Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania State Conference in Strahan

The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to public safety, safer families and stronger regional communities which is why it was my pleasure today to officially close the Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania State Conference in Strahan.

On behalf of the Minister for Human Services Jacquie Petrusma, I congratulate the Neighbourhood Houses for the integral role they play in our communities through their dedicated staff and a huge band of volunteers.

The Tasmanian Government supports the 33 state-funded Neighbourhood Houses and Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania with $4.9 million in funding this financial year and an additional election commitment of $50,000 to each House over the next two years to increase capacity and provide more local services.

The Tasmanian Government is also providing an additional $100,000 towards the establishment of food co-operatives to create better access to affordable, healthy food in some of our most vulnerable communities.

An extra $300,000 over four years is also supporting a grassroots mental health outreach service delivered through Neighbourhood Houses and Centres.

The Rosebery Community House and the Zeehan Neighbourhood Centre are hosting this conference and they epitomise the community spirit behind this program.

Through the Tasmanian Government’s capital investment program, Zeehan Neighbourhood House received an upgraded kitchen, unisex toilets, disabled toilet and additional storage space.

In a previous phase of the program, Rosebery Community House had an internal upgrade including to its playground.

Also in Braddon, Ulverstone Neighbourhood House received a re-modelled office, toilet and kitchen; Burnie received a property extension and works will be starting soon on upgrades at both Devonport and East Devonport.

Once again, I congratulate all of the Neighbourhood Houses represented at this conference for your dedication and vital work in our communities.
Joan Rylah, Liberal Member for Braddon