Safe as houses: Neighbourhood hubs lock in state funding

BELLARINE neighbourhood houses have their futures secure for years to come after the state government answered an industry call to lock in vital funding streams.

Ocean Grove’s Bellarine Training and Community Hub (BTACH) and Leopold Community and Learning Centre (LCLC) are among the community organisations that will share in $6.6 million in recurring funding each year.

The neighbourhood house leaders say the cash commitment will allow them to retain and recruit staff and volunteers, update equipment and maintain services for a range of training, social and wellbeing activities.

BTACH manager Chris James said he was “ecstatic” that neighbourhood houses across the state had earned recognition for the vital role they played in their communities.

“We’re a rare sector whose sole responsibility is our community,” he said.

“Often centres run with limited staff, limited volunteers.

“This money is going to be invested directly back into their community; whether its for recreation, health and wellbeing, or upskilling.”

LCLC manager Sherrill Roache said she was “delighted and thrilled” that the funding would continue beyond 2024.

“With funding now secure, it allows us to be able to plan ahead and form partnerships and alliances,” she said.

“The overall result is that the whole community will benefit and programs and initiatives will be able to continue and grow.”

Victoria Disability, Ageing and Carers Minister Colin Brooks announced last week the government would invest $19 million in additional funding over three years, plus the recurring contribution, to support the hubs.

“We are proud to continue to support neighbourhood houses, enabling them to play a vital role in successfully building vibrant Victorian communities,” Mr Brooks said.

“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.”

The government had pledged the permanent cash stream following a campaign from Neighbourhood Houses Victoria (NHV) ahead of the state election.

“We’re thrilled with this outcome, which will provide security for neighbourhood houses in Victoria, allowing them to continue their incredible work supporting the community,” NHV stated last week.

A $5.45 million annual fund, announced ahead of the last state ballot in 2018, had been due to end in mid-2024, leading the state’s peak body to lobby politicians for ongoing support.

NHV had warned ending the funding stream would have increased stress on the state’s network of nearly 400 neighbourhood houses, with Ocean Grove and Leopold’s hubs to be among the worst affected by cuts.

The state Opposition and a host of independent and minor party candidates, including Member for Western Victoria Stuart Grimley, had joined the call for recurrent funding ahead of last week’s announcement.