Record Funding for Victoria's Neighbourhood Houses

26 May 2006

The 20 Neighbourhood Houses in the Barwon Network have welcomed the announcement of an extra 27.8 million over four years for the Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria as part of the State Government's budget.

The announcement was made by the Minister for Local Government, Candy Broad, to a gathering of over 200 neighbourhood house workers and volunteers at their annual conference in Warrnambool on Wednesday.

The Association of Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres which represents over 300 Neighbourhood Houses across the State has been campaigning for $84 million over five years.

Barwon Network of Neighbourhood Centres Coordinator, Kylie Pollock said that the announcement represented a substantial investment in the Region's neighbourhood houses and will mean a 25% increase in every Neighbourhood House.

Mr. Michael Crutchfield MP, Member for South Barwon, said "This is a significant investment in Neighbourhood Houses by the Bracks Government and I believe it will be welcomed by local neighbourhood houses and their supporters in Torquay and Winchelsea. These houses play a vital role in building stronger communities and providing social and educational opportunities for Surfcoast residents in need.

By announcing this additional funding, the Victorian Government is continuing to invest in key services in important infrastructure and in our greatest resource, people."

Ms Colleen Saunderson, President of the Association, said today 'Neighbourhood Houses are the heart of our community and this new funding will help to address the urgent need to make them financially viable and sustainable in the future".

'Neighbourhood Houses can play a vital role in implementing the State Government's Fairer Victoria policy, by providing opportunities for people to overcome disadvantage and take greater control over their own lives and futures'. We look forward to working with the State Government to invest fully in this vital infrastructure', she said.

Michael Crutchfield said "Neighbourhood Houses will soon be invited to apply for additional hours of funding to support the delivery of programs and services to their communities and I will be working closely with Spring Creek Community House to access those extra hours".

For further comment: Michael Crutchfield MP 0409 529 430