As part of Neighbourhood House Victoria’s Keep Our Doors Open campaign, community members have been filling out postcards to share why the organisation is so important.
While Neighbourhood Houses support their local community through activities and programs, they often go above and beyond.
Rochester Neighbourhood House co-ordinator Amanda Logie said it had become a safe space for the local community.
“In our community, especially being in a small rural community, we’re that trusted organisation where people feel comfortable to go and we help them in whatever way we can,” she said.
“Unfortunately, at the end of the day we can't afford to run at a loss every year and eventually that catches up with you and ultimately, worst case scenario, you end up shutting the doors, and we don't want that to happen.”
NHV is asking the Victorian Government for an $11.7 million boost to annual funding to ensure 200 neighbourhood houses can keep their doors open.
Of the 401 houses in Victoria, 25 are unfunded and 75 per cent of the houses that do receive support are only funded for a limited number of hours per week.
For the Rochester Neighbourhood House, operating at a continuous loss means the local community may have to shoulder more of the cost to keep programs running.
More funding will also ensure staff have secure employment, with many Neighbourhood Houses, including Rochester, having to seek grants to pay their employees.
Since the campaign began, the Rochester community has shown up in force to support it, with more than 170 postcards already filled out in less than a month.
Mrs Logie said the community had been more than happy to support the cause.
“It’s been great. We’ve had wonderful support, as you would expect in this community,” she said.
“Everyone that we’ve shown a postcard to, they’ve been happy to sign it and write us a little note and pose with some postcards.
“It’s been really wonderful. They’ve been a great support, the community.”
To join the fight for more funding, community members can drop in to the Rochester Neighbourhood House to complete a postcard.
When the campaign comes to a close in December, postcards from around the region will be delivered to State Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh.
13°C