Throughout the last three years of drought and now more recently in the aftermath of the bushfires, East Gippsland’s Neighbourhood Houses have been assisting their local communities with vital material aid and personal support.

The government’s announcement this week of a $10,000 grant to Neighbourhood Houses in East Gippsland to assist them in this work is belated recognition that they have had to do all this on a shoe string budget and from overstretched facilities, said Nationals Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull.

“I recently wrote to the Government seeking financial support for the Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House and I am pleased this has been responded to,” said Mr Bull.

"The facility has been providing meals to drought affected farmers for some time and in the aftermath of the bushfires, is supplying frozen meal packs to families who have lost homes, farms and businesses. 

“Many other Neighbourhood Houses across East Gippsland were also at the front line of the bushfire emergency and their staff and volunteers have made a huge contribution to the welfare of their communities.”

Neighbourhood Houses that will benefit from the bushfire grant include Bairnsdale, Bemm River, Benambra, Bendoc, Briagolong, Bruthen, Buchan, Cann River, Lakes Entrance, Mallacoota, Orbost, Swifts Creek and Tubbut.

“This payment has recognised that our Community Houses have come under a lot of financial stress with the bushfires, but I would hope their need for facilities upgrades is also being considered,” said Mr Bull. 

Caption; Local MP Tim Bull pictured at Cann River Neighbourhood House says the State government has given belated recognition to Neighbourhood Houses in fire affected communities.