The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has pressed the Allan Labor Government to guarantee the ongoing funding of Neighbourhood Houses across regional Victoria.
Ms Benham asked Minister for Carers and Volunteers, Ros Spence, about the future of these vital community hubs, calling on the Minister to guarantee that Neighbourhood Houses will remain open and properly funded to meet the needs of their local communities.
“Neighbourhood Houses are the backbone of communities across Victoria. Each week, more than 185,000 Victorians across the state access these services in their local area. They provide adult education, food relief, social connection and practical support for people doing it tough. Without immediate, ongoing funding, these services will be forced to close.
Ms Benham also questioned whether the Government had considered using surplus IT equipment to upgrade adult learning facilities.
“Making better use of existing resources is a simple, practical way the Government could strengthen adult learning outcomes without significant extra cost.”
“Many Neighbourhood Houses are already struggling to meet rising community demand while facing higher costs. Staff and volunteers are working flat out, but without proper support, programs will be cut and services reduced, leaving locals without the help they rely on,” Ms Benham said.
Ms Benham also praised local Neighbourhood Houses for taking part in the statewide Keep Our Doors Open campaign. The campaign has made sure the Government hears directly from the community about how critical these services are.
“Labor keeps looking the other way while these vital services struggle to survive. For a government that can spend billions on unnecessary projects, finding $11.7 million to keep Neighbourhood Houses open should not be hard.
Neighbourhood House Victoria Day of Action is on 18 February 2026 at Parliament House, where organisers, volunteers and community members will gather to make their voices heard.
“Regional Victorians cannot afford to lose their Neighbourhood Hoses. Labor must guarantee their future and make sure these centres continue to operate for the people who rely on them.”
