Collingwood Neighbourhood House

Belgium Avenue Neighbourhood House Inc (BANH Inc.) is a community based/managed organisation that has been operating on the north Richmond Housing Estate for over 35 years and more recently on the Collingwood Housing estate for 16 years. offers a range of recreational, vocational and educational programs to those experiencing the most disadvantage in the
community. Many of those who participate i

n our programs experience
financial and social hardship. It is also an organisation that supports and
nurtures community support groups and offers important information and referral processes. prides itself on the commitment it has to community access to quality arts practice and experience. The arts is considered as core community development programming for BANH Inc. as it plays a crucial role in the health and wellbeing of the neighbourhood in which we work. There have been many quality creative arts outcomes over the years that have impacted positively on participants in so many ways and levels. Our arts programs embrace and celebrate cultural and social diversity in such ways that it can create tangible positive social change for individuals and communities. Some examples have been the ‘hARTmony’ project that allowed us to work for 18 months with young people to embrace and encourage leadership and a youth mentorship model arts program over many genres. The energy and enthusiasm that came from this project from young people continued into other projects such as the Yarra Youth Theatre (now Uprising Theatre) that has culminated in a spectacular production called ”Zombies” at the Fitzroy Town Hall. creates opportunities throughout its’ art program for meaningful creative participation in such events like the annual Harvest Festival on the Collingwood Housing Estate and the Gala Ball at the Collingwood Town Hall. Most of our arts programs have grown out of BANH Inc’s. community development approach to engagement. Uprising Theatre has been part of the grass roots journey with young people and it’s productions reflect this meaningful engagement.