The Victorian Government is supporting the vital work of Neighbourhood Houses with $19 million in additional funding over three years but Berwick MP Brad Battin says more needs to be done to support these vital centres.
Neighbourhood Houses encourage community connection by bringing local people together to socialise in a safe and inclusive space, participate in recreational activities and deliver essential services.
The hubs provide childcare, employment, education, training and opportunities to volunteer in local communities and provide critical support to communities through services like food relief.
The Neighbourhood Houses have been particularly important during the pandemic, with many distributing personal protective equipment, providing advice and acting as testing or vaccination sites.
In 2022-23, the Neighbourhood House Coordination Program is investing record funding of more than $42 million a year to almost 400 Neighbourhood Houses, 16 Neighbourhood House networks and the peak body Neighbourhood Houses Victoria.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Colin Brooks said he was proud to support Neighbourhood Houses, enabling them to play a vital role in successfully building vibrant Victorian communities.
“The powerful role of Neighbourhood Houses has never been more evident than the way the sector stepped up to provide assistance to Victorians through the pandemic,” he said.
Gembrook MP Brad Battin claimed the Labor Party would want to cut these vital services following the November state election.
“The only way to be sure of a long-term commitment to deliver Neighbourhood Houses is to vote Liberal,” Mr Battin said.
“Not one Labor MP who says they represent the local community mentioned the issues raised with them in the media or Parliament, and now we know why – they have failed to guarantee to protect Neighbourhood Houses for the future.”
Shadow Minister for Disability, Carers and Seniors Tim Bull said the commitment to Neighbourhood Houses fell short.
“Neighbourhood Houses have made it clear they want certainty with funding to establish long-term programs and employment security for staff, but with only a three-year commitment from Labor it is impossible to do this,” he said.
“On the other hand, the Liberal and Nationals have committed to ongoing recurrent funding.”
He said more certainty would help Neighbourhood Houses to plan long-term programs and attract full-time staff.
In 2018, additional funding of $5.4m per annum was provided to Neighbourhood Houses Victoria (NHV) following a significant campaign by the sector, which was supported by the Liberals.
