Wednesday 18 March 2020

Fifteen neighbourhood houses impacted by this summer's devastating bushfires will each receive $10,000 from the Victorian State Government, as communities start to rebuild.

The investment will help pay for the extra support provided by neighbourhood houses throughout the summer including the costs of electricity, utilities and wages.

Neighbourhood Houses Victoria CEO Nicole Battle welcomed the announcement. "Our neighbourhood houses became beacons of hope and resilience for their communities during their darkest days, providing many vital services and supports to people who were losing everything," Nicole said.

"Back in January I wrote to Minister Luke Donnellan seeking additional funding to support their efforts and I’m so thankful he has delivered on that request. For those who attended our state conference earlier this month, through Annie and Evelyn’s moving lightning talk, we know the trauma is still incredibly raw and the long road to recovery and healing has only just begun.

This small boost provides some financial relief for each of these organisations to continue their efforts."

Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan said, “During the recent bushfire crisis, hundreds of volunteers from our neighbourhood houses lent a hand, whether it was cooking meals, providing clothes and equipment or just giving support – they went above and beyond.”

“It’s the Victorian way to help others in times of need and this funding boost recognises the enormous impact neighbourhood house staff and volunteers have had, and continue to have, in helping people get back on their feet.”

“We’ll keep supporting these communities every step of the way as they rebuild their lives and continue to recover.”

The following neighbourhood houses will receive the one-off payment:

• Buchan Neighbourhood House
• Bruthen and District Neighbourhood House
• Benambra Neighbourhood House
• Bemm River District Neighbourhood House
• Orbost Neighbourhood House
• Cann River Community Centre
• Community Centre Swifts Creek 
• Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House
• Briagolong Community House 
• Corryong Neighbourhood House
• Bendoc Resource Centre and Neighbourhood House
• Mallacoota District Health and Support Service Neighbourhood House
• Tallangatta Neighbourhood House
• Tubbut Neighbourhood House
• Lakes Entrance Neighbourhood House

Photo credited to Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House.