Description

Ross House plays an important role in the architectural and social justice history of Melbourne. As Victoria's only self-managed community-owned social justice and environmental sustainability hub, it provides a vital home for small organisations working towards positive change.

The 5-storey heritage building opened as a community hub 38 years ago when the Victorian Community Foundation purchased it with assistance from the R.E Ross Trust in 1987. This addressed the need for affordable space for grassroots organisations in the inner city. The Ross House Association was later formed to manage the building with a governance model where members and tenants guide its future. Since then, Ross House has housed over 300 non-profit organisations and hosts approximately 5,000 meeting room bookings annually.

The building itself has historical significance as the remaining half of Frederick Sargood's warehouse, rebuilt after the Great Fire of Melbourne in 1897. Royston House (as Ross House was known prior to 1987) was designed by eminent Sydney architect Sir John Sulman. His only Melbourne building was once celebrated as the colony's finest warehouse.

What's On

See behind the scenes of Melbourne's social justice and environmental hub. Take yourself on a self-guided tour throughout the building or join one of our scheduled events. Meet some of our non-profit community, learn about the history of Ross House as a community action hub and an architectural landmark, and network with other changemakers. Gain insight into what it's like to experience being deaf/blind with Deafblind Victoria. Learn to knit, enjoy some live play readings and powerful art, or relax with some meditation.

There will also be art exhibits, video screenings, and open offices from Ross House Association and members including the Self Advocacy Resource Unit, Blind Citizens Australia, and the Housing for the Aged Action Group.

In Collaboration With:

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  Deafblind Victoria (DBV)

  DBV is a self-advocacy group run by and for Deafblind people in Victoria, Australia. The organisation hosts social events and peer support, conducts awareness workshops, and provides advisory and consulting services about deafblindness.

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  Brain Injury Matters (BIM)

  BIM is a self-advocacy and community education organisation run by and for people with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), serving as a voice for those living with ABI in Victoria, Australia. The organisation runs peer support groups, workshops, and community awareness programs to support and educate the community about brain injury.

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  Victorian Drama League (VDL)

  VDL is a community theatre organisation that supports theatre in Victoria and serves as a hub for over 400 members across Australia. Their library at Ross House houses several thousand titles, including full-length plays, one-act plays, Australian and international works across a range of genres and styles.