Community
11 October, 2026
Cash pledge for Neighbourhood Houses
THE Liberals have pledge to spend $10 million on the state’s Neighbourhood Houses over the next four years if elected to govern.
Houses in East Warrnambool, West Warrnambool and Port Fairy will be among the many to benefit from the cash boost if the Liberal party is elected next month, according to Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell.
“Neighbourhood Houses are especially valuable, particularly when rising costs are putting families under pressure and leaving some people feeling isolated,” Ms Britnell said.
“When money is tight, asking for help can be hard. Our Neighbourhood Houses are welcoming places where people can find practical support, join an activity or simply sit down with someone who cares.
“They can be a sanctuary for someone going through a difficult time. Having somewhere to belong and people who notice you when you turn up can make a real difference to a person’s wellbeing.”
In East Warrnambool, the Warrnambool Neighbourhood and Community Centre brings people together through community lunches, children’s playgroups and its children’s community garden.
West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House offers playgroup, school holiday activities and a range of classes.
Port Fairy Community House runs a repair café along with creatives arts and wellbeing programs.
“These programs help families make ends meet, give children opportunities to learn and play, and offer people who may be lonely a way to connect with their community,” Ms Britnell said.
She said the Liberal commitment would provide additional, recurring funding for existing Neighbourhood Houses and extend state funding to houses that currently receive none.
A separate $6 million growth fund would help establish or expand Neighbourhood Houses in fast-growing areas of the state.
“The staff and volunteers behind our local houses achieve so much with limited resources,” she said.
“A Liberal Government will back their work with more dependable funding so they can keep welcoming people through their doors and responding to what their communities need.”
