The Hodgman Liberal Government is a strong supporter of Neighbourhood Houses across Tasmania and the grassroots support they offer to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
Today, I was pleased to join my colleagues, Premier Will Hodgman and Paul Harriss, in attending Kingston’s Maranoa Heights Community Centre for its Neighbourhood House Week celebrations.
Neighbourhood House Week, running through to Saturday, gives Tasmanians a chance to show what their local Neighbourhood and Community Houses mean to them.
These houses – and their many wonderful staff and volunteers – provide a range of activities, including practical educational programs, community gardens, breakfast clubs and social groups, which help to improve the lives of families and individuals.
They break down barriers, reduce feelings of social isolation and provide a greater sense of community.
In an average week, these important grassroots organisations support more than 7600 people to participate
in various courses and training, which are delivered by about 600 community volunteers providing nearly 4000 volunteer hours.
This Government is also investing an additional $6 million into disadvantaged, rural and remote communities across Tasmania through our commitment to Neighbourhood Houses.
This investment is creating jobs and delivering economic stimulus in these communities.
Across the State, 22 communities will share $4.3 million in capital infrastructure funds in addition to the extra $1.7 million program funding provided for Tasmania’s 33 neighbourhood houses over two years.
This $6 million is on top of the $4.6 million already committed to Neighbourhood Houses for the delivery of services in their own local community.
Through the Neighbourhood House network, the Government is also providing $100,000 for food co-ops and $300,000 for mental health outreach services.
The value placed in these houses by their local communities shows that our investment is worthwhile and is making a difference for countless Tasmanians.