Cardinia Shire Council is working with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) to transition to a new neighbourhood house service in Emerald.
Council has been notified by DFFH that the department will not renew its current service agreement contract with Emerald Community House Incorporated (ECH Inc) as part of the Neighbourhood House Coordination Program (NHCP) when the contract expires on 30 June 2024.
Council supports neighbourhood houses funded by the State Government's NHCP in line with our Neighbourhood House Policy. As a result of DFFH's decision, ECH Inc will no longer be eligible for funding under Council's Neighbourhood House Policy, however ECH Inc's current arrangements allow them to operate from their current site until 31 December 2024.
Council will support the new provider funded by DFFH to deliver the neighbourhood house program in Emerald, and is committed to working with DFFH to support the community during the transition.
From July, Council will seek community input into what services the community would like the new service to provide. Following the community consultation period, DFFH will call for expressions of interest from organisations to apply to be a part of the State Government's NHCP to serve the Emerald community and surrounding areas.
This program aims to bring together people to connect, learn and contribute to their local community. There are more than 400 neighbourhood house services in Victoria, each of which provides services and programs that are unique to the community they serve.
Cardinia Shire has 7 other neighbourhood houses that are funded under the NHCP located across the shire. These services are managed by service providers or volunteer committees. The not-for-profit community organisations provide a range of services, information and resources to their local communities, including cultural, social, health and wellbeing activities, children's services, training delivery and public internet access.
Emerald Community House Incorporated has been the neighbourhood house service provider in Emerald for many years. Council thanks the staff and volunteers for their contribution to the community.
