The Hon. Colin Brooks MP has confirmed that the current Victorian Government will make the previously non-recurring funding permanent. This outcome will provide security for Neighbourhood Houses in Victoria, allowing them to continue their incredible work supporting the community.
 

The State Government has committed to making previously non-recurring funding – worth $5.45 million a year – a permanent part of Neighbourhood House Coordination Program (NHCP) funding. This was a huge advocacy effort ahead of the state election, with input from Neighbourhood Houses, local councils and businesses to achieve this incredible result.
 

This additional funding means that:

• Up to 27 Neighbourhood Houses can remain open, including four Aboriginal run Neighbourhood Houses and 12 in rural Victoria
• Over 77,000 hours annually of paid employment will be retained, almost entirely supporting women
• 154,000 hours of Neighbourhood House activity annually can continue, impacting 189 communities

 
The Government is reaffirming its support for the valuable work of the community hubs with $19 million in additional funding over three years - as well as ongoing annual funding of $6.6 million - for Neighbourhood Houses. We look forward to continuing to work with the State Government to ensure Houses can continue to provide important support for their community.

Colin Brooks MP stated:

“We are proud to continue to support Neighbourhood Houses, enabling them to play a vital role in successfully building vibrant Victorian communities.”

“The powerful role of Neighbourhood Houses has never been more evident than the way the sector stepped up to provide assistance to Victorians through the pandemic.”

You can read the full statement here.
 

We want to extend a huge thank you to the Houses, Councils, organisations and communities for their support and advocacy, which has helped us achieve this result and continue delivering for communities.