A call for more staff and programs by Neighbourhood Houses has gained the support of the council, as more government funding is sought to meet the needs of the growing community.
Neighbourhood Houses Victoria has been advocating to the State Government for a direct increase in funding for the numerous services across Victoria that provide vital educational and social opportunities for vulnerable residents, from refugees to the elderly.
Cardinia Shire Council recently supported the campaign by writing to the State Government in support of increased funding, with an emphasis on growth areas.
The council supports a 25 percent increase to the Neighbourhood House Coordination Program, which provides funding to around 400 houses and networks.
The letter also supported an additional 25 neighbourhood houses being added to the ongoing State Government funding arrangements, as well as the development of a fund to establish 20 new neighbourhood houses in growth areas.
Currently, neighbourhood houses rely heavily on grants across all levels of government. A successful grant can determine whether a new project can go ahead or a new staff member can be taken on board.
Living Learning Pakenham currently secures grants from multiple sources, such as the council and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.
CEO Audra Fenton is happy with the situation, but there is no doubt that an increase in direct funding would be beneficial.
“We are quite lucky, but we do cover quite a large population,” she said.
“If we could have a little bit more Neighbourhood House funding, that would mean we could just expand services.”
Living Learning is looking to expand its work with children and young people, as well as education programs addressing mental health and addiction.
Outside of an increase to the funding pool, Living Learning will have to keep its fingers crossed on pending grant submissions to make these new programs happen.
Moy-Yan Neighbourhood House in Garfield runs many programs throughout the week, including a 24/7 food bank and weekly art classes.
The current problem for Moy-Yan is that its staff consists of just one person.
Manager Jen Belsar receives the standard funding that covers 25 hours a week, but works effectively full-time.
“We just need that extra manpower to grow,” she said.
“I think the demand for the services that we offer is certainly going to get bigger and bigger.”
The slack at Moy-Yan is picked up by an assortment of volunteers, such as their new project of an art space in the Garfield Community Garden, which is being done in collaboration with many volunteers and the local primary school.
One more staff member would facilitate work that is becoming more vital each day. Moy-Yan caters to multiple demographics, from the elderly and to school groups. They fulfil creative wants and essential needs.
“Our food pantry runs 24/7, and that supports all demographics,” Ms Belsar said.
“There are a lot of families with young children, what are now being called the working poor, who are accessing our food bank.”
