• Abstract and Figures
• Public Full-text

1. Children and Young People’s Plan 2014-2018

Background Paper

January 2013

1 Acknowledgements

January 2013

This discussion paper was compiled by the Hobsons Bay Strategy and Advocacy Department. For further information contact the Hobsons Bay City Council on 9932 1000 www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

The Council acknowledges the people of Yalukit Wilum of the Boon Wurrung Country that makes up the Greater Kulin Nation as the traditional owners of these municipal lands.

The Council acknowledges the legal responsibility to comply with the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 and the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. The Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities is designed to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens. The Charter gives legal protection to 20 fundamental human rights under four key values that include freedom, respect, equality and dignity.

2 2. Executive Summary

Local Governments play varying roles in Traditionally, Hobsons Bay City Council early years and youth services across has implemented both a Children’s Plan Australia. The role generally includes direct (Municipal Early Year’s Plan) and a Youth service provision, local planning and Strategic Plan. The most recent Children’s research, provision of infrastructure, Plan 2009-2013 articulated the Council’s lobbying and advocacy for residents’ role in service and infrastructure provision, needs, facilitation and coordination at the planning, advocacy and community local level. development for children under eight years What happens to the child in the early of age. years, including from conception to birth, is The most current Youth Strategic Plan critical for the child’s developmental 2009-2013 provided a vision to guide the trajectory and overall life course. Council’s work towards ensuring young Equally important is the transition for young people in Hobsons Bay are valued, people into adulthood. Youth is a period of supported and championed to achieve their rapid emotional, physical and intellectual full potential. transition, where young people progress It is evident upon review of the Council’s from being dependent children to Children’s Plans and Youth Strategic Plans independent adults. This is often a period that progress has been made towards where young people face a range of life acknowledging, empowering and providing events and make decisions that can impact quality services for children and young on their immediate and longer term health people, and where appropriate, their and wellbeing.1 families. Research indicates that adolescence is the However, evaluation has also revealed that peak period for the onset of mental health some of the issues being faced by children disorders. Local data indicates that and young people are broader than those approximately 13 per cent of all residents that can be dealt with within age specific sought help for a mental health issue in the plans such as the one’s currently in place. past 12 months, higher than the state The Community Health and Wellbeing Plan average of 11.4 per cent and the North 2013-2017 (CHWP) sets out the broad West Metropolitan Region (NWMR) at 11.2 vision about what both the community and per cent. Council want to see for Hobsons Bay. While everyone wants the best for their children, not all have the same resources to help their children grow up healthy. Parents’ education and income levels can create or limit opportunities to provide their children with nurturing and stimulating environments and to adopt healthy behaviours for their children to model.2

1 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2007) Young 2 Wood (2008) Early Childhood Experiences: Laying the Australians: Their health and wellbeing Foundation for Health Across a Lifetime 3 The vision is: Evaluation of the Children’s Plan and the Valuing the wellbeing of our people and Youth Plan highlighted the commonalities our place, now and into the future: between the two and the existence of a A safe, clean, accessible and connected policy and service gap for children aged municipality, which values diversity, eight to 11 years. protects its heritage and environment, As such, it is proposed that a future fosters a strong sense of community and combined Children’s and Youth Plan provides opportunities to achieve the best highlight those commonalities however possible health and wellbeing. also tackle specific issues via clearly A place that people are proud to call home. articulating four cohorts and their identified This plan together with the Council Plan needs. These cohorts should include: 2013-2017 and the Municipal Strategic  Early years (0- 4 years) Statement forms the Council’s Strategic  Primary School (5 -11 years) Planning Framework.  Adolescence (12-18 years) Through the CHWP, the Council aims to  Young Adults (19-25 years) tackle some of the broader social Critical to the success of a combined plan determinants of health that impact children will be to ensure the plan emphasises the and young people including education, unique and differing strategies involved in employment, health services, and housing. working with these different cohorts and The plan will also provide a link for other their specific issues. service age specific strategies and plans.

4 3. Contents 4. Introduction

This document presents an analysis of current demographics and policies relating to children and young people, as well as a summary of the outcomes of the community consultation processes undertaken in 2013. Evaluation of the Council’s Children’s Plan (Municipal Early Years Plan) 2009-2013 and the Council’s Youth Strategic Plan 2009- 2013 is also presented along with recommendations for a future combined Children and Youth Plan for the Council.

