June 2002

Neighbourhood Houses wired to the world

Neighbourhood House Week has highlighted the result of the Government’s $6.5 million investment in connecting Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria to the internet.

Visiting the Dingley Village Neighbourhood House to help celebrate the week, Community Services and Housing Minister Bronwyn Pike said the latest part of this funding package would complete the plan to link every one of Victoria’s 338 Neighbourhood Houses to cyberspace.

‘A $225,000 commitment in the Budget will deliver $3,000 computer packages to 67 Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria.

‘This investment completes the network of internet-linked neighbourhood houses across Victoria, providing community access to the internet.

‘The funds we have invested in the past two years have meant that expert coordinators are now offering people an extra 80,000 hours each year of planned programs.’

The Houses reach out to thousands offering work training, recreation and social contact and are helping break the cycle of isolation for many groups, including young mothers and older people.

‘The internet connections will have real benefits for communities within Victoria exchanging ideas, discussing programs and building new links locally and globally.’