The Andrews Labor Government is delivering record new funding to neighbourhood houses across Victoria to support their staff, their volunteers and the local communities they serve.
As part of the Victorian Budget 2018/2019, the Labor Government will invest $21.8 million across the neighbourhood house network so that more families can access the activities and services they need and want, closer to home.
Forrest & District Neighbourhood House, Gellibrand Community Group and Apollo Bay’s Marrar Woon Neighbourhood House are eligible for an increase, which will take their total of funded hours from 20 to 25 hours per week.
The Budget investment includes the biggest ever boost to coordination hours, with an extra 76,700 hours to be delivered each year to more houses across the state.
The funding boost will also allow mobile neighbourhood house networkers to spend more time with individual houses to improve access to key services and activities across the system.
As a result, they’ll get an additional 4,500 hours working with individual houses.
Almost 190,000 people visit a neighbourhood house or use their services every week.
The Labor Government’s record investment in extra coordination hours is almost eight times more than what was delivered under the previous Liberal Government.
It will ensure neighbourhood houses can continue to provide the vital childcare, employment, training and volunteering services people need.
Quotes attributable to Gayle Tierney, Member for Western Victoria
“We back neighbourhood houses – they’re the heart of any community, including those in Colac Otway communities.”
“We said we’d deliver for neighbourhood houses and this Budget provides the biggest increase to coordination hours ever.”
“This is a boost that will have a real impact on all those connected to neighbourhood houses, whether it be their staff, their volunteers or the people that visit them.”
“This is a much-needed investment that will ensure we support even more locals, whether it’s with a warm meal, life skills and advice or just a friendly space for them to relax.”