What is Castlemaine Community House?
For nearly 40 years, Castlemaine Community House (CCH) has been at the heart of our town, a place where people of all ages come together to learn, connect, create, and care for one another. From art classes to yoga, from men’s cooking groups to Pride Picnics, from free food pantries to digital literacy programs, CCH helps make Castlemaine the vibrant, inclusive community we all love.
Now, as we celebrate our 40th birthday in 2025, we’re launching something special:
Friends of Castlemaine Community House —a new way to show your love and support for the place that gives so much back.
By becoming a Friend of CCH, you’re helping us:
- Keep our programs affordable and accessible for all.
- Stock our free food pantry and offer meal fee waivers to those doing it tough.
- Fund unfunded community wellbeing programs and pay the wages of staff who provide critical community support.
- Offer scholarships and discounted courses for those facing hardship.
- Continue to host vital community services like free tax help, mental health support, employment advice, and health checks.
Join us today.
Whether you give $10, $25, or $50, every contribution strengthens our ability to build connection, learning, and wellbeing for all.
How can I support CCH?
Your donation goes far beyond dollars—it sustains the heartbeat of our community.
When you become a Friend of CCH, you’re not just giving money—you’re giving hope, opportunity, and belonging. You’re helping us ensure that everyone in Castlemaine can thrive and participate fully in community life.
Together, we’re building and sustaining our amazing community—one friendship at a time.
Will you join us?
Thank you for considering becoming a Friend of Castlemaine Community House. Together, we’re building and sustaining our amazing community.
| Good Friend | $10 per month | $60 annual |
| Great Friend | $15 per month | $180 annual |
| Best Friend | $25 per month | $300 annual |
| Best Friend Forever | $55 per month | $660 annual |
| Community Superhero | $150 per month | $1,800 annual |
What does CCH do?
Adult Education
In 2024, more than 650 people took part in CCH’s education and training programs, including 200 participants in pre-accredited courses designed to help individuals build skills for employment, further study, volunteering, or personal development.
Community Wellbeing
CCH offers a range of health and wellbeing programs, including yoga and Beginners Tai Chi, which play an important role in supporting the community’s physical and mental health. In addition, CCH provides valuable support services such as the Services Australia Agency and parent and carer support groups.
Community Lunch and Christmas Lunch
CCH serves over 4,100 meals each year, providing a welcoming space for community members every Tuesday during the term. In 2024, our staff and volunteers also prepared a Christmas lunch for more than 300 people, offering connection, comfort, and cheer on the day. Our regular and special meals give people experiencing isolation the chance to share a warm meal, meet new friends, and feel part of the community.
Youth Programs
CCH offers accessible youth programs that support young people in reengaging with school, discovering their interests, and building both community and confidence. Funded by short-term grants, these programs play a vital role in ensuring that young Castlemainians have the resources and support they need to thrive and feel connected.
Mount Alexander Seniors Festival
400 older residents attended Mount Alexander Shire’s Seniors Festival in 2025. The festival’s theme, “Connect. Create. Celebrate” embraced positive ageing and invited seniors to enjoy a month of free or low-cost events, be they fun and/or informative.
Community Food Pantry
CCH supports over 500 people a month with essential food pantry items, including:
500 kg of fresh produce and pantry items to local families and community members
40 emergency food buckets.
CCH’s program Growing Abundance also redirects 4,000–5,000 kg of produce to community organisations and food relief programs each year.
Castlemaine Pride
CCH runs Castlemaine Pride, a community-led project that organises inclusive events throughout the year, bringing together thousands of people to celebrate and platform LGBTQIASB+ community members.
Community Hub
CCH is a hub for community advocacy, engagement and connection. More than 45 community groups meet at CCH, using the facilities to run meetings, sing, make art and plan projects that make our community a better place.
Will you join us?
Thank you for considering becoming a Friend of Castlemaine Community House. Together, we’re building and sustaining our amazing community.
Other practical support
CCH is the first port of call for a range of supports in the community, including:
- CCH hosts Services Australia/Centrelink.
- CCH runs a coat drive and offers a warm place to sit in winter and cool place in summer.
- CCH offers free tax help and financial literacy support for those on lower incomes.
- CCH is also actively involved in collaborative networks across the Shire, working closely with Mount Alexander Shire Council and other community organisations to ensure that our community’s concerns are being heard.
How is CCH funded?
CCH receives some funding from the state and federal governments, and project support from the local council, but this does not cover our actual running costs. This considerable shortfall is made up through course fees for our education programs, grants and donations.
When I donate to CCH, where does my money go?
CCH accepts all kinds of donations, from cash to food to volunteer labour. Depending on what form your donation takes, it may be used to keep the community food pantry stocked; put towards a particular community project or initiative, such as the community garden or community lunch; or put towards daily running costs.
When you give to CCH, you’re not just making a donation—you’re investing in opportunities for connection, learning, and wellbeing that enable every member of our community to thrive and participate fully.
What is ‘Friends of CCH’?
Becoming a Friend of CCH is easy. All you have to do is choose your level of support, click on the link below and fill in your details!
| Good Friend | $10 per month | $60 annual |
| Great Friend | $15 per month | $180 annual |
| Best Friend | $25 per month | $300 annual |
| Best Friend Forever | $55 per month | $660 annual |
| Community Superhero | $150 per month | $1,800 annual |
As well as the warm fuzzy buzzy feeling you’ll get from knowing you’re supporting your local community, you’ll also get invited along to exclusive ‘Friends Gatherings’ where you’ll be treated like the community superhero you are. What’s not to love?