Thursday, 20 November 2025

 David SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) (14:49): (1422) My question is to the Minister for Carers and Volunteers. When will the government urgently restore core funding to neighbourhood houses by 25 per cent so they can continue to keep the doors open, particularly in my area of Caulfield? We know the peak body Neighbourhood House Victoria represents close to 400 community-based houses across Victoria, and its campaign to keep the door open requires $11.7 million per year to support 200 houses, particularly in my area, Caulfield South, with the great stewardship of Tracey Burt – they do a fantastic job – and Philippa Caris of Glen Eira Adult Learning Centre. They have both been established for a long time. They support people that have just got citizenship to be able to get a lot of support. They are great organisations. Their doors need to remain open, and the government needs to fund them.