Local Governments play varying roles in planning, advocacy and community early years and youth services across development. Australia. The role generally includes direct service provision, local planning and Why Are The Early Years research, provision of infrastructure, Important? lobbying and advocacy for residents’ Children’s healthy development depends needs, and facilitation and coordination at upon growing up in an environment which the local level. has an atmosphere of happiness, love and The specific programs that are either understanding. coordinated or funded and administered by A person’s social and economic local governments vary. However, circumstances may affect their health programs often include long day care, throughout their life. It is now well family day care, occasional care, after documented that these factors can have school-hours programs, Maternal and Child the most detrimental effect in our early life Health, intervention programs, supports to (prenatal to age 11), setting the families, playgroups, youth services, foundations for our adult health.3 counseling, skill development, youth What happens to the child in the early participation and neighbourhood and years, including from conception to birth, is community centres. critical for the child’s developmental Local governments have strong trajectory and overall life course. As such, partnerships with state and federal the early years are deemed a social governments in the planning, determinant of future adult health. establishment, implementation and While everyone wants the best for their evaluation of early years and youth children, not all parents have the same services, programs and policy objectives. resources available to help their children. Local government can influence policy and Parents’ education and income levels can service delivery at the local level in relation create or limit opportunities to provide their to the early years through to young people, children with nurturing and stimulating primarily through Council Plans and environments and to adopt healthy Children/Youth specific Plans. behaviours for their children to model.4 In Hobsons Bay, both the Council’s Children’s Plan and the Youth Strategic Plans articulate the Council’s vision for 3 World Health Organisation (2003) The Solid Facts: Social children, young people and their families. Determinants of Health The plans also set out the Council’s role in 4 Wood (2008) Early Childhood Experiences: Laying the service and infrastructure provision, Foundation for Health Across a Lifetime Research tells us that a child’s experiences sought help for a mental health issue in the within the family and community have past 12 months, higher than the state lasting effects on whether the child will average of 11.4 per cent and the NWMR at make friends, enjoy school, form stable 11.2 per cent.8 relationships and make healthy lifestyle Further, young people are particularly choices. In particular, early childhood vulnerable to the stressors of modern experiences determine an individual’s level society because they are in transition from of brain stimulation and brain childhood to adulthood. Young people are development.5This is said to contribute to especially vulnerable to homelessness, academic ability and performance which placing them at risk of physical and mental set the parameters for what individuals will health problems. High risk taking behaviour grow up to be and do as adults. can also increase the risk of mental health problems such as alcohol, tobacco and On the other hand, children who have a drug misuse, and physical health problems poor start in life are more likely to develop such as injury.9 learning, behavioral or emotional problems Those who have poor experiences in and experience poor health outcomes, adolescence are at greater risk of poor resulting in a shorter life space, social emotional and physical health into adult life inequalities and intergenerational leading to disadvantage and shorter life disadvantage. spans. Why Is Adolescence Important? Impacts on Children and Young There is growing evidence that effective People’s Futures nurturing throughout childhood, and the Children and young people’s development psychosocial transitions to young is highly susceptible to the range of adulthood, have significant effects on influential factors associated with their health and wellbeing throughout the life surrounding environment. Ensuring course.6 children and young people are provided Equally important is the transition for young with a clean, safe and healthy environment people into adulthood. Youth is a period of provides the best possible opportunity for rapid emotional, physical and intellectual them to remain free from illness. transition, where young people progress In most cases, children and young from being dependent children to adolescents are not in control of their independent adults. This is often a period environment and are dependent on adults where young people face a range of life to safeguard the environment that they will events and make decisions that can impact inherit for the future from hazards such as on their immediate and long term health global warming, loss of bio-diversity, air and wellbeing.7 and water pollution. Research indicates that adolescence is the It is the responsibility of everyone who peak period for the onset of mental health lives, works and visits Hobsons Bay to disorders. Local data indicates that ensure the protection of the environment approximately 13 per cent of all residents for future generations.

5 Najman et,al (2004) The Generational Transmission of Socioeconomic Inequalities in Child Cognitive Development and Emotional Health

6 Queensland Health. (2001) Social determinants of health: The 8 Department of Health (2012a), Mental Health and Drugs role of public health services. Brisbane: Queensland Health; Region Division, Community-based Public Mental Health Service 2001. Client Residential Profiles NWMR, 2010-2011

7 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2007) Young 9 Queensland Health. Social determinants of health: The role of Australians: Their health and wellbeing public health services. Brisbane: Queensland Health; 2001. 5. Demographic Analysis 6. What Do We Know About Children in Hobsons Bay? Our health is determined by much more than genes and lifestyle decisions. It is determined by the circumstances in which we are born, grow, live, work and age. The early childhood period of life (prenatal to age 11) is the most important development phase throughout the lifespan, setting the foundations for adult health.

