LCSA welcomes the formation of the inaugural Parliamentary Friends of Neighbourhood Centres Group within the NSW Parliament.

With tri-partisan support, LCSA hopes the Friendship Group heralds an era of awareness of, and funding for, the invaluable work that Neighbourhood and Community Centres (NCCs) do in communities across NSW.

NSW is one of the only states in Australia to not provide core funding to NCCs.

NCCs in NSW form an essential social infrastructure network, embedded in communities across the state, that facilitate social connection, belonging and community empowerment. They provide physical spaces for community-run activities and programs, such as daycare or parent groups. They also provide an array of services related to domestic and family violence, homelessness, disability support, aged care, food relief and referrals to specialist services. NCCs often play a central role in the immediate and long-term responses to natural disasters.

Can Yasmut, Executive Officer of LCSA said “Despite the integral role NCCs play in supporting local communities, there is no dedicated funding from the Government to keep the doors open. Instead, these centres rely on program-based funding, one-off grants, fundraising and donations to cover the cost of core staff.

“Like schools and hospitals, NCCs are essential social and physical infrastructure across communities in NSW. We wouldn’t expect a school or a hospital to run solely on program funding, and we shouldn’t expect that of NCCs.”

“We are heartened to find strong support for NCCs across the political aisle through the Friendship Group. LCSA looks forward to working with the Friendship Group to pursue better recognition and resourcing of NCCs, including ongoing and sustainable core funding”.

The Parliamentary Friends of Neighbourhood Centres Group is Co-Chaired by Anthony D’Adam (Labor Member of the Legislative Council), Jenny Leong (Greens Member for Newtown) and James Griffin (Liberal Member for Manly). Several Members of Parliament representing all of the major parties have signed up to participate in the future meetings and events (pictured above).

Read the full Media Release.