What we are seeking
We are requesting around $20m funding partnership with State and Federal governments to deliver a community services hub for Heidelberg West to meet the needs of a growing population.
What it will deliver
Funding for a community services hub ensures that one of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities has better and more convenient access to the services it needs to thrive.
What you can do
You can contact a member of parliament to raise concern and ask for action on this issue.
Lower house
- Hon. Anthony Carbines MP, State Member for Ivanhoe
- Hon. Colin Brooks MP, State Member for Bundoora
- Hon. Kate Thwaites MP, Federal Member for Jaga Jaga
- Hon. Ged Kearney MP, Federal Assistant Minister for Social Services
- Hon. Ros Spence MP, Minister for Carers and Volunteers
- Hon. Ingrid Stitt MP, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs
- Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn MP, Minister for Disability
- Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP, Minister for Prevention of Family Violence
- Hon. Harriet Shing MP, Minister for Housing and Building
- Hon. Sonya Kilkenny MP, Minister for Planning
Upper house
Overview
West Heidelberg is home to a diverse community with notable rates of vulnerability and disadvantage. It has higher rates of unemployment and lower median household income than the state average.
There are several new social housing developments (such as the Unison development and the Tarakan and Bell Bardia estates) that will bring new vulnerable communities into the area, adding to the existing service demand from disadvantaged communities already in place.
A number of local services are operating out of sub-standard accommodation, such as the BANSIC food relief service and the various community organisations operating out of Shop 48 at the Bell Street Mall. The Olympic Neighbourhood House is also dispersed across multiple premises and is in need of a single consolidated home.
We have commissioned a business case to articulate the strong need for a community services hub in West Heidelberg and have undertaken a thorough analysis of local sites which could accommodate the proposed facility.