VICTORIA’s Neighbourhood House network is facing a funding crisis.

Nine community resource centres in the Mildura electorate are requesting urgent financial assistance, fearing job losses and service reductions in the coming months.

They are pleading for the Victorian Government to provide a rate of indexation that can help them cover costs.

Member for Mildura Ali Cupper said they’re all facing new hurdles to keep their doors open.

“I’m hearing stories that these houses are barely getting by, struggling to cover the minimum wage increase, increases to super, and Portable Long Service Leave obligations,” Ms Cupper said.

“It’s a dire situation, considering Neighbourhood Houses see around 200,000 Victorians every single week.”

The Victorian Council of Social Service has asked for funding to increase in line with the cost of delivering services, and Ms Cupper is doing the same.

“These ongoing funding shortfalls are concerning, and I would hate to see resource centres in Mildura, Red Cliffs, Robinvale, Murrayville, Ouyen, Sea Lake, Hopetoun, Birchip or Wycheproof falling by the wayside because they can no long afford to operate.

“I will be doing my best to ensure the Government is listening to the needs of our community resource services, as their efforts are becoming more valuable than ever before.”