Keep Neighbourhood House Doors Open
Published on Thu 5 Feb
Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria are being squeezed by government neglect, with around half at risk of closure.
Workers at Neighborhood Houses provide food relief, support programs and basic services that governments have abandoned. There are 400 Neighborhood Houses across the state, with 185,000 people accessing services weekly.
The statewide “Keep Our Doors Open” campaign is demanding an extra $11.7 million in annual funding to stop closures and keep services running.
At Reservoir Neighbourhood House, more than 100 people come through the weekly food bank, while staff are fighting for hours with cutbacks happening as recently as in the last fortnight. As the cost of living continues to rise, wages stagnate and public services are run down, underpaid community workers are left trying to hold together what is left of of the social safety net.
Years of Labor and Liberal governments cutting public services have left Neighbourhood Houses expected to do more with less. In a wealthy country like Australia, people shouldn’t have to rely on food banks, emergency relief, or basic support services run out of Neighbourhood Houses just to survive.The push to keep Neighbourhood House doors open is part of a wider fight against cuts, austerity by the Labor government.
Join the rally to Keep Neighbourhood House Doors Open
Wednesday 18th Feb, 12.30pm. Parliament House, Melbourne.
Stand with workers and communities demanding real funding and an end to the cuts.
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