Neighbourhood houses and community centres from across Hobsons Bay joined forces on Friday morning to demand increased funding for the sector.
The rally was organised by Newport Community Education Centre and held outside its Mason Street premises on 13 February as part of the statewide Keep Our Doors Open campaign calling on the state government to provide an extra $11.7 million per year for neighbourhood houses across Victoria.
Representatives from the Walker Close Community Centre, Louis Joel Arts and Community and Hobsons Bay Community Services were present at the rally, as was Williamstown MP Melissa Horne.
Newport Community Education Centre chief executive Therese McKenney said the campaign was not just calling for increased in funding for existing neighbourhood houses, but for it to be extended to those that currently go without.
“Not all neighbourhood houses receive funding which is much needed to build stronger communities and our communities to be sustainable,” Ms McKenny said.
“Neighbourhood houses are the community resource, information, referral, support, education, connector to the community – your community friend.”
The campaign will come to a head this week with a statewide day of action on 18 February where neighbourhood house staffers will rally on the steps of state parliament and deliver signed postcards to Carers and Volunteers Minister Ros Spence.
Ms Spence’s office was contacted for comment.
Neighbourhood Houses Victoria chief executive Keir Paterson said without the funding increase, half of the state’s 400 neighbourhood houses would be at risk of closure.
“Neighbourhood houses are under unprecedented pressure,” Mr Paterson said.
“Rising costs, growing community demand, and eroded core funding are forcing houses across the state to cut hours, staff, and programs.
“Years of underfunding has pushed almost half into deficit, leaving them at risk of closure.”
Mr Paterson said funding neighbourhood houses was great value for money.
“Our data show that for every $1 of ongoing neighbourhood house funding received from the state government, communities benefit to the tune of $21.94,” he said.
“We calculate the overall benefits to the Victoria community at $922M per year.
“We are saving the government money, now it’s time to save our sector and keep our doors open.”
