HISTORY OF CROSSENVALE COMMUNITY HOUSE

In 2001, the Crossenvale Estate was identified by the Office of Housing (now part of the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing) as a potential location for a community house. The Crossenvale area is recognised for being isolated from the services and amenities of the Echuca-Moama community, which has contributed to disadvantage and higher levels of public housing.

Following discussions with a broad groups of residents and stakeholders, it was agreed that the project needed a commitment of time to develop trust and understanding within the community.

 In 2004 the Shire of Campaspe signed up to a project named 'Crossenvale – Laying the Foundations,' and Crossenvale Community House has been operating since. Foundation Project Partners included:

Department of Human Services (now also part of the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing)

Shire of Campaspe

Njernda Aboriginal Corporation

St Luke’s Anglicare

Victorian Public Tenants Association, and,

Members of the Crossenvale Community

The project's focus was to, ‘build the capacity, pride and connectedness of the Crossenvale Estate community,' with the intention of developing a house that would become, 'a safe place where everyone is welcome and residents can build a sense of community.'

 The result of this project was the establishment of Crossenvale Community House, which is located at 28 Boothman Street, Echuca - in the heart of Crossenvale.

In 2008, Crossenvale Community Group inc. was established as a public tenant group. During 2008-09, the Crossenvale Community Group assumed the management rights of the project and house from Shire of Campaspe. Crossenvale Community House then officially became a Neighbourhood/Community House in 2009 and became eligible for 15 hours of funding under the Neighbourhood House Coordination Program (NHCP) through the department.

In 2014, the House was successful in adding another 5 hours of coordination funding which, along with guidance from the Regional Association of Neighbourhood and Community Houses (RANCH), allowed the house to develop a sustainable and deliverable vision for the House and Crossenvale residents.

Today, Crossenvale Community House is still as committed as ever to providing access to programs and services for residents while building long-term relationships with local services, groups, and the wider community.