THE Liberal-National Coalition has pledged to provide Victoria’s Neighbourhood Houses with recurrent funding if it wins the November state election.
Neighbourhood Houses have an annual sum of $5.4 million in funding allocated by the state government until next year.
Labor has so far not committed to make the funding permanent.
According to the Neighbourhood House coordination program, Labor’s current response is “Future funding arrangements for the Neighbourhood House Coordination Program will be considered as part of the 2024/25 State Budget process”. Shadow Minister for Disability, Carers and Seniors, and Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, made the permanent funding announcement on Thursday, August 4.
“We understand the terrific work done by our Neighbourhood Houses and their need to plan their future with certainty,” Mr Bull said.
Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, welcomed the funding commitment.
“Neighbourhood Houses are an invaluable asset to local residents,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Ongoing funding is crucial to ensure our Neighbourhood Houses can attract high-calibre staff so that they can continue to deliver an incredible range of services to the community.
“Whether it’s through small training offerings, material support for those in need or assisting with access to government services, our neighbourhood houses play an important role in the community – particularly for those less well off.
“In smaller towns the Houses also offer a general place for the community to drop in and socialise.
“The Nationals recognise the importance of the vital community services our Neighbour Houses provide and that is why we will ensure their future through a commitment to ongoing funding.
“I have been contacted by a number of local Neighbourhood Houses who hold real concern for how the failure to offer long term funding to their sector will impact them.”
Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien with Kaitlin Hill and Sophie Tatterson at Sale Neighbourhood House.
