"A place for lifelong learning." The Moe Neighbourhood House fosters a sense of belonging
The volunteer-run organisation bringing locals together in the Latrobe Valley.
Alannah Ellis
April 14, 2025
For more than four decades, members at the Moe Neighbourhood House have strived to create a place that welcomes and supports people across all walks of life through a variety of social activities and events.
Established in 1983, the organisation is a volunteer-run community space that encourages locals to socialise and connect with one another in the Latrobe Valley.
The Gippsland Monitor spoke to Britt, manager of the Moe Neighbourhood House, to learn more about some of the opportunities available to residents.
Friends enjoy sandwiches and a cup of tea at Moe Neighbourhood House.
"The Moe Neighbourhood House is a place for lifelong learning, a place for community and social connection. A place that provides lots of different things to people who attend,” said Britt, who emphasised the House’s focus on bringing people together at all stages of life.
One of the most popular activities are the community lunches, held every Thursday during the school term. For $5, participants can get a meal (with dessert) to enjoy in the company of locals, or they can bring their own food.
Regular attendees say it’s an opportunity for connection and camaraderie in a world that can seem increasingly lonely.
The House also hosts a friendship group on the first Saturday of every month.
For a gold coin donation, local residents are encouraged to bring along craft projects or work with others to finish puzzles. It’s an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to sit down, have a cuppa and create long-lasting relationships with people in the community.
Britt emphasised the inclusive and supportive nature of the program.
“People have come here for a very long time,” she said. “They have built phenomenal relationships with each other and they all support one another. They enjoy the things they do together when they are here. (The House is) a comfortable space, like a little home.
“Everybody wants to help, everybody wants to be involved and I love seeing that. The support that this community has created here is really quite beautiful.”
For anyone wanting to get involved, the doors to the Moe Neighbourhood House are open every weekday, and you are always welcome. Whether it's through a shared meal, a craft project or a cup of tea, you are bound to meet some great locals and share a good yarn.
