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Community facilities Volunteers | May 11, 2020

Neighbourhood House Week a chance to say thanks

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy is encouraging local residents to help recognise and celebrate the important role neighbourhood houses play in regional communities during this year’s Neighbourhood House Week.

Ms Kealy said neighbourhood houses in the Lowan electorate provided a range of valuable services, which were even more critical now as the community responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions.

“Neighbourhood house staff and volunteers work very hard for our communities and they have continued to be there for us through these difficult times, delivering essential services such as food relief, meal support, childcare and adult education,” she said.

“They have also had to come up with new and creative ways to keep community members connected and supported while in social isolation, ensuring no one is left behind.

“They do a great job in responding to community needs, often in trying circumstances and with a very limited budget.

“It is so important – particularly at this time – that we show our appreciation for the vital contributions neighbourhood houses make to our communities.”

COVID-19 restrictions mean events and activities planned for Neighbourhood House Week cannot go ahead this year, so the week will be celebrated online instead.

Ms Kealy encouraged people to show their support on social media between May 8 and 15.

“Neighbourhood house volunteers and staff are working tirelessly behind the scenes to help keep our residents safe and connected at this time, and that deserves to be recognised,” she said.

“I encourage local residents to take the time to share a message of gratitude on social media during this week to let our wonderful neighbourhood houses know how much we appreciate everything they do for us – our communities wouldn’t be the same without them.”

Neighbourhood House Week runs until Friday, 15 May 2020.