Neighbourhood Houses Victoria is seeking support for their 2026 Election Budget Campaign seeking a restoration of and further increase in funding.
Neighbourhood Houses deliver enormous social and economic value. But with the NHCP rate 20% lower than a decade ago, open hours have dropped to their lowest level in 10 years.
It’s simple: without sustainable funding, our doors will close. With fair funding, we will continue to be the safe, welcoming places every Victorian community needs.
NH VIC are asking for
How you can help…
Sign a Postcard
When you visit Castlemaine Community House please sign a postcard and tell our local MP why you love your Community House.
Leave your postcard with the reception staff and we will make sure it is posted on your behalf.
Back the Campaign to Secure the Future of our Sector
Years of underfunding… means too many Houses are operating with limited staff and stretched resources — despite growing demand and a rise in complex safety issues, including mental health crises and instances of violence. Houses are being forced to cut open hours, reduce programs, or fundraise just to turn on the lights. Unless government acts, more doors will close — and communities will lose trusted, safe and inclusive spaces they rely on every day.
Right now… Neighbourhood Houses are at breaking point. Nearly half of all Houses in Victoria have recorded a loss for two years running. The Neighbourhood House Coordination Program (NHCP) no longer covers the true cost of employing a manager for the funded hours, and inadequate funding has become the number one wellbeing issue identified by managers across the state.
Now let’s stop and imagine …every neighbourhood in Victoria thriving — people of all ages and backgrounds have access to support, skill building, finding connection, and belonging. Nice, isn’t it?
Neighbourhood Houses are the heart of our communities,
we thank our community for supporting us in this campaign.