Population Structure Seaholme and 10 per cent live in Newport The usual resident population of Hobsons West.10 Bay according to the 2011 Census is Over the coming decade, an increasing 87,348. There are 5,748 0 to four year olds number of children will be living in Altona and 6,590 5 to 11 year olds representing 6.9 North and Spotswood-South Kingsville, an per cent and 7.9 per cent of the population additional 640 and 359 children respectively. respectively. This is similar to the The number of children living in Seabrook is percentage of children in these age groups expected to fall by 120 as families in this in the Melbourne Statistical Division (MSD). neighbourhood mature. A similar trend is Table 1: Age ranges 0-11 years also expected in Altona Meadows.11 Age Number % 0 to 4 5,748 6.9 5 to 11 6,590 7.9

Total

12,338

14.8 Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 2012 Between 2006 to 2011, there has been an increase of 401 babies and pre-schoolers whereas there has been a decline of 749 primary schoolers. Population Forecast Just over one in every five children currently live in Altona Meadows which also has the 10 Australian Bureau of Statistics (2012) Census of Population largest share of the municipality’s total and Housing 2011, Commonwealth of Australia population. Fourteen per cent of children live in Altona North, 12 per cent live in Altona- 11 Forecastid (2012) Hobsons Bay – Population Forecasts http://forecast2.id.com.au/Default.aspx?id=112&pg=5000 Figure 1: Forecast Change of 0 to 11 Year Olds Between 2011 and 2021 by Neighbourhood Area

Source: ABS, 2012 Figure 2: Difference in Concentration of Families With Dependent Children 2006 to 2021 by Neighbourhood Area

Source: ABS, 2012

Family structure As of 2011, 32 per cent of households in Hobsons Bay are made up of couples with Figure 3: Children living with Couple children compared with 34 per cent of Families and One Parent Families households in Greater Melbourne. There Source: ABS, 2012 has been no significant change in The amount of five to 11 year olds living with households from 2006 in the broader one parent families significantly increases to Hobsons Bay. 1088 children. Table 2: Hobsons Bay Household Types 2011 Newly Arrived Children Households by type Number % According to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) there were 376 Couples with 10,303 31.7 newly arrived children from 1 January 2009 children to 1 January 2012. Couples without 7,631 23.5 Table 3: Newly Arrived Children in children Hobsons Bay One parent 3,597 11.1 Age Number % families Other families 475 1.5 0 to 5 250 66 Group 1,237 3.8 6 to 11 126 34 household Total 376 100% Lone person 7,901 24.3 Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) Other not 1,111 3.4 Reporting Facility 2012 classifiable Of the 376 newly arrived children, 64 came household via the humanitarian migration stream, 61 Visitor only 271 0.8 arrived via the family migration stream and households there were a further 251 children whose Total 32,526 100.0 parents came via the skilled migration households stream.12 Source: ABS, 2012 Aboriginal Children Further, there were 4,833 0 to four year olds According to the 2011 Census, there are 89 living within a two parent family compared to children in Hobsons Bay who identify as 558 0 to four year olds living within one Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. This is parent families. similar to 2006 where 88 children identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.13 Table 4: Aboriginal Children in Hobsons Bay

12 Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship, 1 January 2009 to 1 January 2012. DIAC Settlement Reporting Facility. Age Number % The number of babies returning for their 12 month visits however was much lower and 0 to 4 37 42 has decreased slightly, from 74 per cent in 5 to 11 52 58 2001 to 70 per cent in 2012. Total 89 100% The average increase for Metropolitan Source: ABS, 2012 Melbourne and Victoria was 10 per cent and 11 per cent respectively, which is higher Children with a Disability than the slight decrease in 12 month visits An estimated 588 children in Hobsons Bay for Hobsons Bay. aged 0-12 have a disability, representing Attendance at two year visits rose from 50 approximately 6 per cent of children in this per cent in 2001 to 54.7 per cent in 2012, age group.14 As of the 2011 census, 227 and this increase was significantly lower children had a need for assistance. than for Victoria (24%) and the Metropolitan average (26%). Birth Rate By the time the child reaches 3.5 years there The number of birth notifications in Hobsons is a significant decrease in attendance to Bay rose 11 per cent in the years from 2001 49.1 per cent as indicated in the table below. to 2011 from 1,233 to 1,374. This is lower than the Metropolitan average of 23 per cent and the Victorian average of 18 per cent. Table 5: Birth Rates from 2001/2 to 2010/11 Year Hobsons Victorian Metropolitan Bay Average Average 2001/2 1,233 785 1,461 2002/3 1,213 775 1,461 2003/4 1,223 800 1,523 2004/5 1,207 805 1,535 2005/6 1,253 842 1,608 2006/7 1,331 888 1,699 2007/8 1,340 902 1,732 2008/9 1,357 909 1,752 2009/10 1,404 935 1,818 2010/11 1,374 926 1,798 Per cent change: 9 years 11 23 18 Source: ABS, 2012

Maternal and Child Health The attendance at the four week Maternal and Child Health visits has not significantly changed from 93 per cent in 2001 to 93.4 per cent in 2012.

