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Nationals promise $10m to neighbourhood houses for community support

By Ashley Darling

Sep 22, 2026

Nationals candidate for Shepparton Shane Sali has praised a new commitment from the Coalition that would give $10 million to community centres. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

The Liberals and Nationals have promised a $10 million funding boost for Victoria’s neighbourhood houses to continue their support of Victorian communities through local hubs if elected in November.

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There are close to 400 neighbourhood houses in Victoria that provide food, clothing, social activities, education and other support delivered by local volunteers, including six in the Shepparton electorate.

“They are often the first place people turn to for a meal, practical support or a connection to their community,” Nationals candidate for Shepparton Shane Sali said.

Mr Sali said the investment would support organisations that had a direct impact on communities.

South Shepparton Community Centre manager Melanie Domaschenz said the funding would assist the centre’s front-line services and support of vulnerable community members.

“We deliver a wide range of services here, and we see people come through our doors with very different experiences and challenges,” Ms Domaschenz said.

The four-year commitment would support existing centres and include neighbourhood houses that did not currently receive state funding.

Of the total funding, $6 million would be directed to establishing new centres or growing centres in areas of population growth.

The remaining $4 million would go to existing centres to strengthen their financial sustainability.