Our Neighborhood Centres are a universal and vital point of access for community members but they are under threat, said Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett.
Mr Bennett said inadequate funding is putting both staff safety and community wellbeing at risk.
“Our centres are essential local infrastructure, providing hubs that are accessed by a wide cross-section of the community, including people who are marginalized of have significant needs,” he said.
“They are often referred to as ‘brain banks’ of local knowledge and a real focal point for the community.”
Today most centres receive only $115,000 in Neighbourhood Centre Funding from the Queensland Government through the Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors.
This base funding allows for one worker per centre (one full-time equivalent position) to deliver Neighbourhood Centre activities while also covering IT systems, utilities, maintenance, rent (for some), materials, programs and projects.
Burnett MP Stephen Bennett said some local centres are operating on less than $100,000 a year making it near impossible to run an increasingly complex program that sees staff and volunteers help highly distressed people on a daily basis.
“They manage issues such as domestic and family violence, methamphetamine use, homelessness, social isolation and in some cases respond to natural disasters – drought, fire and flood,” he said.
“The current funding amount and model is simply not good enough. It does not allow for front line staff at centres to do their jobs and does not come close to allowing for a safe worker ratio.”
Bundaberg and District Neighbourhood Centre Manager Corrie McColl said they receive just over $97,000 a year and it’s barely scratching the surface.
“We have to rely on our volunteers and on community grants,” he said.
“On average we have about 650 enquiries a month. It’s our job to help these people access support services, financial services and much more.
“The good thing is our volunteers are ready and willing and are an extremely valuable asset, but it’s not fair that we have to reply on people’s good will and passion to help the community.
“The State Government needs to substantially increase the amount of money Neighbourhood Centres receive, proportional to the population.
“As a central referral point, we’re a vital step in helping people enrich their lives and minimise the risk of harm, particularly to children in cases of unrest. More funds would help us help more people.”
26.04.19