Complaints & Appeals

Complaints and Feedback

How to share feedback or make a complaint

Mernda Neighbourhood House (MNH) welcomes feedback and takes complaints seriously. Your
voice helps us improve our services and support our community. We aim to handle all complaints
fairly, respectfully, confidentially and as quickly as possible.

Reporting Child Safety Concerns

If a child is in immediate danger, please call 000. If you are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person, please contact us on 0475 454 133 and ask to speak with the Manager.

If you are a young person, you can find more information through the resources below:

Managing complaints

When we handle concerns and complaints:

  • We take them seriously
  • We respond quickly
  • We treat everyone fairly
  • We make sure nobody is treated unfairly
  • We consider the diversity of our community
  • We follow all laws, including privacy and child safety laws

When we deal with a child safety concern or complaint, we will:

  • Give it top priority
  • Listen to and support the child or young person
  • Encourage them to talk to a trusted adult
  • Respect their culture
  • Give more support to vulnerable young people

Step by Step Process

Step 1: Identify the issue

Take a moment to think about:

  • What happened
  • Why you are concerned
  • What outcome you would like

You can raise concerns about programs, services, staff, volunteers, policies, or your overall experience.

Step 2: Try to resolve it informally (optional)

If you feel comfortable, you can:

  • Speak directly with the staff member involved
  • Explain what happened and what you would like to see change

Many issues can be resolved quickly through an informal conversation. Staff will explain your options if you would like to take the matter further.

Step 3: Make a formal complaint or give formal feedback

If the issue is not resolved, or you prefer not to raise it informally:

  • Contact the MNH Manager, or
  • Ask a staff member to help pass your concern on

You may be asked to complete a Complaints and Feedback Form, or staff can help complete it with you.

Step 4: We acknowledge and review

Once your complaint or feedback is received:

  • We will acknowledge it within 2 working days
  • The Manager (or a delegated staff member) will review the issue
  • We may speak with you and others involved to understand what happened
  • Your information will be handled confidentially

Step 5: Outcome and response

After reviewing the information:

  • We will decide on appropriate action or next steps
  • We will let you know the outcome in your preferred way (phone, email, letter or meeting)
  • We will explain any changes made as a result of your complaint or feedback

Step 6: Learning and improvement

All complaints and feedback are recorded (without identifying information being shared publicly) to:

  • Improve our programs and services
  • Identify any ongoing or systemic issues
  • Help the MNH Board guide future improvements

Important things to know

  • You will not be treated unfairly or denied services because you make a complaint
  • You can have someone support you in making a complaint
  • MNH is committed to inclusion, equity and respect for people of all backgrounds
  • If you are not satisfied with the response, you may have the right to contact an external body (staff can provide this information)

Complaints and appeals process

MCH Care Team
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