Derwent Valley Community House gets $50,000 from the Liberals

State Lyons Liberal candidates Guy Barnett and Martyn Evans said the Liberal’s promise of $50,000 over two years to the Derwent Valley Community House in New Norfolk will be a big boost to the area.

Mr Barnett said the Derwent Valley Community House in New Norfolk was a classic example of a community facility which supported local residents.

“Neighbourhood Houses, such as the one at New Norfolk, aim to bring people together to connect, learn and contribute to their local community through a broad range of social, educational, recreational and support activities, he said.

“They welcome people from all walks of life. This inclusive approach creates opportunities for individuals and groups to enrich their lives through connections they might not otherwise make,” he said.

Mr Evans, also Mayor of the Derwent Valley Council, said under the Liberal proposal each Neighbourhood House in Lyons would receive $50,000 over two years. It is part of a $1.7 million two-year commitment to support the State’s 34 Neighbourhood Houses.

“Tasmania’s Neighbourhood Houses have become the lifeblood of many communities, Mr Evans said.

“And this is particularly obvious in New Norfolk. In an average week, there are over 7600 participants in Neighbourhood Houses across Tasmania, and over 600 volunteers, averaging 3880 volunteer hours.

“A key advantage of the well-loved House network is their difference; they operate for their local community, with their local community, and are responsive to local community needs.”

Mr Barnett also said the House in New Norfolk would also benefit from the Liberals’ plan to reduce red tape, including the compliance burden imposed on community sector organisations by government.

He said a Liberal Government would work with the Tasmanian Association of Community Houses (TACH) to significantly reduce compliance reporting, including allowing the suspension of normal reporting in the event of disaster and crisis response (such as bushfires).
Guy Barnett, Martyn Evans