More election promises for Leongatha

IT WAS all smiles at Leongatha Community House last week as the Labor Government announced they would invest a $50K grant if re-elected. 

The grant will go towards the community house’s activities and programs, while allowing them to expand other opportunities. 

Gippsland South Candidate Denise Ryan and Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing were on deck to make the announcement, much to the delight of House manager Maddison Redpath. 

Ms Redpath said the House continues to experience increasing demand, catering to almost 9000 visitors this year. 

“We had to shut down obviously with the lockdowns,” she said.

“But we still operated a lot of services; we helped out with food relief and partnered with IGA and did a lot of Zoom classes.

“We tried to connect people where we could.”

Ms Redpath highlighted it was great to have the funding commitment, as community houses often went unrecognised for their vital work.

“It just means we will be able to invest in community projects,” she said.

“We’ve actually secured a community bus, and if we need to employ tutors and things like that the house can stay open for longer.”

Health hub for Leongatha 

The government also announced if they are re-elected, they will invest $67M to deliver new Mental Health And Wellbeing Locals, including in Leongatha. 

The services provide free at-point-of-care treatment and wellbeing support, including for people with co-occurring alcohol and drug addiction treatment and care needs.

According to the government, the Royal Commission recommended that all sites are opened by 2026, including Leongatha.

However, no further details were given on where the site would be located but it was indicated that it would be close to a major health service such as Leongatha Hospital. 

It is estimated that each Mental Health Local will cost an average of $22.2 million over the next four years.