More than a thousand postcards will make their way to parliament backing increased funding for Macedon Ranges’ strained Neighbourhood Houses.
Years of inadequate funding has put the services at risk of closure and threatened the vital programs they provide.
Kyneton, Woodend, Gisborne, Lancefield, RIddells Creek and Romsey services have joined the state-wide ‘Keep Our Doors Open’ campaign, calling on the Victorian Government to boost funding by 25 per cent in the 2026 Budget.
Last week, local Neighbourhood House leaders delivered hundreds of community messages of NH support to MP Mary-Anne Thomas during her visit to Romsey.
The postcards held heart-messages of how the programs had provided vital social connection, a life-line to some, and important programs such as community lunches and food deliveries.
“It’s captured the positive difference we have made to people. If we weren’t there, what would people do?” said Pauline Fyfe, manager, Macedon Ranges Further Education Centre.
Services potentially at risk without increased funding are the community lunches, social activities such as book clubs and sewing groups, and anything not individually funded.
“We’ve seen a change across the shire in terms of needs with the increased cost-of-living pressures and we want to continue providing support for our communities,” said Melissa Baker, manager, Woodend Neighbourhood House.
The true impact of the services were demonstrated when several community members seized on the opportunity to approach Ms Thomas to express the importance of increased funding for the service.
Ms Thomas will deliver the community postcards to Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence.
