The contribution of Tasmania's Neighbourhood Houses to their
local communities has been recognised at the inaugural Tasmanian Association for
Community Houses Awards this morning.

The Premier, Lara Giddings, and the Minister for Human Services,
Cassy O'Connor, today presented the awards at a function in Bellerive, timed to
coincide with Neighbourhood House Week.

"Neighbourhood houses are the heart and soul of our community,
and I'm delighted to be able to pay tribute to their fine work at today's
presentation," Ms Giddings said.

"The high calibre of nominations shows just how many good ideas
are out there, and how small groups of committed people can make a difference in
their communities."

Ms Giddings presented the Building Community Award to the
Goodwood Community Centre's Playgroup. 

"This wonderful program brings the elderly and young people
together, giving residents at the Strathaven Nursing Home the opportunity to
enjoy singing and playing with the children or just sitting and spending time
with them," she said. 

The Minister for Human Services, Cassy O'Connor, presented the
Supporting People and their Family Award to the Burnie Community House
"Community Food Space" and Free Community Markets
program.

"This is an excellent way of promoting better health and
wellbeing, by giving people access to fresh, healthy food and encouraging good
eating habits," she said.

"The Burnie Community House has educated a huge section of the
community, along with providing free produce from their very own community
garden, demonstrating just how well a Community House can identify a need in
their local area and address it in a real and sustainable
way."

Ms Giddings said the State Government continued to recognise the
important work of Community Houses right around
Tasmania.

"We know that our Neighbourhood Houses are ideally placed to
provide that local support to their communities," she
said.

"That is why we have increased funding in the 2011-12 Budget to
over $4 million, including an extra $25,000 for all 33 state-funded
Neighbourhood Houses."

Ms O'Connor said Neighbourhood Houses supported people and their
families, and also helped give local residents a say in how programs were
run.

"We are truly blessed to have so many wonderful people prepared
to give their time to work in our Neighbourhood Houses," she
said.

"These Houses are places where people can learn, where they can
interact with others and where they can get support when they need
it.

"They exemplify that great sense of community that exists here
in Tasmania."