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Melina Bath calls on Andrews Labor government to guarantee funding of regional neighbourhood houses in Gippsland

Melina Bath, Member for Eastern Victoria Region, urges Andrews government to ensure full funding for Neighbourhood Houses, which provide vital support to communities, ahead of the upcoming Victorian State Budget.

By news@gippsland - 4th May 2023 - Back to News

With the Victorian State Budget due to be handed down in just over a week, The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath has called on the Andrews government to guarantee full funding for Neighbourhood Houses in state parliament. Ms Bath said Neighbourhood Houses in the Eastern Victoria region provide invaluable support to community members, often at a time of crisis. "They offer invaluable and innovative support, regularly caring for our most vulnerable community members."

According to Ms Bath, many Neighbourhood Houses in Gippsland operate on a tight budget, with increased demand for support due to the rising cost of living

Support in tailored programs

Ms Bath said, "Our Neighbourhood Houses are a safe and supportive environment, and each centre is unique - tailoring its services to the specific needs of the community they serve. They also deliver educational programs to upskill individuals and groups to enhance life skills and future employment and volunteering opportunities."

"Operating at the grassroots, our Neighbourhood Houses understand what is relevant and are best placed to support and respond to the needs of locals. Any cut to their funding in the upcoming state budget will hurt those individuals who can least afford it," she said.

Full house funding

Ms Bath said Gippsland is home to many incredible Neighbourhood House organisations, but the reality is many of their budgets are running very fine to the line - the increase in cost of living pressure has amplified demand for support. "The strain of keeping communities connected and supporting vulnerable people when demand is regularly outstripping supply is extremely concerning.

"The number of people experiencing food insecurity or requiring assistance with cooking and nutrition, finance, personal care, literacy, and skill development has compounded. The Andrews government must guarantee full funding to all Neighbourhood Houses across eastern Victoria to ensure locals can receive support when they need it." Ms Bath concluded.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com