The policy announcement by the Federal Government to support teenage parents highlights the importance of accessible, local opportunities for education and employment.
“Neighbourhood Houses and Centres provide a critical soft entry point into further education, skills acquisition and ultimately paid employment for many marginalised people” says Merial Clark, Executive Officer of the Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association.
“Our national research shows that in the past year 28,000 individuals were assisted by a Neighbourhood House or Centre to transition to paid work and a further 38,500 made the transition to further education”, says Ms Clark.
With the sector celebrating National Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Week next week (8 – 15 May), the Association is releasing its first ever national report: Strengthening Local Communities, Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres: Who we are & What we do.
The report illustrates that 320,000 people participate in activities in a Neighbourhood House or Centre across Australia each week; while an estimated 21,300 Australians volunteer a total of 84,550 hours each week, a contribution to the GDP worth the equivalent of over $1.7million each week – or over $81million per year.
“There are over 1,000 Neighbourhood Houses and Centres around Australia offering affordable opportunities for learning, personal development and support that otherwise may not exist, particularly in rural and remote areas”, says Ms Clark
Merial Clark, National Executive Officer, 0414 351 352 (Victoria)
John Hooper, Tasmanian Executive Officer, 0408 320 826
Download Report with case studies: NHC_Research_Report_-_Apr_11_-_Final.pdf
Merial Clark, National Executive Officer, John Hooper, Tasmanian Executive Officer, Neighbourhood Houses & Centres Assoc
