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Danny O'Brien calls on Allan Labor government to boost ongoing funding for Victorian Neighbourhood Houses program

Danny O'Brien, Nationals Member for Gippsland South, urges the Allan Labor government to secure increased recurrent funding for Victoria's neighborhood houses, vital for community services amid growing demand and challenges.

By news@gippsland - 6th March 2024 - Back to News

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.

The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien with Coordinator, Lori White at Gormandale Community House

Secure funding for community

Mr O'Brien said, "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."

"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.

Community houses underfunded

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 coordinators 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," Mr O'Brien concluded.

Pictures from Danny O'Brien MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com