Media Release: Welcome funding increase for for Neighbourhood Houses
MEDIA RELEASE
10 October 2009
Welcome funding increase for Neighbourhood Houses
The Association of Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres (ANHLC) today welcomed the Brumby’s Government’s announcement that 27 Neighbourhood Houses will benefit from the funding increase of over $480,000 announced in this year’s State Budget.
The announcement was made by Local Government Minister Richard Wynne at Notting Hill Neighbourhood House, one of the Houses to benefit from Neighbourhood House Coordination Program (NHCP) funding for the first time.
“Sixteen Neighbourhood Houses will receive recurrent State Government funding for the first time, while 11 existing Houses will be able to increase their services and extend their opening hours,” said ANHLC Executive Officer Angela Savage.
“The Houses to benefit are located across Victoria. Some have been operating for years without recurrent government funding. Others are new. ANHLC welcomes this increased investment in Neighbourhood Houses and the communities they serve.”
Minister Wynne described Neighbourhood Houses as a key part of the government’s action plan to address disadvantage and create opportunity. “Neighbourhood Houses…have been integral to many communities during some incredibly tough times,” Minister Wynne said.
Member for Mount Waverley Minister Maxine Morand, also speaking at the announcement, said “Many people rely on the local Neighbourhood House as a place to socialise, access local support services, learn new skills or find a job, so our ongoing commitment to them is an investment in local skills, infrastructure and social inclusion.”
“ANHLC recognises the challenge for government of finding new funding in such tight economic times,” said ANHLC Board member Lisa Young at the event. “This makes Minister Wynne’s announcement today all the more welcome.”
Neighbourhood House Networks will also benefit from a funding increase, based on the number of newly funded Houses in their region.
Further information:
Angela Savage, Executive Officer 0432 697 263
Kylie Pollock, President 0427 090 553