13 Australian Bureau of Statistics (2012) Census of Population and Housing 2011, Commonwealth of Australia

14 Australian Bureau of Statistics (2003 & 2010) The Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers Catalogue No. 4430.0. ABS, Canberra. Table 6: Participation Rates in MCH by Suburb and Stage July 2011 to June 2012 Wi N So Alt Alto Alto Alto La Alto Se Tota lli e uth on na na na ve na ab l a w Kin a Davi Mea Mea rt Mea ro Hob m p gsv No d St dow dow on dow ok son Key Ages st or ille rth % s s % s % s and Stages o t % % Rus Pow Coo Bay w % sell lett rami % n Crt St nta % % % % Home 101.0 97.8 97.3 109.8 102.3 113.9 82.9 93.2 103.8 96.3 100.2 Consult

2 weeks 94.9 92.8 88.3 98.8 97.7 98.3 87.8 101. 81.0 122. 91.5 4 2 4 weeks 94.4 96.0 85.6 94.5 98.5 93.9 85.4 102. 83.5 133. 93.4 7 3 8 weeks 89.7 93.9 84.7 87.2 96.2 89.6 85.4 97.3 89.9 138. 92.1 9 4 months 93.3 98.5 74.8 84.1 94.0 96.5 76.8 91.8 84.8 151. 86.5 9

8 months 87.4 86.1 66.4 68.5 84.0 92.5 76.3 71.5 84.1 104. 73.9 2

12 months 88.4 85.0 71.6 60.6 76.7 86.3 70.0 78.8 72.6 115. 69.8 5

18 months 85.7 83.8 67.6 50.7 66.7 69.4 73.9 51.4 59.0 82.3 59.2

2 years 68.0 73.1 62.2 52.2 62.0 71.2 62.0 50.6 71.8 74.7 54.7

3.5 years 63.5 68.5 55.7 46.7 66.0 68.6 64.6 73.4 54.2 52.0 49.1

Average 86.6 87.5 75.4 75.3 84.4 88.0 76.5 81.2 78.4 107. Participatio 1 n Rate Source: Hobsons Bay City Council Maternal and Child Health Statistics, 2012 Breastfeeding Immunisation Rates In Hobsons Bay, 38 per cent of six month Immunisation against infections disease has olds were fully breastfed at six months been shown to reduce deaths and illness (higher than the Western Metropolitan rate from a range of childhood disease. It also of 33 per cent and Victorian rate of 37 per offers protection for individual children and cent). reduces the rate at which these diseases The proportion of babies full or partially circulate within the broader community. breastfeeding at six months has risen 9 per Further, vaccine coverage needs to exceed cent between 2001 and 2011 for Hobsons 90 per cent to achieve and maintain the level Bay in line with the metropolitan average of community immunity necessary to (10%).15 interrupt the ongoing transmission of vaccine preventable diseases.16 15 Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Western Region Annual Report 2010/2011, www.education.vic.gov.au/ecsmanagement/matchildhealth/annuald 16 Department of Education and Early Childhood Development ata/archive.htm#H2N1000B (2010) Early childhood community profile, City of Hobsons Bay Immunisation rates tend to decline as However, the percentage of children fully children reach six years old. In Hobsons immunised at 24-27 months in Hobsons Bay Bay, this is also the trend. (93.1 %) was marginally less than the In 2008-2009, the percentage of children percentage fully immunised in the Western fully immunised at 12-15 months in Hobsons Metropolitan region (93.4%) and less that Bay (92.6%) greater than the percentage the percentage fully immunised across fully immunised in the Western Metropolitan Victoria (93.7%). region (92.1%) and greater than the Further in 2008-2009, the percentage of percentage fully immunised across Victoria children fully immunized at 60 to <63 months (91.9%). in Hobsons Bay (82.2%) was less than the percentage fully immunised in the Western Metropolitan region (83.8%) and less than the percentage fully immunised across Victoria (84.1%). Table 7: Immunisation rates in Hobsons Bay 2008-2009 12-15 months 24-27 months 60<63 months No. of Fully No. of Fully No. of Fully childre Immunised childre Immunised childre Immunised n n n Numbe % Numbe % Numbe % r r r Hobsons 1,294 1,198 92. 1,243 1,157 93. 1,082 889 82. Bay 6 1 2 Western 11,638 10,178 92. 10,934 10,215 93. 9,802 8,217 83. Metropolita 1 4 8 n Region Victoria 70,569 64,850 91. 69,989 65,560 93. 65,477 55,078 84. 9 7 1 Source: Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD, 2010) Asthma Rates Oral health status data provided by the Asthma is the most common long term Department of Health shows children condition among children and the leading between the ages of 0 and five years within cause of disease burden in Victorian Hobsons Bay have a rate of 2.8 for Decayed children. Asthma can have considerable Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) which is the impact on the physical, social and emotional second highest rate for the western region. life of children and can interfere with school Children in Hobsons Bay aged 9-11 years requiring urgent medical care in some have the highest rate of DMFT in the cases.17 western region alongside Maribyrnong with a In Hobsons Bay 15 per cent of prep children rate of 1.06.19 were reported to have asthma (slightly Table 8: DMFT Rates 0-12 years higher than the Victorian Western Local 0-5 6 7-8 9-11 12 Metropolitan Region rates of 14 per cent). Government years years years years years Approximately 28 per cent of children aged 0 Area Brimbank 2.92 3.72 3.5 0.96 1.53 to 12 in the Western Metropolitan are likely Hobsons Bay 2.8 2.73 3.03 1.06 1.49 to be exposed to second hand tobacco smoke in their homes.18 18 Najman et,al (2004) The Generational Transmission of Socioeconomic Inequalities in Child Cognitive Development and Oral Health Emotional Health

