Programs, Activities & Services
Bendigo Neighbourhood Hub brings people together to connect, learn and contribute to our local Bendigo community through providing a range of ever changing social, educational, recreational and support activities.
At Bendigo Neighbourhood Hub, we're committed to making our organisation a safe and inclusive place for everyone, where people feel safe, support, where they can seek assistance and engage with community - a place where EVERYBODY BELONGS.
Our programs and services are available to all members of the Bendigo community including: people with a disability, people experiencing homelessness, people from refugee background and migrants, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people who are socially isolated or experiencing disadvantage, families and older people - bottom line is EVERYONE IS WELCOME.
At Bendigo Neighbourhood Hub we have a strong focus on providing individual advocacy and support services that focuses on the development of individuals and families, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to access services and supports within our community and to live their life to their fullest potential.
The Great Chase
Join us for an afternoon of fun at Bendigo Greyhound Racing track. It's a free community event and we've booked a table for BNH. Food, drinks and great company are provided.
We'll be allocated a greyhound on the day - join us in barracking our super awesome dog on while he strives for a win (and if he doesn't win we're still going to appreciate his awsomeness because for a little while he's going to be one of the BNH crew!).
RSVP essential as we need to book tickets.
Digital Literacy workshops & short courses
If it's time to update your digital skills then we've got some great free programs on offer this term. We have small class sizes and are able to offer extra support to people with a disability or those whose capacity for learning digital skills is a little more challenged.
Google Drive This is a great course for beginners or people who use gmail. Google Drive is a free alternative to MS Word - it's awesome program for creating and sharing files. Names now being taken for course commencing June 2024.
Intro to MS WordThis course is ideal for people looking for work (a program commonly used in most workplaces), people wanting to refresh their skills or if you already have MS Office on your computer. The course is FREE and includes a learner workbook.
Outlook Calendar We've just started using this program for our room bookings and we love it. Anyone with an outlook email can access the calendar free (it's easy to set-up an outlook email & we're available to help). Schedule your appointments, add reminders and contacts - all in one convenient place..
Individual Support Services
We provide individual support appointments to assist you to complete everyday tasks such as filling in forms, applying for Citizenship, visa information, passports, travel convention documents, enrolling children in school, connecting essential services, apply for hardship support, referrals to other services and more. Contact us to discuss your needs or to make an appointment.
Neighbour Assist Individual Support Our Neighbour Assist program provides support to people to fill in forms, contact agencies and services, apply for government payments and more. Contact us to make an appointment
Bendigo council IMMUNISATIONS
City of Greater Bendigo offer 2 immunisation sessions at Bendigo Neighbourhood Hub every week - Tuesday 4pm-6pm & Friday 9.30am-11.00am.
Bookings are essential and can be made via Vaxapp.
If you need help to access or make an appointment via Vaxapp - we're here to help, simple give us a call 5441 2515 or email: info@bnh.net.au
Connecting to Community & People
Join our Tuesday social craft group - join in the chit chat, the laughter, share a cuppa and make some new friends all while working on your craft project.
The group is free, no bookings required - just come on in and share in the fun.
Tuesdays 10am - 12 noon
** Social group does not run over school holidays
Peer Support Social Group Join our 'Social Club @ The Lake' - we're now meeting fortnightly at Lake Weeroona (we'll be at the tables next to the Coffee van). Grab a coffee, enjoy some rays of sunshine and join in the chit chat. This group supports all people to connect socially, reduce isolation and make new freinds - we warmly welcome people with a disability to attend.
Watercolour painting We're now taking names for a second watercolour painting class - if we get enough interest then we'll get another painting social group up and running. If you want to get painting then please get you name down on the list. This is a free program but you will need to provide your own materials.
Learn to play Dungeons & Dragons
Here's a great opportunity to gets kids off electronics and into a game that uses their imaginations and strategic thinking skills.
This free 4 week course is for children aged 10 6 16 years old. Each participant will receive their own D&D game and will learn how to play the game along side other young people.
We work with small groups and the sessions are incredibly popular - please register your interest ASAP as we run multiple courses throughout the year.
** Children must be accompanied by a responsible person aged 18+ during the sessions.
English Language ClassesThis class is for Karen speaking people who are interested in building their English language skills. This free course runs Friday mornings in Sailors Gully.
