In 2002, Darebin was one of three metropolitan Councils selected to take part in a three year State Government project to ‘build community’ by involving local residents and government agencies in whole of government partnerships. Darebin’s Community Building Demonstration Project (CBP) focused on neighbourhoods in East Reservoir/East Preston, a large, diverse area housing 12,000 people. This is the most disadvantaged area in Darebin, with unemployment double the municipality’s average.
In the early stages of the Project, Council spoke to 600 people about their vision for the area – what they valued and what needed strengthening. The main issues arising included access to public transport, community safety, public housing, business partnerships, jobs and training, young people and community connectedness.
To help respond to these community priorities, the CBP generated 30 service partnerships, a high level of community participation and helped implement more than 35 events and projects with a renewed focus on the area. Achievements included winning funding to run a Streetlife Project, setting up a Community Jobs Program at a local Secondary College, six new bus stops and upgrades to public transport infrastructure, running three Neighbourhood Market Days and improving Police/Koori relationships.
Partnerships are continuing and local groups are now taking the initiative. For example, a group working on public housing issues is advocating for a Neighbourhood Renewal Project. Also, Council is looking into ways to continue supporting community strengthening work in disadvantaged areas of the municipality including running further Neighbourhood Days, training and supporting local people in community leadership and developing home based businesses including links to a micro credit initiative.
For more information, contact David Williamson on (03) 9230 4446.
