Wednesday, 19 February 2025

 Anasina GRAY-BARBERIO (Northern Metropolitan) (09:56): I rise today to acknowledge the important work of Glenroy Neighbourhood House. Neighbourhood houses are the beating heart of our communities, with empowerment as a central principle of their community development and service. Glenroy Neighbourhood House walks these values. On my visit last week I witnessed their programs that encourage active participation, social and recreational programs, learning, leadership opportunities and weekly food relief program, which is only made possible by their team of volunteers and Foodbank Victoria. In a cost-of-living crisis, demand for their food relief program has surged, with more people than ever seeking support and some travelling over an hour to get food relief. This program also provides multifaceted support for complex intersectional challenges related to mental health, addiction and financial hardship. Food insecurity does not exist in isolation and Glenroy Neighbourhood House understands this. They provide holistic wraparound support that treats people with dignity and enhances people’s ability to have control over their lives. Community organisations like Glenroy Neighbourhood House cannot keep filling the gaps. They need sustainable ongoing government support. Rising living costs, insecure work and lack of affordable housing are pushing more Victorians into crisis, and frontline services like Glenroy Neighbourhood House are stretched to their limits. I want to thank the team at Glenroy Neighbourhood House for their compassion, inclusivity and care for the community of Glenroy and beyond.