Victoria joins world-wide neighbourhood

Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria are now portals to the world-wide web of information since being put online by a Government initiative.

Across Victoria, 194 Neighbourhood Houses have logged online for the first time or received faster, better links to the information age thanks to a $500,000 Government initiative.

Community Services Minister Christine Campbell visited a Mill Park Neighbourhood House to click on to the same training that will teach Neighbourhood Houses Statewide how to surf the net.

The high-tech hook-ups will increase Neighbourhood Houses internet access to 90 per cent of all Houses, Ms Campbell said.

The initiative is itself part of a much bigger $6.5 million funds injection into Neighbourhood Houses over three years.

‘Places like Neighbourhood Houses are the glue that helps hold communities together.

‘The funds to get them online, upgraded and get staff internet-trained will help give access to the information age to people who otherwise might not have access.

‘They also provide another resource for Neighbourhood Houses to keep in contact with each other, work together and knit stronger networks.

‘Community building happens bit by bit, brick by brick, and helping Neighbourhood Houses be part of the construction is vital.

‘The bottom line is stronger communities.

‘We know strong communities mean fewer social problems and less isolation, crime and homelessness,’ Ms Campbell said.