17 Department of Education and Early Childhood Development 19 Department of Health Victoria, North and West Metropolitan (2010) Early childhood community profile, City of Hobsons Bay Region (2011) Integrated Oral Health Plan. Maribyrnong 1.91 3.22 2.97 1.06 1.42  Social competence - refers to how a child plays, gets along with others Melton 1.87 2.07 2.12 0.69 1.66 Wyndham 1.44 2.79 2.63 0.87 1.36 and shares, is self confident. Source: DEECD, 2010  Emotional maturity - is defined as Australian Early Childhood the child’s ability to concentrate, help Developmental Index (AEDI) others, and be patient, not aggressive The AEDI is a population measure of or angry. children’s development as they enter school.  Language and cognitive skills Data was collected through a survey (school-based) - refers to a child who completed by a teacher at the child’s school is interested in reading and writing, in their first year of full-time school. The can count and recognise numbers average age of these children is five years and shapes. and seven months. The checklist contained  Communication skills and general over 100 questions about the development knowledge - is defined as a child of the child across five developmental who can tell a story, communicate domains: with adults and children and articulate Physical health and wellbeing - is defined as themselves. a child who is healthy, independent and ready each day.   Table 9: Percentage of Hobsons Bay Children Who Are Vulnerable on Each AEDI Domain  % of  % of children children develop develop  Victorian  Domain mentally mentally % 2012 vulnerabl vulnerabl e 200920 e 2012  Physical health and  8.8  8.8  7.8 wellbeing  Social  9.8  9.2  8.1 competence  Emotional  8.4  6.7  7.2 maturity  Language and cognitive  skills  6.4  5.3  6.1 (school- based)  Communicati on skills  10.5  8.5  8.0  and general knowledge  Source: http://maps.aedi.org.au/profiles/vic/23110 accessed 27 July 2012.  Results for children within Hobsons vulnerable in one or more domains Bay show that the overall percentage has decreased from 21.8 per cent in of children who are developmentally 2009 to 18.9 per cent in 2012. There

20 Children who score in the lowest 10 per cent when compared to the AEDI population are classified as ‘developmentally vulnerable’. These children demonstrate much lower than average developmental competencies as measured in that domain. has also been a decrease in children per cent in 2009 to 10 per cent in who are developmentally vulnerable 2012. on two or more domains from 11.7    Table 10: Proportion of children developmentally vulnerable within Hobsons Bay by local area

  Source: www.aedi.org.au   Kindergarten participation that result in a conclusion that a child  Kindergarten participation rates in has been or is likely to be abused, Hobsons Bay have improved over the neglected or otherwise suffer harm.21 past five years and now stand at 93  Childhood trauma, abuse and neglect per cent, higher than the Western are one of the most significant factors Metro Region (92%) and Victoria impacting on child health, wellbeing (92.7%). and development.22 Abuse in  childhood can result in a wide range  of long and short term consequences.  Parental Evaluation of In addition to physical harm, abused Developmental Status children can develop ongoing mental health and behavioral issues.23  The Parental Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS)  As indicated in the following table provides a report on child child protection substantiations for development undertaken as part of children aged 0 to eight years is a the first year of formal schooling, significantly lower rate per 1000 meaning any developmental and children for Hobsons Bay (5.2%) than behavioural problems in children can the Victorian rate per 100 children be identified early and dealt with (7.0%). accordingly.  However, since 2004-2005 to 2008-  In Hobsons Bay, 7.3 per cent of prep 2009 there has been alight increase children showed two or more from 4.4 per 1000 children to 5.2 per concerns which placed them in a high 1000 children for Hobsons Bay. This

