Danny O’Brien – State Government must support Neighbourhood Houses
Wednesday, 6 March 2024
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien says the Allan Labor Government must act to secure the future of Victoria’s neighbourhood houses.
Mr O’Brien said he had been contacted by a number of concerned community members and volunteers on behalf of neighbourhood houses across Gippsland South who are desperately seeking a commitment from the Labor Government for increased recurrent funding so that they can continue to deliver their vital community services.
“I have written to the Minister for Carers and Volunteers asking her to ensure that this year’s State Budget guarantees increased and recurrent funding to allow our local community houses to continue to provide the invaluable services that they do,” Mr O’Brien said.
“We have seen the role of our neighbourhood houses grow over recent years with many services moving online and people needing more assistance to navigate the increasing changes and inevitable challenges that comes with that.
“I am also aware that many neighbourhood houses, such as those at Gormandale and Wurruk, are now also providing food relief services as households continue to battle with the cost-of-living crisis.
“What our neighbourhood houses really need is funding and security that funding will be ongoing so they can not only continue to operate, but to allow them to grow and expand the ways in which they are able to assist our communities.”
Mr O’Brien said our neighbourhood houses are currently fighting an uphill battle when it comes to funding and now face having to cut programs.
“Neighbourhood houses provide invaluable services to our communities, yet local co-ordinators are forced to spend their valuable time applying for grants just to keep their doors open.
“At a time when community members are looking to their neighbourhood houses more than ever, the Allan Labor Government must ensure that they are properly funded.”