'We Can't Afford Not To!' Support Neighbourhood Houses

Neighbourhood House Mangers across Tasmania are asking for your support in the lead up to the state's election on July 19.

This 'Go Fund Me' will help raise funds for a full page newspaper advertisement which will take the form of an 'Open Letter' to the major parties and candidates explaining why urgent investment is needed in Tasmania's 34 Neighbourhood Houses.

Neighbourhood House staff know how tough life is for people in our communities right now. That's why we hope to share this fundraiser locally, nationally and internationally to spread the word of our work and the funds needed to advocate for our communities.

Here's what some of our Manager's are saying:

“If we don’t get proper funding, we’ll face heartbreaking decisions that will hurt the people we’re here to help,” says Trish O’Duffy, General Manager Northern Suburbs Community Centre.

“The rising cost of living has seen a surge in community need, but our core funding hasn’t increased,” says Mary-anne Evans, CEO of Bucaan Community House in Chigwell.

“We’re constantly chasing grants just to keep the doors open,” says Debbie Smith, Manager Deloraine and Meander Houses. “It’s exhausting and we’ve stayed quiet to avoid worrying our communities.”

Neighbourhood Houses provide early, local support that helps prevent issues like isolation, poverty and poor health from spiralling into costly crises. Free lunches, exercise classes, digital help, volunteering and social spaces help people stay connected and supported - reducing pressure on hospitals, mental health services and crisis systems.

“Research shows every dollar invested in community-based early intervention saves up to eight in downstream costs,” says Evans. “The next government can’t afford not to fund us properly.”

The May budget offered a small increase for part-time Community Connector roles but left core funding unchanged. Without sustainable funding, many Houses may not survive.

To meet demand, Houses need to expand from two to six full-time equivalent (FTE) positions.

Aware of budget constraints, Managers are simply asking for enough to keep current supports running safely and reliably. Our call to candidates and parties this election includes:

1. Five-year grant deeds with indexation.

2. Five full-time equivalent (FTE) staff, with a staged expansion to six.

3. Basic operating costs to keep doors open, lights on and supports in place.

“We’re currently funded for just two FTEs,” says Sam Webster, Manager of Risdon Vale Neighbourhood Centre. “If someone is sick, there might be just one staff member on site. It’s not safe and it’s no longer sustainable.”

If you are able to spare a few dollars to get our message out there - we thank you.

Our promise is to share stories of our incredibly important work and provide regular updates on our interactions with Tasmanian politicians.

Thanks for your support because we can't afford not to fund Neighbourhood Houses properly.

*NOTE* Funds will be deposited to Bucaan Community House in Chigwell. The newspaper advertisement will be organised by this Neighbourhood House on behalf of the Neighbourhood House network.