risk category. A further 15.8 per cent 21 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2009, Child showed one concern which put them protection Australia 2007–08, Child welfare series no. 45 cat. no. in moderate risk requiring screening CWS 33, AIHW, Canberra. and monitoring. Both these rates are 22 Department of Human Services 2001, The 'Best Start' lower that the Western Metropolitan Indicators Project, Victorian Department of Human Services, Region rates. Melbourne.  Child Abuse Substantiation 23 Department of Human Services 2005, Draft Indicators of  Substantiations are those finalised Victorian Children's Health and Wellbeing , Victorian investigations of child maltreatment Department of Human Services, Melbourne (unpublished). translates to an increase of 84 reports between 2004-2008 from 208 reports to 292.  Table 11: Number and Rate of Child Protection Substantiations for Children Aged 0 to 8 years in Hobsons Bay 2004 to 2005 to 2008 to 2009.   Hobsons Bay  Victoria  Numbe  E  Rat  Numbe  E  R r of R e r of R at Substa P per Substa P e ntiation 10 ntiation of p s o 00 s ch er f chil ild 1 c dre re 0 h n n 0 il ag ag 0 d ed ed c r 0 0 hi e to to ld n 8 8 re a ye ye n g ars ar a e at g d 30 e 0 Ju d t ne 0 o (a to 8 ) 8 y y e e a ar r s a t 3 0 J u n e ( a )  20  44  9  4.4  4,266  56  7. 04- , 4, 6 20 9 12 05 5 0 6  20  61  9  6.2  4,368  56  7. 05- , 6, 7 20 8 75 06 1 0 0  20  37  9  3.8  4,179  57  7. 06- , 2, 3 20 7 71 07 6 0 3  20  42  9  4.2  4,282  58  7. 07- , 2, 4 20 8 22 08 8 1 4  20  52  9  5.2  4,177  59  7. 08- , 5, 0 20 9 54 09 9 5 4  (a) Due to the time lag in the production of the Estimated Resident Population at an LGA level the population base used is the estimated resident population for the first year in the financial year period. For example the 2007-2008 rate is (Substantiations 2007-2008)/ (ERP at 30June 2007) x 1000. 2007 ERP is revised and 2008 is preliminary.  Source: DEECD, 2010   Figure 4: Income of Couple  Families and One Parent Families      Income   The incomes of couple and one  Nutrition and Physical Activity parent families with children vary  In Australia, as in many Western dramatically. As the graph below countries, people often struggle to illustrates, there is a larger meet the recommended daily intake percentage of couple families with of fruits and vegetables. In Victoria, incomes towards the higher end of most young children eat their daily the scale and more one parent serve of fruit, but only minorities of families who have an annual income children eat the minimum of $20,800 or less. recommended daily services of 24  vegetables.     Although figures are not available at a  local government area, in the Western Metropolitan region, 33.7 per  cent of children aged four to 12 years  were reported to eat the minimum  recommended serves of both fruit and  vegetables each day in 2009. This is  lower than the proportion reported in  Metropolitan Victoria (34.8%) but this 25  difference was not significant.  24 Department of Education and Early Childhood Development  (2010) Early childhood community profile, City of Hobsons Bay  25 Ibid   Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas  Participation in physical activity is (SEIFA) are produced by the thought to influence many aspects of Australian Bureau of Statistics and is a child’s development. Physical based on factors such as low income, activity plays an important role in low educational attainment, high promoting healthy growth, weight unemployment, jobs in relatively control and cardiovascular fitness. It unskilled occupations and variables also provides children with that reflect disadvantage. The darker opportunities to interact with others the red on the map in the figure and to improve self esteem.26 below, the higher the incidence of  disadvantage. The palest grey areas  Children are probably at their most have the least disadvantage. active in their early school years.  In 2011, the SEIFA Index for Hobsons However, in the Victorian Child Health Bay was 1,001.7. This put Hobsons and Wellbeing Survey, there was Bay at ninth most disadvantaged evidence of a reduction in physical municipality in metropolitan activity and an increase in the use of Melbourne. electronic media as children age.27  Vulnerable children tend to live within  these disadvantaged areas (Laverton,  In the Western Metropolitan region, Altona North and Altona Meadows) 55.6 per cent of children aged five to indicating that their parents might 12 years were reported to do the have lower educational attainment or recommended amount of physical income levels. One parent families activity every day in 2009. This was also often have lower income levels. significantly lower than the proportion reported in 2006 (74.1%).28   Further in the Western Metropolitan region, 22.1 per cent of children aged five to 12 years were reported to use electronic media for more than two hours every day in 2009. This was higher than the proportion reported in 2006 (18.4%), but this difference was not significant.29    Socio – Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) – Index of Disadvantage

26 Department of Health and Ageing (2004) Australia’s Physical Activity Recommendations for 5-12 year olds, Canberra

27 Department of Human Services 2007, 2006 Victorian Child Health and Wellbeing Survey: Technical Report, Victorian Department of Human Services, Melbourne

28 Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (2010) Early childhood community profile, City of Hobsons Bay

