Wednesday, 27 November 2024

 Annabelle CLEELAND (Euroa) presented a petition bearing 348 signatures:

Issue:

This petition of residents in Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly the need for recurrent funding of Goranwarrabul House in Seymour. Despite the enormous benefits it provides to indigenous families across North East Victoria, funding for this crucial program has yet to be confirmed beyond this year. Goranwarrabul House provides food relief, court and legal support, medical support, cultural support, referrals, transport, and they are the only local option for Aboriginal Liaison Officers at hospitals in the region. 45 families rely on Goranwarrabul House for food support each week, and over 100 people attend services each week. As it stands, this community group will no longer be able to operate without an increase in their annual funding to cover wages, vehicles, rent, maintenance, and general supplies, while also allowing them to host their support groups, outings for children, and their NAIDOC events.

Action:

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly calls on the State Government to provide recurrent funding for Goranwarrabul House to cover their expenses including community program costs, community program contingency, rental expenses, staff and facility costs, motor vehicle costs, and administrative support.

Ordered that petition be considered tomorrow.