The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, has urged the Allan Labor Government and the Minister for Carers and Volunteers, Ros Spence, for certainty towards increased and ongoing funding of Neighbourhood Houses across the Shepparton electorate.
Hundreds of Neighbourhood House representatives from across the state turned up on the front steps of Parliament for Neighbourhood House Victoria’s Day of Action, where organisers, volunteers and community members gathered to make their voices heard.
“It should not have come to this point, where many have had to travel long distances by desperately calling on the Minister for funding to keep their doors open.
“Neighbourhood Houses are the backbone of communities and provide essential services, care and support to the most vulnerable people in the community,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
Ms O’Keeffe emphasised that each week on average more than 185,000 Victorians access these services in their local communities.
“They provide education, food relief, social connection and practical support for people who are doing it tough.”
Ms O’Keeffe also praised local Neighbourhood Houses in her electorate for taking part in the statewide “Keep Our Doors Open” campaign, which has made sure that the Allan Labor Government hears directly from the community about how critical these services are to regional Victorians.
“As we know, there are many Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria who are already struggling to meet rising community demand while facing higher costs.
“Staff and volunteers are working incredibly hard but without proper support, programs will be cut and services reduced, and some face closures, leaving those without the help they count on.
“Regional Victorians cannot afford to lose their local Neighbourhood Houses. The Allan Labor Government must guarantee their future by giving them certainty for ongoing funding.”
