During 1998 the Crib Point Community House identified a need for a community program at Somerville. No action was taken until a resident, Debbie Green, began her placement work for a diploma in Community Services.  Immediately, Crib Point enlisted Debbie's skills to start the pilot program in Somerville. 

 In January 1999 a small program began at an existing council facility, the Somerville Recreation Centre, under the funding of Crib Point Community House and the revenue the classes provided.  There was no paid co-ordinator and the office consisted of a table and chair located in the Recreation Centre foyer.  Debbie played this pivotal role temporarily.

 Crib Point Community House applied for a one-off grant through the Department of Defence Community Support Fund.  There was a large number of organisations applying for funds and all applicants were asked to prioritise for the needs of the community.  Submissions were sent in alphabetical order and left to the Department of Defence to choose the most worthy.  Somerville was one of the few to receive 100% of the funding.  This funding enabled our first fully paid co-ordinator, Sue Dressing, to be employed for 6 hours a week from September 1999.

 Prior to the end of the 1999/2000 financial year, the State Government invited applications from unfunded Neighbourhood Houses to apply for Department of Human Services Funding.  It had been many years since funding was available and the funding allocation for Neighbourhood Houses had been increased by 35%.  Through the Department's  Neighbourhood House Co-ordination Program, unfunded programs could apply for up to 15 co-ordinated hours per week.  Prior to the Department of Defence funding period expiring, the C.O.M. from Crib Point Community House applied to the Dept. of Human Services for co-ordination funding for the Somerville program and was successful.

 In July 2000 the foundation Committee of Management of the Somerville Community Connections Program was formed.  The first committee members comprised residents from the local community as well as members from the Crib Point Community House Committee of Management. Crib Point Community House C.O.M. has now withdrawn and Community Connections is fully managed by local people. On the 5th. May 2003, Somerville Community Connections Program was renamed Somerville Community House Inc. to give a more user friendly name.

 The Mornington Peninsula Shire also backs Somerville Community House with funding as it does to all Community Houses on the Peninsula.  This funding is ongoing each year, and enables us to continue to expand our services and offer a wide range of activities, and support services to the local communities. The formation of the Somerville Community House Inc. is a great achievement, with thanks to the initiative of Crib Point members. Leisure Solutions staff and management have welcomed us and are supportive of all of our efforts. 

 Somerville Community House prides itself on offering a range of activities and courses to people of all ages, in the community.