Coalition commits $10m to neighbourhood houses across Victoria

Of the total, $4 million would boost recurring funding for existing houses, while a new $6 million growth fund would help establish or expand services in some of Victoria's fastest-growing communities.

State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said neighbourhood houses were often the first place local people turned to when they needed help.

“Neighbourhood houses are the quiet lifeline in many of our communities,” she said.

“They are places where people can get a meal, access food relief, learn new skills, find support, volunteer or simply sit down for a cuppa and have a chat.”

Ms Cleeland said volunteers and staff were doing “an extraordinary amount with limited resources”.

“The people running these houses know their communities, they know the challenges families are facing and they are often the first to see when someone needs a helping hand,” she said.

“This commitment is about making sure they have the funding they need to keep their doors open and continue supporting the people who rely on them.”

She said the investment would be important for growing communities across the electorate.

“The $6 million growth fund will give neighbourhood houses the opportunity to establish or expand where there is growing demand,” she said.

“We must support people who are already doing the work on the ground, rather than expecting volunteers to continually stretch themselves further.”

Nagambie Lakes Community House, Puckapunyal and District Neighbourhood Centre and Seymour and District Community House are among 13 neighbourhood houses across the Euroa electorate that would benefit from the commitment.

“From supporting families with food relief to providing a safe place to connect, these organisations are there when people need them,” Ms Cleeland said.

“They are powered by people who care deeply about their communities and they deserve a government that recognises the value of that work.”