The Andrews Labor Government’s record boost for Victoria’s neighbourhood houses means even more opportunities for locals to foster connections in Warrnambool, learn new skills and boost their health and wellbeing.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced a brand new neighbourhood house will be funded to open in Warrnambool through the Neighbourhood Houses Coordination Program.
The new neighbourhood house – West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House – will be located at 21 Beamish St.
In total, the new funding will support 16 brand new houses and 11 houses that will receive Neighbourhood House Coordination Program funding for the first time, meaning they will be able to provide even more services and support to the local community.
Each of these neighbourhood houses will receive funding for up to 25 coordination hours per week, which is estimated to deliver up to 50 hours of activities and programs per week for their local community.
Neighbourhood houses provide their communities with a place to come together and access vital employment, training and volunteering opportunities.
This includes things like language classes, computer tutoring, health and wellbeing activities, life skills lessons, self-help groups and occasional childcare.
The Labor Government announced a record $21.8 million over four years to boost its Neighbourhood House Coordination Program in the Victorian Budget 2018/19, which has led to an increase in coordination hours for 162 houses – the biggest ever boost of its kind.
This investment has also delivered an extra 4,800 funded hours of support and advice so individual houses can learn how best to run their services.
One-time grants of up to $30,000 have also been made available for houses wishing to upgrade their buildings to make them more accessible, as well as grants of up to $10,000 for minor works, equipment and ICT upgrades. These grants will be announced in coming weeks.
In total, the Labor Government funds more than 400 neighbourhood houses across the state, supporting almost 200,000 Victorians each week who visit a house or use their services. For more information, visit providers.dhhs.vic.gov.au/neighbourhood-house-coordination-program.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“We are very excited that West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House was successfully chosen to receive funding and support.”
“This investment by the Andrews Labor Government will help us deliver a welcoming space where members of the community can come together, learn new skills and take part in group workshops.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“Building local connections is important to people and that’s why we’ve invested $21.8 million in neighbourhood houses right across the state – almost eight times more than the previous Liberal Government.”
Quotes attributable to Neighbourhood Houses CEO Nicole Battle
“We’re thrilled the Victorian Government is backing neighbourhood houses to thrive and provide more Victorians with the vital services, support and learning opportunities they need to participate in their local community.”