Cardinia Council is backing a statewide campaign calling for a 25 per cent increase in funding for neighbourhood houses, warning that underfunding is forcing closures, reduced hours, and cuts to vital community programs.
At the October 20 meeting, councillors unanimously backed a motion from Cr Liz Roberts to write to Minister for Carers and Volunteers, Ros Spence, in support of Neighbourhood Houses Victoria’s Keep Our Doors Open campaign.
The campaign highlights how funding for neighbourhood house staffing has fallen relative to costs, and calls for more sustainable support across Victoria.
The motion seeks a 25 per cent increase in Neighbourhood House Coordination Program funding to help centres meet rising costs, ongoing funding for 25 houses (across Victoria) currently unfunded.
The motion also supports the creation of a new fund to establish five neighbourhood houses each year over four years in fast-growing areas, subject to Council’s upcoming review of its Neighbourhood House Policy.
There are currently eight neighbourhood houses operating across Cardinia Shire, which receive funding under the State Government Neighbourhood House Coordination Program.
Unfortunately, funding erosion has already affected local centres. At Living Learning Pakenham, opening hours have been reduced.
“Months ago, a decision was made to close on Fridays due to cost pressures and that day of operations has not been reactivated,” Cr Roberts said.
Across Melbourne, program funding is 20 per cent lower than a decade ago, with opening hours at their lowest in 10 years.
“Originally, 80 per cent of the Coordination Program funds would go to wages, the rest to running costs. This is no longer the case,” Cr Roberts said.
Cr Roberts said neighbourhood houses were “at the forefront of service provision,” strengthening community connection, wellbeing, education and support.
She highlighted Outlook Community Centre in Pakenham, which runs senior social groups, adult education and tech courses, and recently welcomed a men’s prostate health group and a women’s friendship group.
Living Learning Pakenham recorded an operating income of $916,000 in 2024, yet its activities generated nearly $7 million in community value. This is a return of $7.60 for every $1 earned, and almost $60 for every $1 received through the Coordination Program.
Therefore, Cr Roberts urged the community to recognise the value of neighbourhood houses and support the campaign to keep them sustainable, both locally and across Victoria.