29 Ibid   Figure 5: SEIFA According To Neighbourhood Area 2011

   Source: ABS, 2006    Intergenerational Equity in Relation  In most cases, children are not in to the Environment control of their environment and are  Today’s children live in an dependent on adults to ensure environment that is vastly different protection of their surroundings and from that of previous generations. In guard them from potential exposure the last years alone, new chemicals to hazardous environmental have been added to our eco-system, conditions or harmful substances. and their impact on health is in most  cases unknown. Equally,  It is the responsibility of everyone development continues to intrude and who lives and works in Hobsons Bay transform previous areas of the to ensure the protection of the natural environment, placing environment for future generations. additional stresses on finite natural resources.  o What Are the Major Issues in Relation to Early Years in Hobsons Bay?  Providing our children with the best possible start to life, particularly during their early years is of major importance in the growth and  Kindergarten participation development of happy, healthy and  The participation rate for children in socially connected individuals. Hobsons Bay was lower than that in Although the Council has made Victoria for at least three of the five progress in addressing issues for years between 2005 and 2009. children across the municipality in its  Physical activity, nutrition and oral last two Early Years Plans, there is health still work and advocacy to do around  A decrease in the amount children the following: aged five to 12 years reported to do  Income the recommended amount of physical  Families with children are over- activity every day in 2009. represented amongst households at a  An increase of children aged five to national level with low economic 12 years who reported to use resources and high levels of financial electronic media for more than two stress. hours every day in 2009.  There is an increase in children living  Slightly lower than Metropolitan with in one parent families as the Victoria of children aged four to 12 children transition from babies to pre- years who were reported to eat the schoolers to primary schoolers. minimum recommended serves of  Maternal and Child Health Key both fruit and vegetables each day in Ages and Stages consultations 2009.  Poor rates of consultations for  Children in the nine to 11 years of children at the key ages of two and age range have a higher rate of 3.5 year across the municipality but in DMFT than all other local particular for those families in Altona governmental areas in the catchment North. apart from Maribyrnong.  Immunisation Rates   Lower rate at 60<63 months for  Hobsons Bay children who are fully  immunized than the Western  Equity Metropolitan region and Victoria.  According to SEIFA (2011) and  demographic analysis of this paper  vulnerable children tend to live within  Australian Early Childhood disadvantaged areas (Laverton, Developmental Index Altona North and Altona Meadows)  Results for children within Hobsons indicating that their parents might Bay show that the overall percentage have lower educational attainment or of children who are developmentally income levels. One parent families vulnerable in one or more domains also often have lower income levels. has decreased from 21.8 per cent in  2009 to 18.9 per cent in 2012. There  These children, for a variety of has also been a decrease in children reasons, are likely to be more who are developmentally vulnerable developmentally vulnerable, have on two or more domains from 11.7 decreased intake of fresh fruit and per cent in 2009 to 10 per cent in vegetables in their diet, more likely to 2012. not undertake required amounts of  A particular focus is required for physical activity and more likely not to Laverton, Altona North/Brooklyn and participate in MCH or early years to a lesser degree Altona Meadows. education such as kindergarten.     What Do We Know About Young People in Hobsons Bay?

o Our health is determined by much more than genes and lifestyle decisions. It is determined by the circumstances in which we are born, grow, live, work and age. The health of young people (aged 12 to 25 years) is the result of a complex interplay of genetic, social, environmental, economic and cultural factors. The impact of these factors in adolescence affects health and wellbeing outcomes in adult life.   Population Structure and 12 per cent live in Altona-  The usual resident population of Seaholme.30 Hobsons Bay according to the 2011  Census is 87,348. There are 14,143  Over the next decade, Altona young people aged 12 to 25 years Meadows will maintain the highest old. This is similar to the percentage share of the municipality’s young of young people in this age group in people. However the number living the Melbourne Statistical Division there is starting to fall as families (MSD). There were 7,448 males and mature. A similar trend is occurring in 6,695 females across this age group. Seabrook. By 2021, the largest  Table 12: Age ranges of young increases in young people are people 12-25 years expected in Altona North and  Ag  Num  % Spotswood-South Kingsville, an e ber additional 420 and 175 young people 31  respectively.  12-  6,747  8  18   19-  7,396  8  25       To  14,14  16  tal 3   Source: ABS, 2012     There has been a decline in the 12-17  year old age group of 392 young  people from 2006 to 2011 and an increase in the 18-24 year old age 

group by 358 young people. 30 Australian Bureau of Statistics (2012) Census of Population and  Just over one quarter of young people Housing 2011, Commonwealth of Australia currently live in Altona Meadows. 31 Forecastid (2012) Hobsons Bay – Population Forecasts Thirteen per cent live in Altona North http://forecast2.id.com.au/Default.aspx?id=112&pg=5000  Figure 6: Forecast Change of 13 to 25 Year Olds Between 2006 and 2021 by Neighbourhood Area  Source: ABS, 2012  There are an estimated 888 young  Newly Arrived Young People people aged between 13-24 years  According to the Department of with a disability living in Hobsons Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) Bay.34 Furthermore, 218 young there were 505 newly arrived young people have a need of assistance people from 1 January 2009 to 1 with a core activity. January 2012.   Table 13: Newly arrived young people by migration stream   Migration Stream  A   Huma  T Fa nitari Sk an    15   12 12 22 4

