Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria will benefit from almost $700,000 in funding from the Victorian Coalition Government announced today by Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge.
Forty-five Neighbourhood Houses and Neighbourhood House Networks will receive funding through the Creating Modernised and Inclusive Neighbourhood Houses program.
Ms Wooldridge said organisations were encouraged to apply for funding to strengthen their capacity to meet the growing needs of their community.
More than $300,000 was provided for upgrades and modifications to existing facilities.
“This funding means they can now make improvements to increase their capacity and the resources they offer, making themselves accessible to more people within their community,” Ms Wooldridge said.
“The remaining funding will assist Neighbourhood Houses in upgrading information and communication technology, strengthening their governance structures and increasing participation and inclusion for people with a disability.”
Ms Wooldridge said the program supported Neighbourhood Houses to grow and attract people from all backgrounds to follow their interests and develop their skills.
“There are 350 Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria and they play an important role in the community by delivering networking and volunteering opportunities, skills development and training,” Ms Wooldridge said.
“These hubs enable people of all abilities, backgrounds and ages to come together to meet, share and learn together in a supportive environment.”
The Victorian Coalition Government is providing $22 million to Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres in 2012-13 to enable community engagement, planning and service delivery through the Neighbourhood House Coordination Program.