The Andrews Labor Government is standing with fire-affected communities across Victoria, with a funding boost for frontline Neighbourhood Houses.

Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan today announced 15 neighbourhood houses will receive an extra $10,000 each in recognition of the incredible efforts of staff and volunteers from Cann River to Corryong.

Neighbourhood Houses were a focal point and sanctuary for many communities in the path of this summer’s bushfires, with people turning to them for shelter, material relief like clothes and food, communications help and emotional support.

The investment will help pay for the extra support given so generously by Neighbourhood Houses through this time – including the costs of electricity, utilities and wages.

The Neighbourhood Houses that will receive the one-off payment are:

• Buchan Neighbourhood House
• Bruthen and District Neighbourhood House
• Benambra Neighbourhood House
• Bemm River District Neighbourhood House
• Orbost Neighbourhood House
• Cann River Community Centre
• Community Centre Swifts Creek Inc
• Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House
• Briagolong Community House Inc
• Corryong Neighbourhood House
• Bendoc Resource Centre and Neighbourhood House
• Mallacoota District Health and Support Service Neighbourhood House
• Tallangatta Neighbourhood House
• Tubbut Neighbourhood House
• Lakes Entrance Neighbourhood House

The $150,000 investment complements the work of the Labor Government’s $14.4 million Bushfire Case Support Program – which offers free, tailored support to people directly impacted by bushfires – and its $23.4million investment in better mental health and wellbeing support.

Affected Victorians can access a case support coordinator by contacting their local council, visiting a recovery centre or calling 1800 560 760.