The Colac Neighbourhood House will receive a funding boost of $35,002 to improve access for local people of all abilities, and to upgrade its information and communications technology with help from the Brumby Government.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said the Modernising Neighbourhood House Program grant would pay for minor improvements to make it easier for people living with a disability to access the Colac Neighbourhood House.
The grant would also ensure local people can access up-to-date technology close to home.
“Neighbourhood Houses are often at the heart of a community and provide low-cost social, education and recreational programs,” Ms Tierney said.
“They are places where people of all ages and abilities can come together to make new friends, get involved in volunteering, participate in community events and engage in some form of learning or study.
“This Brumby Government funding announced in the State Budget will ensure the Colac Neighbourhood House meets the needs of all local people,” she said
A total of 88 grants were allocated to Neighbourhood Houses across the state to ensure continue to be community facilities that are responsive to local needs, and include:
• grants of up to $25,000 for new or upgraded computers and equipment;
• grants of up to $50,000 for redevelopments to an existing Neighbourhood House (including up to $80,000 EcoLiving Grant);
• grants of up to $10,000 for minor works to improve disability access; and
• grants of up to $100,000 to support co-location of an existing Neighbourhood House (including up to $80,000 EcoLiving Grant).
Local Government Minister Richard Wynne said Neighbourhood Houses were an important component of the Victorian Government’s social policy action plan, A Fairer Victoria: standing together through tough times, launched by Premier John Brumby last week.
“Neighbourhood Houses provide a range of services for people in more than 350 communities across Victoria,” Mr Wynne said.
“The Modernising Neighbourhood House Program helps support for these organisations to continue to provide accessible, modern facilities that communities most need.
“Many people rely on Neighbourhood Houses as a place to socialise, access local support services, learn new skills, or find a job so this $3.2 million Modernising Neighbourhood House Program investment is really an investment in local skills, infrastructure and social inclusion.”
For more information about the Modernising Neighbourhood House Program, please visit www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au
