KEEP OUR DOORS OPEN: Campaign

Neighbourhood Houses Victoria is calling on the State Government to increase annual funding by $11.7M or risk the closure of 200 neighbourhood houses across Victoria.

Neighbourhood Houses Victoria team at the launch event on 7 October.

“Neighbourhood houses are under unprecedented pressure,” said Neighbourhood Houses CEO Keir Paterson

“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.”

Each week, more than 185,000 Victorians access community support and local services through the 400+ neighbourhood houses in the state.

Many neighbourhood houses and community centres are grappling with increased community need due to cost of living pressures, while having to deal with cost increases themselves.

“Without urgent action, communities risk losing the safe, inclusive spaces thousands of Victorians rely on every week.

“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.

Cann River Community Centre's launch event on 7 October.

Neighbourhood Houses Victoria’s analysis shows that without additional funding of $11.7M per year is needed to ensure the sustainability of the sector and continue delivering for Victorians.

“We know that 94% of neighbourhood house visitors experience improved physical wellbeing and 96% report improved emotional wellbeing as a result of participating. 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.”

The state peak body is also calling on the state government to fund 25 currently unfunded neighbourhood houses, and commit to 20 new neighbourhood houses in Victoria’s outer metro and regional growth areas.