Goonawarra Neighbourhood House will score a $100,000 grant if the Labor Party is re-elected in November.
The house offers opportunities for education, training and community connection, as well as support services in a safe and accessible environment.
Sunbury MP Josh Bull made the grant announcement on Wednesday, November 9, and said the service did a “fantastic job”.
“[It promotes] a sense of belonging, reducing social isolation and offering opportunities,” Mr Bull said.
“That’s why we’re supporting them to continue their great work with this $100,000.”
House manager Isabella Rosinsky said the organisation had been “a bit speechless” when the news of the promise came through.
“It’s such a great commitment and gift for us. We’re forever writing grant applications for every little thing we want to do in the house and having [the grant promised] a tremendous bonus,” Ms Rosinsky said.
She said the funding would be useful as Sunbury continues to grow, with new families continuing to come into the region.
“We hadn’t planned for it, but we’ve got a lot of ideas in mind and we want to run programs for young families, for youth, for socially isolated people. That’s the direction we’re going in, to assist people moving into he area,” she said.
“I have no doubt, it’s neighhourhood houses that do the grassroots work with communities and families and having an injection of funds means we have an ability to put on programs that we know are so needed int he community.”
Disability, Ageing and Carers Minister Colin Brooks said the house was a vital community service offering invaluable support to the Sunbury community.
“That’s why we’re supporting them to continue their great work with this $100,000 grant… we’re investing in local communities like Sunbury,” he said.
There are a range of services, activities and groups available at the Goonawarra Neighbourhood House, including venue hire, playgroups and special courses.
Details: www.goonawarraneighbourhoodhouse.com.au/.
