The Shared Learning & Activities Association in Murtoa (SLAAM) will receive a much-needed upgrade following a $50,000 funding boost from the Brumby Labor Government announced today.
Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad said the Modernising Neighbourhood House Program grant would pay for refurbishments to upgrade and improve facilities at the Murtoa Neighbourhood House (SLAAM).
“Neighbourhood Houses are an important community asset, providing a broad range of low-cost social, education and recreational programs,” Ms Broad said.
“They are places where people of all ages and abilities can come together to make new friends, get involved in volunteering, participate in community events and engage in some form of learning or study.
The Brumby Labor Government has invested more than $3.2 million to provide 88 grants to Neighbourhood Houses across the state to ensure they continue to be community facilities that are responsive to local needs, and include:
- grants of up to $25,000 for new or upgraded computers and equipment;
- grants of up to $50,000 for redevelopments to an existing Neighbourhood House (incl up to $80,000 EcoLiving Grant);
- grants of up to $10,000 for minor works to improve disability access; and
- grants of up to $100,000 to support co-location of an existing Neighbourhood House (incl up to $80,000 EcoLiving Grant).
Local Government Minister, Richard Wynne said Neighbourhood Houses are an important component of the Brumby Labor Government’s social policy action plan, A Fairer Victoria: standing together through tough times, launched by Premier John Brumby last week.
“Neighbourhood Houses provide a range of services for people in more than 350 communities across Victoria,” Mr Wynne said.
“The Modernising Neighbourhood House Program helps support for these organisations to continue to provide accessible, modern facilities that communities most need.
“Many people rely on Neighbourhood Houses as a place to socialise, access local support services, learn new skills, or find a job so the Modernising Neighbourhood House Program is really an investment in local skills, infrastructure and social inclusion,” he said.
For more information about the Modernising Neighbourhood House Program, please visit www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au