Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has pressed the Allan Labor Government to guarantee the ongoing funding of Neighbourhood Houses across regional Victoria.
Ms Benham asked Minister for Carers and Volunteers, Ros Spence, about the future of these vital community hubs, calling on the Minister to guarantee that Neighbourhood Houses will remain open and properly funded to meet the needs of their local communities.
“Neighbourhood Houses are the backbone of communities across Victoria. Each week, more than 185,000 Victorians across the state access these services in their local area. They provide adult education, food relief, social connection and practical support for people doing it tough. Without immediate, ongoing funding, these services will be forced to close.
Ms Benham also questioned whether the Government had considered using surplus IT equipment to upgrade adult learning facilities.
“Making better use of existing resources is a simple, practical way the Government could strengthen adult learning outcomes without significant extra cost.”
Ms Benham also praised local Neighbourhood Houses for taking part in the statewide Keep Our Doors Open campaign. The campaign has made sure the Government hears directly from the community about how critical these services are.
Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, and Jo Farrell of Red Cliffs Community Resource Centre with their “Keep our Doors Open” campaign postcards. Pic Supplied.
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