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 Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said $4 million would be allocated to strengthen the financial sustainability of existing Neighbourhood Houses, while a new $6 million growth fund would support the establishment and expansion of Neighbourhood Houses in some of Victoria’s fastest-growing regions.
“Neighbourhood Houses across Northern Victoria provide an incredible range of supports to thousands of people every year, and demand for these supports has only escalated as cost-of-living pressures rise,” she said.
Neighbourhood Houses are at the heart of local communities across Northern Victoria, where dedicated staff and volunteers provide a place where people can access meals, food relief, clothing, social activities, education, volunteering and support.
This rolling commitment over four years will extend to Neighbourhood Houses that currently receive no state funding, such as Huntly Community Hub and Old Church on the Hill, while providing additional and recurring funding to existing neighbourhood houses across Victoria.
The Nationals’ candidate for Bendigo East, Andrew Lethlean, said: “These organisations achieve so much with limited resources, powered by people who volunteer their time because they care about their community.”
Mr Lethlean said: “These hubs have continued to step up and support our community. It’s time they got the backing they deserve.”
The Nationals’ candidate for Bendigo West, David Hutchings, recently visited Neighbourhood Houses in Kangaroo Flat, Marong and Harcourt, and said they did essential work in their local communities, and this investment would ease the pressure to keep delivering.
Mr Hutchings said: “Too many Victorians are doing it tough, and Neighbourhood Houses are often the first place people turn to for practical support.”
