Accommodation support secured for 64 community neighbourhood centres and childcare centre

Monday, 21 May 2018

• The McGowan Government allocates $4 million for 64 WA community neighbourhood centres and childcare centres
• Decision reverses previous cuts to accommodation support by the Liberal National Government  

The State Government will provide $4 million over the next four financial years to continue to fund accommodation support to 64 community neighbourhood centres and childcare centres across Western Australia.

The recent State Budget reversed a Liberal National Government decision that would have meant affected community service organisations faced a significant financial burden relating to property maintenance and asset renewal, or replacement costs.

Community Services Minister Simone McGurk said $1 million had been allocated for each of the next four years, starting with 2018-19, to continue funding the costs for the ongoing maintenance, insurance costs and urgent capital works for the properties.

The funding applies to 36 community neighbourhood centres and 28 childcare centres - some of which are owned by the State Government while others are leased. The centres are made available at nominal rent to not-for-profit community and childcare organisations, which provide a range of community and family services.

The Government, through the Department of Communities, has also been working on a procurement process with the community services sector and other key stakeholders. This will identify how government can further support place-based, grassroots community development practices.

Comments attributed to Community Services Minister Simone McGurk:

"The decision to continue funding the asset management of 64 community neighbourhood and childcare centres, shows the McGowan Government's willingness to listen and respond to community concerns.

"Community service organisations have limited resources and need to be reassured that they can continue to provide their important activities and services.

"The centres provide places of inclusion and a range of social, recreational, educational and training opportunities that for some people make family life and work possible, and in many cases, improve health and wellbeing.

"The Government, through the Department of Communities, is working with service providers to ensure that the needs of Western Australian families continue to be met."