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.
The Basin Community House, Kerrimuir Neighbourhood House, Koonung Community Cottage,Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre, Living and Learning at Ajani, Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place, North Ringwood Community House, Yarrunga Community Centre, Mountain District Learning Centre, Orana Neighbourhood House, Wavlink, Central Ringwood Community Centre, Park Orchards Learning Centre, Warrandyte Neighbourhood House, Pines Learning and Wonga Park Community Cottage in Eastern Metropolitan region is eligible for an increase, which would take their total of funded hours from 20 hours 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. Many existing houses will get additional hours.
Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos made the announcement on Monday, 30 April, to mark the start of Neighbourhood House Week, which runs until 6 May.
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.
An estimated 188,000 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 Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“We said we’d deliver for neighbourhood houses and this Budget provides the biggest increase to coordination hours ever.”
“In one Budget we’re investing almost eight times what the former Liberal Government spent during their entire term.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region, Shaun Leane
“We back neighbourhood houses – they’re the heart of any community, including here in Eastern Metropolitan Region”
“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.”
Quotes attributable to Neighbourhood Houses Victoria CEO Nicole Battle
“Each week almost 200,000 Victorians visit a neighbourhood house – they’re about communities not buildings.”
“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.”