Women put heart and soles forward

By Ed Merrison
WOMEN of the Hills have welcomed a boost to keep the heart of the communities pumping.
Team leaders from five of the region’s Neighbourhood Houses learnt on Thursday 7 September they would receive funding for an extra 10 program hours a month.
The news came as members of Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria plan to march on State Parliament on Thursday to demand recognition for their role and the demand on their services.
Monbulk MP James Merlino and Ferntree Gully MP Anne Eckstein announced the funding allocation during a visit to Coonara Community House in Ferntree Gully.
Mr Merlino said funding from the State Budget would provide an extra 10 program hours each to Coonara, Kallista, Olinda and The Basin community houses, while Ferntree Gully’s Mountain District Learning Centre would receive the same injection.
Kathy Cann, team leader at Kallista, said the news meant success in the campaign’s first stage, but did not remove the need for the march on Parliament.
“It’s great we’ve had the hours increased,” she said. “It will go some way to meeting current demand.
“The walk next week is to make sure the politicians are aware of our ongoing campaign and to maintain our visibility in the community.”
The Walk of Hearts has been organised by the Association of Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres and is expected to see 1000 hearts presented by members of more than 350 houses.
ANHLC enjoyed some success from a submission to Parliament last year, with extra Budget funds towards paying helpers.
However, houses still struggle to cope with demand for their range of services, which include self-help and social support groups, children’s activities, health promotions and a broad range of educational courses.
Mr Merlino said he would happily accept his hearts and take up the women’s case with Victorian Communities Minister Candy Broad.
Ms Cann said Mr Merlino had shown great support for the houses, and held out hope for a good outcome for the campaign.
“We’re more in demand than ever at the moment and anticipate that it will keep going that way,” she said. “We’re walking towards our future. Let’s put our hearts into it.”