A petition has now been tabled with the Parliament of Victoria calling for Goranwarrabul House in Seymour to receive crucial funding so they can continue to deliver essential services for families across the region.
Goranwarrabul House provides food relief, court and legal support, medical support, cultural support, referrals, transport, and they are the only local option for Aboriginal Liaison Officers at hospitals in the region.
45 families rely on Goranwarrabul House for food support each week, and over 100 people attend services each week.
As it stands, this community group will no longer be able to operate without an increase in their annual funding to cover wages, vehicles, rent, maintenance, and general supplies, while also allowing them to host their support groups, outings for children, and their NAIDOC events.
The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, has been a consistent supporter of Goranwarrabul House and is named as the sponsor of the petition.
“Despite the enormous benefits Goranwarrabul House provides to indigenous families across North East Victoria, their funding has yet to be confirmed beyond this year,” Ms Cleeland said.
“This petition calls on the government to provide recurrent funding for Goranwarrabul House to cover their expenses including community program costs, community program contingency, rental expenses, staff and facility costs, motor vehicle costs, and administrative support.
“If this Government is genuine in their attempt to close the gap, then supporting community-based organisations like Goranwarrabul House would be a fantastic first step.”
The petition is available to sign at: Goranwarrabul House, Seymour (parliament.vic.gov.au)
