Neighbourhood House Funding Push

Neighbourhood Houses across the Buloke Shire have joined a statewide campaign led by Neighbourhood Houses Victoria (NHVic), calling on the Victorian Government to urgently increase annual Neighbourhood House funding before more centres are forced to cut services or close their doors.

NHVic is seeking an $11.7 million increase to core funding to keep the state’s 400 neighbourhood houses viable. Without it, the peak body warns that up to 200 neighbourhood houses across Victoria are at risk of closure due to rising costs and declining, outdated funding levels.

Pressure
Across Buloke Shire, the five neighbourhood houses. – Birchip Neighbourhood House, Charlton Neighbourhood House, Donald Community Centre, Wycheproof Community Resource Centre and Sea Lake Neighbourhood House – have united to highlight the pressure on small rural communities, where Neighbourhood Houses are often the only place locals can access vital programs, social supports, digital assistance, and community connection.

Neighbourhood Houses Victoria chief executive Keir Paterson said Neighbourhood Houses across the state are facing unprecedented financial strain.

Rising Costs
“Rising costs, growing community demand, and eroded core funding are forcing houses across Victoria to cut hours, staff and essential programs,” Mr Paterson said.

“Years of underfunding has pushed almost half into deficit, leaving them at risk of closure. Our data shows that for every $1 of ongoing Neighbourhood House funding from the state government, communities benefit to the value of $21.94.”
Simone Christie, who has recently been elected to the board of NHVic, said: “Buloke’s five Neighbourhood Houses report the same pressures seen across the state, with program delivery now costing at least 15 per cent more than it did three years ago.

Increases
“Increases in insurance, superannuation, utilities, wages, compliance demands, and even basic consumables like tea and coffee have significantly impacted operating budgets and many houses have reduced their hours as a result, which is disappointing for local communities, where there are limited options to access many services that our Neighbourhood Houses provide”.

Community Call to Action
Buloke’s Neighbourhood Houses are urging local residents to show their support for the campaign by calling into their local Neighbourhood House and signing a postcard to the Minister before Friday, November 21.

The postcards form part of NHVic’s statewide advocacy effort and demonstrate the strong community backing behind the work Neighbourhood Houses do every day.
Local managers say community voices are essential. “Neighbourhood Houses are at the heart of small rural towns,” Charmaine Delaney said. “A small boost in funding would protect the programs, support and create opportunities our communities rely on. Every signature helps strengthen the message.”

Community members can drop in during opening hours at any Buloke Neighbourhood House to add their names.