Goranwarrabul House provides food relief, court and legal support, medical support, cultural support, referrals and transport and is the only local option for Aboriginal liaison officers at hospitals in the region.
Aboriginal liaison officers support patients from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background by improving healthcare services and maintaining positive relationships within the Aboriginal community, service providers and government departments. They are a link between the medical teams and the patient and families.
Goranwarrabul House co-ordinator Brenda Newman said the funding was cut without anyone informing the organisation.
“DFFH cut our funding, but nobody’s ever been here to see what we do or have a conversation about what we do,” she said.
“They decided we weren’t necessary any more.
“After 13 years, we’re the only Aboriginal organisation where people can connect to in the lower Hume.”
A total of 45 families rely on Goranwarrabul House for food support each week and more than 100 people attend services each week.
Without an increase in its annual funding, the community group will no longer be able to operate or cover wages, vehicles, rent, maintenance and general supplies, which allows it to host support groups, outings for children and NAIDOC events.
State 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,” she 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.”
Right now, the community is banding together to save Goranwarrabul House.
“We’ve got allies and friends that are looking all over the place for funding and trying very hard for funding,” Ms Newman said.
“They’re out there pushing our cause, which is some wonderful people.”
The petition is available to sign at parliament.vic.gov.au
“A big thank you from the Goranwarrabul House,” Ms Newman said.
“The support from the community has been amazing.
“I’d love for anybody to sign it (petition), but it’s a bit hard if you don’t have a computer.”
“But, anybody else, please sign it.”