Secret Agent Society
Neurodivergent children can think and behave differently from many other children. This might create challenges when interacting with others and regulating their emotions. The Social Learning Collective focuses on supporting children to with the tools or “Secret Superpowers” to face many of life’s social and emotional challenges.
Drink & Drug Diver Program
Do you have a requirement to complete a Drink or Drug Driver program in order to reinstate your licence. Turning Corners Driver Program deliver programs at our centre every Monday. Contact Turning Corners (ph: 0492 881 902, email: admin@turningcorners.com.au) or make a booking via their website www.turningcornersvic.com.au.
Trans and Gender Diverse Bendigo & Beyond (TDGBB)
Join TGDBB's monthly social catch-up - it's a physically and emotionally safe, engaging and welcoming space to socialise, share stories and celebrate the trans and gender diverse community. The group is facilitated by TGD peers and open to all ages of TGD people, family members and allies.
Gamblers Anonymous
Private and confidential meetings held at Bendigo Neighbourhood Hub weekly - please contact us for further information re: dates and times. If you need help Gambling Help Online is a free 24/7 online support service - gamblinghelponline.org.au or call the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858.
Book Library
We're building quite the extensive book library here at the neighbourhood hub - there's no borrowing criteria or limit. Come on in and browse our library, grab a book, swap a book, return a book or donate a book. Why not grab a coffee from our coffee corner while you're choosing your book - coffee & a good book - the essence of a a great day.
We need VOLUNTEERS!
The neighbourhood hub operates on volunteer assistance. We have so many roles (admin, reception, cleaning, gardening, community support, group leaders, social media) - volunteer hours and days that suit you.
NDIS participants - we welcome NDIS participants to volunteer at the hub - support workers are welcome to come along with you - it's a great way to engage with the community, make new social connections and support your local community.
Are you a mushroom lover - this is a fun workshop where you'll learn loads about growing mushrooms. Bookings essential
Bop Music & Movement is a fun and lively program for little ones who love music, dancing and meeting other people (it's also great fun for the adults).
Certificate III Individual Support
Warner Institute are commencing a Cert II course in May - this qualification is highly valued within the community services industry.
Body & Soul Expo
Save the date - on Sunday 24th March the Psychic Expo is back at Bendigo Neighbourhood Hub. Get in early if you want to reserve your place in one the workshops at make an appointment with one of their many amazing psychics.
Mindfulness & Meditation
Join Jose's 4 week course and learn simple and practical ways to observe your throughs, reduce anxiety, improve your sleep and increase self-acceptance. Bookings essential - just click on the green button below.
Fitness for Older Adults
Join other older adults in a Monday exercise class that builds physical fitness, supports health and wellbeing, supports social connections and and is fun, fun, fun. Bookings essential - click on button below for more information.
Psychologist Appointments
Do you need to connect to a psychologist?
We are incredibly fortunate to be able to partner with Community Collective Victoria to offer Bendigo residents free, no gap access to a psychologist.
Appointments are available via telehealth (due to increasing demand for this service, current waiting time 1-2 months).
Psychology appointments can include assessments for: ADHD, Autism, OCD, PTSD and cognitive assessments.
Accessing this service:
you will need a mental health plan from your GP. Contact Bendigo Neighbourhood Hub for referral details.
For further information or to make an appointment contact: Community Collective Victoria admin@ccvic.community.
People with a disability, homeless, experiencing mental health issues, members of LGBTQIA+ community and who are seeking access to NDIS support are strongly encouraged to connect with this service.
Connecting with our Psychologist can help you understand, reflect and address the way you think, feel, behave and react- supporting your mental health and emotional wellbeing. This service has been designed to support the health and wellbeing our people in our community.
Healthier Eating Program
At BNH we recognise that Healthy Eating can be a big change for many of us - that's why we've developed a new program that's all about making better choices - rather than cutting out butter all together, why not start by introducing a healthier alternative - after all, the small changes we make now will have an impact on our health (and one change can lead to another and another and another!!).
This project has received funding from City of Greater Bendigo
There's so much more that happens at Bendigo Neighbourhood Hub
The best way to keep updated about what's happening at Bendigo Neighbourhoood Hub is to keeping checking our webpage, follow us on facebook, join our
mailing list, volunteer with us, join one of our courses or social
groups or simply keep popping into our workplace.
