Victoria’s Neighbourhood Houses will receive a $10 million funding boost under The Nationals in government, strengthening local community hubs that provide practical support and connection to Victorians doing it tough.
The Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland MP has announced a $10 million funding commitment over four years to strengthen Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria — $4 million to boost recurring funding for existing houses, and a new $6 million growth fund to help establish or expand services in some of Victoria’s fastest-growing communities.
Ms Cleeland said neighbourhood houses were often the first place local people turned when they needed help, connection or simply somewhere to go.
“Neighbourhood houses are the quiet lifeline in many of our communities,” Ms Cleeland said.
“They are places where people can get a meal, access food relief, learn new skills, find support, volunteer or simply sit down for a cuppa and have a chat.
“The people running these houses know their communities, they know the challenges families are facing, and they are often the first to see when someone needs a helping hand.
“Across the Euroa electorate, we have volunteers and staff doing an extraordinary amount with very limited resources. This commitment is about making sure they have the funding they need to keep their doors open and continue supporting the people who rely on them.”
The commitment will provide additional recurring funding for existing neighbourhood houses, while also extending support to houses that currently receive no state funding.
Ms Cleeland said the investment would also be important for growing communities across the electorate.
“Our communities are growing, and the services people rely on need to grow with them,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The $6 million growth fund will give neighbourhood houses the opportunity to establish or expand where there is growing demand. We must support people who are already doing the work on the ground, rather than expecting volunteers to continually stretch themselves further.”
Ms Cleeland said neighbourhood houses had demonstrated their value during times of crisis, including bushfires, floods, drought and periods of financial pressure.
“From supporting families with food relief to providing a safe place to connect, these organisations are there when people need them,” Ms Cleeland said.
“They are powered by people who care deeply about their communities, and they deserve a government that recognises the value of that work.”
Neighbourhood houses and community houses across the Euroa electorate include:
- Broadford Living and Learning Centre
- Girgarre Community Cottage
- Heathcote Community House
- Kilmore Community Centre
- Nagambie Lakes Community House
- Neighbourhood House Murchison
- Puckapunyal and District Neighbourhood Centre
- Pyalong Neighbourhood House
- Rushworth Community House
- Seymour and District Community House
- Tablelands Community Centre, Ruffy
- Violet Town Community House
- Waminda Community House, Benalla
