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Assured funding commitment for Victorian Neighbourhood Houses from Victorian Nationals if elected

The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien welcomed the funding commitment which he said would provide certainty for Neighbourhood Houses.

By news@gippsland - 10th August 2022 - Back to News

The future of Victorian Neighbourhood Houses will be assured if The Nationals are elected to government in November this year after a commitment to long-term funding was made last week. The state government had made a limited four-year commitment in 2018 followed by a smaller two-year commitment in May this year, leaving the sector in limbo beyond 2024.

The Nationals Member for Gippsland South Danny O'Brien with (l-r) Kaitlin Hill and Sophie Tatterson at Sale Neighbourhood House

Services for the community

Mr O'Brien said, "Neighbourhood Houses are an invaluable asset to local residents. Ongoing funding is crucial to ensure our Neighbourhood Houses can attract high-calibre staff so that they can continue to deliver an incredible range of services to the community.

"Whether it's through small training offerings, material support for those in need or assisting with access to government services, our neighbourhood houses play an important role in the community - particularly for those less well off. In smaller towns the Houses also offer a general place for the community to drop in and socialise." Mr O'Brien said.

Failure concerns

Mr O'Brien continued, "The Nationals recognise the importance of the vital community services our Neighbour Houses provide and that is why we will ensure their future through a commitment to ongoing funding."

"I have been contacted by a number of local Neighbourhood Houses who hold real concern for how the failure to offer long term funding to their sector will impact them."

"Gippsland South simply cannot afford to lose its local Neighbourhood Houses and only The Nationals and Liberals in government will ensure their future." Mr O'Brien concluded.

Pictures from Danny O'Brien MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com