About Riddells Creek
Riddells Creek is a compact township located 50km north-west of Melbourne near the foothills of the Macedon Ranges. It is surrounded by culturally significant landscapes including the Woiwurrung and Wurundjeri creeks. Little is known of the first Aborigines in this area, however the Aboriginal name for the creek at Riddells Creek is Wybejong. The first known settlement of the town was in 1840 when John Carre Riddell and Thomas Ferrier Hamilton, purchased around 640 acres of land. The first cousins created a working station and provided a variety of employment options for the local people.
In 1850 Hamilton returned to Scotland and Riddell ran the whole station in his absence. By 1856 the men divided the land they owned, Hamilton moved to New Gisborne and Riddell took over the remaining land. In 1860 the Riddells Creek train line was constructed and the township was formally established. Today Riddells Creek has a population of approximately 5,000 which is made up of farming families, city commuters, retirees and young families.
The Riddells Creek Neighbourhood House is located in the atmospheric headmaster’s residence of the old Riddells Creek Primary School, which has had a modern extension with multipurpose spaces allowing us to deliver diverse services and programs, and to offer rooms for hire to community and commercial groups. We host activities, classes and educational courses for the local community and our grounds house a productive community garden. The old part of the house is filled with stunning period features including high ceilings. The new section of the house has been blended to complement the old house.
The policies and procedures of Riddells Creek Neighbourhood House Inc. determine the parameters, obligations and limitations affecting the running of the committee and the House.
About our Neighbourhood
“Neighbourhood House” is a generic term for a variety of community and managed organisations that share a set of core values and work ethics. Currently there are around 400 Neighbourhood Houses across the state of Victoria, with 6 based in the Macedon Ranges. The Macedon Ranges Neighbourhood Houses (MRNH) Network is a collaborative and connected network that builds capacity within its houses and their communities as represented through our vision to facilitate and support the wider community.
All Houses adhere to the Sector Principles which include:
- Community Ownership
- Community Partnership
- Empowerment
- Access and Equity
- Lifelong Learning
- Inclusion
- Advocacy
- Self Help
- Social Action
Riddells Creek Neighbourhood House receives some financial assistance from the Macedon Ranges Shire Council and works in partnership on a number of joint community initiatives. The House is part of The Regional Association of Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres known as RANCH; A network which plays a vital role in supporting the daily operations of all of the Houses. The House partners with a number of local community and sporting organisations to deliver services and programs in response to the community needs. Additionally the House auspices the Riddell Roundup.
Meet Our Team
The House is run by a small team of staff who are supported by our volunteer Committee of Management and other volunteers who help with our daily operations.
Meryn Ellis
House Operations Manager
Meryn has been working at the Neighbourhood house since late 2023. She has been part of the local community for many years prior and enjoys the community and natural landscape that the area provides. She has involved herself in many community groups and committees during this time. Professionally she has worked in the corporate sector as a consultant in a risk advisory capacity and with a focus in sustainability and climate change. She looks forward to continuing to work with our local community at the RCNH.
Mary Giordano
Community Engagement Manager
Mary brings over 15 years of experience in community development and 6 years in business development, governance, and stakeholder engagement. She has a passion for fostering meaningful connections and supporting purpose-driven initiatives that empower both individuals and communities. With a background in Anthropology and extensive work with culturally diverse women, Mary has mentored many other women to build sustainable, values-aligned businesses. She is excited to bring her skills and passion for community-focused work to Riddells Creek Neighbourhood House, creating impactful solutions and nurturing positive outcomes for the local community.
Committee Of Management
President – justus homburg
Vice President – Vincent Mulkerin
Treasurur – karen armitage
secretary – Rachael Cogger
Committee Member – Lisa Conley
Committee Member – heather Mcnaught
Our 2025-2028 Strategic Plan
Below is an overview of our current strategic plan, which will take us all the way through to 2028. To view a more comprehensive version of the plan, please click here.
You can also access and review here the rules we are governed by, as an incorporated association.
Volunteers
We also have a number of dedicated, passionate and much valued community members who volunteer their time to help us operate and run daily operations at the House. We are always keen to engage more volunteers. To find out more visit our ‘Get Involved Page’.