General News
18 October, 2025
Hopetoun House backs 'Keep Our Doors Open' campaign
Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria are uniting under the ‘Keep Our Doors Open’ campaign, calling on the State Government to increase funding to secure the future of the sector.
Hopetoun & District Neighbourhood House manager Erin Paech said the local centre plays an essential role in the well-being of the community.
“I love working here, the community are so grateful for all the services we provide them,” she said.
“They come in and learn of other services we can help with and become weekly visitors.
“We would be lost without their faces coming in as much as they would miss coming in for assistance or a friendly chat.”
Neighbourhood Houses are often the first point of contact for people seeking support, education, and social connection, but many centres are struggling to stay open due to years of underfunding.
The Neighbourhood House Coordination Program (NHCP) no longer covers the actual cost of employing a manager or meeting basic operational needs.
Across the state, almost half of Victoria’s Neighbourhood Houses have run at a loss for the past two years, forcing some to reduce opening hours, cut programs, or fundraise for essentials like electricity and internet.
The campaign calls for a 25 per cent increase to the NHCP hourly rate, with an additional $11.7 million annually, in the 2026 Victorian Budget, to restore funding to sustainable levels.
Supporters of the campaign say that without fair funding, communities risk losing trusted, safe, and inclusive spaces that provide vital support, learning opportunities, and a sense of belonging for thousands of Victorians every week.