social connection, or a helping hand, we're here for you.

local people standing outside Benambra Neighbourhood House

We Offer

Social Connection, Support, Referrals, Training and Events

Our programs are of no-cost or a small fee to encourage inclusion and are designed to enrich lives and foster resilience. Highlights include:

  • Monthly BBQs with guest speakers
  • Weekly art and creativity sessions
  • Accredited training in agriculture, health, and other areas
  • Seniors' luncheons and community social events
  • Emergency preparedness briefings each summer
  • Annual Community Christmas Party
  • Drop-in services for general support, food relief, and information

Our centre also features free community Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, video conferencing, printing and photocopying services, visitor info, frozen meals, book exchange, work stations, and a comfortable, welcoming space to relax or connect with others.


Emergency Hub

Benambra Neighbourhood House plays a vital role during times of emergency. We are the designated Benambra Assembly Area, equipped with a backup generator, and work closely with emergency and support services. A 24/7 audio-visual screen, installed by East Gippsland Shire Council, displays live emergency updates and safety information.

To view our Local Incident Management Plan, access it here: BENAMBRA LIMP.

Thanks to funding support from the Gippsland Community Foundation, Benambra Neighbourhood House has upgraded its IT hardware, systems, and backup power, ensuring a safe, connected, and informed community.

People cooking a barbeque in the park outside Benambra Neighbourhood House

Community Bus

Our community is on the move! We're thrilled to be awaiting delivery of the Benambra Community Bus, made possible by funding from the Department of Transport and Planning, East Gippsland Community Foundation, and East Gippsland Shire Council.

The new bus will improve access to local sports, health services, and other community events, helping residents stay connected and engaged.

Men's Shed

We're excited to announce the upcoming Benambra Men's Shed - a multifunctional space currently in development thanks to funding from Emergency Recovery Victoria, State Government Men's Shed Program, Gippsland Community Foundation and Benambra Neighbourhood House. Completion is expected by June 2026.

The Men's Shed will provide a space for men to connect, share skills, and support one another, while also serving as an emergency supplies distribution point.

Get involved!

Email: nh@benambranh.org.au
Call 03 5159 9208
Call or text: 0428 599 250

the mens shed committee having an outdoor meeting

Frozen Meal Program

In partnership with Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House, we offer frozen meals for community members who need a little extra support.

Email: nh@benambranh.org.au
Call 03 5159 9208
Call or text: 0428 599 250


Catering & Fundraising

Our team at BNH loves to cook—and we do it for a great cause! Through our catering services, we raise funds to support BNH programs and the Benambra Men's Shed.

Special thanks to AusNet for supporting this initiative and funding our fully equipped generator powered mobile kitchen and catering trailer - we are mobile and our catering can come to you, and importantly support our community at times of power outages or emergencies.

Interested in lending a hand? We'd love to have you join us!

Email: nh@benambranh.org.au
Call 03 5159 9208
Call or text: 0428 599 250

People standing outside Benambra Neighbourhood House holding frozen food boxes and thanking Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House

What's On

Events, Classes and Activities

BNH is a supportive, social, and safe space where you will be warmly welcomed.

Join us for any of our many classes, activities, or events:

Weekly Classes
Tuesday - Collective Creative: 1 pm to 3 pm
This class provides a space to bring your own projects, join a tutored art class, enjoy a game of Scrabble, or simply come along for a chat. For class details, visit the events section on our Facebook page or call us at 0428 599 250.

Monthly Community BBQs and Guest Speakers
Held on the third Wednesday of each month, from 12 pm to 3 pm
Join us for a social afternoon, catch up with local community members, meet our guest speakers, and stay updated on what's happening in the community.

Drop-In Support, Help, and Referrals
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10 am to 4 pm
If you need one-on-one assistance or help with something specific, please call ahead to book a time. Our little house can get busy, so it's best to make an appointment in advance if you need dedicated help. However, we welcome you to call in anytime we are open.


Find out more

For a full list of our events, training and activities visit our Facebook page or contact us:

Facebook: Benambra Neighbourhood House
Email: nh@benambranh.org.au
Call 03 5159 9208
Call or text: 0428 599 250

A group posing in front of their paintings following a group session

Get Involved

Volunteer

Share your skills, gain some and make life long friends!

Neighbourhood Houses bring people together to connect, learn and contribute in their local community through social, educational, recreational and support activities, using a unique community development approach.

Benambra Neighbourhood House is always looking for volunteers to help out. If you have a skill you would like to share, help on various local community projects or volunteer your time, fundraising or even house keeping we would love to hear from you, please email your expression of interest or call during our business hours.

Join Our Committee or Working Group

Each year between September and November, we hold our Annual General Meeting, and we're always excited to welcome new committee members, office bearers, and working group participants.

You don't have to wait for the AGM - we're always looking for passionate people who want to help shape the future of Benambra Neighbourhood House, or community and support the development of our new Men's Shed.

What's Involved?

  • A current Working With Children Check (we'll guide you through the process)
  • Support and mentoring provided along the way
  • Access to volunteer resources and strategic documents
  • Flexible roles to suit your availability and interests

No experience needed—just a willingness to be part of something meaningful. As the saying goes: more hands make light work!

Email: nh@benambranh.org.au
Call 03 5159 9208
Call or text: 0428 599 250


Membership Benefits

  • Contribute to the activities and programs of Benambra Neighbourhood House.
  • Support our community and help us strengthen the services we provide.
  • Advocate and join us in standing up for our community through a trusted and respected incorporated organisation with over 35 years of experience—working together to make sure your voice is heard, valued, and makes a real difference
  • Eligibility to nominate for positions on the BNH Committee of Governance.
  • Eligibility to join any BNH and Benambra Men's Shed sub-committee.
  • Vote at the Annual General Meeting.
  • Help shape the future of our community and the Benambra Neighbourhood House.
  • Cost: $10.00 per year

Email: nh@benambranh.org.au
Call 03 5159 9208
Call or text: 0428 599 250

volunteers stood outside the Neighbourhood House catering van volunteers at an event posing next to an emergency services catering truck

Partners

Benambra Neighbourhood House thrives through the generous support of grants, partnerships, fundraising, and community contributions.

If you're interested in partnering with us or providing funding, resources, or a donation (tax-deductible receipts available), we'd love to connect. We're happy to share our strategic plans so you can join us in building a stronger, more inclusive future for our community and environment.

We've outgrown our current space and are seeking support to expand our facilities—including an all-abilities accessible toilet - to create a safe, welcoming, and accessible environment for everyone. We're also seeking assistance to complete and fit out our Men's Shed, a vital space for connection, skills sharing, and wellbeing.

To our existing supporters and partners—thank you. Your contributions make all the difference.

Proudly connected

We're proud members of Neighbourhood Houses Victoria, the East Gippsland Network of Neighbourhood Houses, and the Victorian Men's Shed Association. Our heartfelt thanks go to the State Government of Victoria for their ongoing support.

logos of companies that partner with the Neighbourhood house

Contact Details

  34 Gibbo Street, Benambra, Vic 3900
Email: nh@benambranh.org.au
Call 03 5159 9208
Call or text: 0428 599 250

Business Hours:
Monday to Wednesday : 10am - 4pm
Thursday to Sunday : Closed

The House can be opened by arrangement and may be open on various days as events and activities require.

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Do you have a question or would like more details about anything we do?
Contact us by phone or email, or fill in the form and we'll get in touch.