We've sent them postcards. We've sent them emails. We've sent them letters. We've visited in person. Now we're asking you to help us take one last action - pick up the phones!
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We'll be calling a select handful of key-decision makers to make sure our cause is in front of the right faces in the lead up to budget day, 5 May.
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We're asking you to please make these calls from:
Tuesday 14 April - Thursday 16 April
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We're not expecting everyone to be able to make the calls, or to speak to these MPs directly. But the more calls their offices receive in a short period of time, the bigger our impact will be. If you're unable to call during those dates - pick up the phone anyway! Until that budget is released, an early or late call is better than no call.
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Find contact info and a basic script below - feel free to make it your own!
Who to Call
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What to Say
Call and ask to leave a message.
After your call, leave your work phone number and name if asked for a callback.
“Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m calling from [NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE NAME].​
I’m calling to ask [MINISTER NAME] to restore neighbourhood house funding to previous levels through an increase in the upcoming state budget.​
Over the past 10 years, neighbourhood house funding has decreased by 20% in real terms.
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Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria are already reducing staff, cutting hours and scaling back programs — right now, when community need is growing.
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We’re asking [MINISTER NAME] to support a 25% increase to the Neighbourhood House Coordination Program.​
Could you please pass this message on to the Minister? Thank you.”
If they ask for more information:
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Over 400 Neighbourhood Houses receive core funding through the NHCP — it was designed to cover manager wages and operating costs but no longer does
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NHCP funding is now 20% lower in real terms than a decade ago
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Nearly half of all Houses have recorded a loss for two consecutive years
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The ask is a 25% increase to NHCP — approximately $11.7 million per year to stabilise the whole network
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In 2024–25, communities lost the equivalent of $230 million in benefit when activity funding was diverted just to cover basic operating costs
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Neighbourhood Houses generate $21.70 in community value for every dollar invested in the NHCP
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185,000 Victorians visit a Neighbourhood House every week
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This is preventative infrastructure that reduces demand on health, housing and justice systems
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​Neighbourhood Houses support people with disability, migrants and refugees, people experiencing family violence, and people on low incomes
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27% of Neighbourhood House participants report having a disability or long-term condition
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136 Houses run programs specifically for people with disability, delivering over 10,000 sessions per year
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54 Neighbourhood Houses are located in or adjacent to public housing estates
Minister Lizzie Blandthorn and Deputy Premier Ben Carroll are included in our calls because they are members of the Budget and Finance Committee.