Southern Metropolitan Region
Ryan BATCHELOR (Southern Metropolitan) (12:54): (761) My question is to the Minister for Carers and Volunteers. Can the minister please outline how the government is supporting the important role neighbourhood houses play in Southern Metropolitan? Recently I visited the Cheltenham Community Centre, a not-for-profit organisation that has provided community services, learning opportunities and resources for nearly 40 years, since its founding in 1986. More than 1200 people access the centre each week and participate in a variety of programs, including adult education, some subsidised child care, some mums and tots programs, health and wellness. The Cheltenham Community Centre is also one of the largest community providers of the adult migrant English program. I had a wonderful chat on my visit with one of the adult English classes. I want to thank Arna, the manager of the centre, and Keir, the CEO of Neighbourhood Houses Victoria, who took the time to show me around their facilities and discuss the important role that neighbourhood houses play within our local community.