Our Background

Duke Street Community House is a not for profit incorporated community organisation that has been delivering local, low cost and quality programs and services to our community since 1975, when the house was know as the Tottenham Technical School Community House. In 1984 the property was handed over to the then City of Sunshine (now Brimbank City Council) and the council supported the formation of a local Committee of Management.

When the house was first established the primary object was to assist adult students who were experiencing difficulty in literacy and basic life skills. However, the house has now developed a variety of programs and services that reflect local community needs. The Committee of Management, together with staff, has been successful in gaining resources through Federal, State and Local Government funding bodies and has significantly added to the social capital of our community.

It provides a range of services to the local and surrounding communities. We conduct a range of educational courses as well as a broad range of exciting leisure programs at a low cost.

We believe that the services and courses we conduct, contribute to the well being and collective wealth and health of our community. In these times of uncertainty and upheaval, developing a strong sense of community will help us tackle the challenges that affect us all.

Duke St is also a Neighbourhood House and is part of a statewide network (The Association of Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres) with over 350 Neighbourhood Houses in Victoria.

Our Philosophy
>From the centre's inception in 1973 and over the ensuing years the main principle of providing programs to enhance social justice, access and equity to its community remains strongly in tact today.

Duke Street Community House prides itself on this philosophy and the value of opening up lifelong learning opportunities to ALL individuals regardless of age, gender, race or disability. This is evidenced by the range of programs that are specifically designed to meet the learning and social needs of particular groups.

These groups of learners generally experience difficulty accessing or participating in formal education and training. This is generally attributable to learning difficulties, low self esteem or feelings of alienation in larger formal institutions.

Our Mission and Vision
Duke Street Community House believe that all individuals have a right to enrich their lives, through access to social, community and education interaction.

We aim to achieve this by:

• Encouraging and expanding people's awareness of their abilities and
  opportunities.
• Endeavouring to identify and respond to social justice needs within our community.
• Providing an open and caring environment where individuals and groups can explore and achieve their full potential.
• Recognise and respect the diverse cultural and educational background of our community.