   6   16 11 10 2

   37   18 17 21 4

   58   To 19 24 5

 Source: DIAC Settlement Reporting Facility,2012   Of the 505 newly arrived young people, 58 came via the humanitarian migration stream, 198 arrived via the family migration stream and there were a further 249 young people whose parents or themselves came via the skilled migration stream.32    Aboriginal Young People  According the 2011 Census, there are 98 young people in Hobsons Bay who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. This has increased from 61 young people in 2006.33 33 Australian Bureau of Statistics (2012) Census of Population  Young People with a Disability and Housing 2011, Commonwealth of Australia

34 Australian Bureau of Statistics (2003 & 2010) The Survey of 32 Australian Government Department of Immigration and Disability, Ageing and Carers Catalogue No. 4430.0. ABS, Citizenship, 1 January 2009 to 1 January 2012. DIAC Settlement Canberra. Reporting Facility.  Living Arrangements   In Hobsons Bay, the majority of 12 to  18 year olds live with their families as  Figure 8: 19 -25 Year Olds Living either dependent students or children in Private Dwellings under 15 years of age.   Figure 7: 12 – 18 Year Olds and  Source: ABS, 2012 Dependent Students Living in  Approximately 16 per cent of young Private Dwellings people aged 19-25 in Hobsons Bay  are living in group households (11%)  Source: ABS, 2012 or households where they are  The most common living arrangement unrelated to the other household for 19 to 25 year olds in Hobsons Bay members (5%). In addition, just over is as dependent students and non- four per cent are living alone (ABS, dependent children, closely followed 2012). by either marriage or in a de facto  relationship (ABS, 2012).  Family Formation   The table below provides an overview  of young women in Hobsons Bay who  have given birth to one or more  children. As at the 2011 Census,  there was a total of 263 young  women aged 15-24 years who had given birth, this is compared to 324 in  2006 and 509 in 1996 and represents  a 48 per cent decline from 1996 until  2011.      Table 14: Hobsons Bay Females Aged 15-24 Who Have Given Birth  N  1996  2006  2011 o          . 1 2 T 1 2 T 1 2 T o f

c h i l d r e n  1          5 2 3 3 1 2 2 1 1

 2          1 1 1 3 6 7 3 5 5

 3          3 3 3 0 2 2 0 6 6

 4          + 3 1 1 3 4 7 0 0 0

 T          o 6 4 5 3 2 3 2 2 2 t a l  Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2001, 2006 & 2011   areas) than broader regional  Participation in Education boundaries.  Secondary Education  Table 15: Year 10-12 Apparent  As at the 2011 Census, there were Retention Rates of Full-Time 4,936 secondary students living in Equivalent Students Hobsons Bay which equates to 5.9        per cent of the total Hobsons Bay 2 2 2 2 2 C population. This is similar to Greater Melbourne of 6.3 per cent.  W       e 8 8 8 8 8 1.  When looking at participation in st secondary school, majority of e r secondary school aged residents are n attending a government (55%), M et catholic (31%) or independent (13%) r secondary school. o p  There has been a slight decline in the ol it number of enrolments from 2001 to a 35 2011 although this is not significant. n R  Of the 4,938 secondary students e enrolled the number of males (2,589) gi 36 o to females (2,349) was similar. n  Apparent retention rates measure the  M       number of Year 12 equivalent student et 8 8 8 8 8 1. r enrolments expressed as a o percentage of the number of Year 10 p ol full time equivalent student it enrolments two years earlier. Local a n government area retention rates are V not considered reliable for use as ic t they are more sensitive to local o issues such as availability of schools ri offering secondary education. a  V       Further, students are more prevalent ic 8 8 7 8 8 1. to cross local government area t o boundaries (particularly in metro ri a 35 Australian Bureau of Statistics (2012) Census of Population  Source: DEECD, 2010 and Housing 2011, Commonwealth of Australia  In the Western Metropolitan region, 36 Ibid the Year 10-12 apparent retention rate has increased from 81.4 in 2006 per cent in the past ten years, to 83.1 in 2010 (1.7%). increasing from 2,147 to 2,698. Much  Post-secondary education of this increase was directed to the  As indicated in table below, the tertiary sector with over twice as participation of Hobsons Bay’s young many young people currently enrolled people aged 15-24 years in post at university compared to those secondary education has risen by 26 undertaking further education.  Table 16: Enrolment in Post Secondary Education   2001  2006  2011  C h a n g e 2 0 0 1 t o 2 0 1 1 %    F    F    F   M e T M e T M e T m m m a a a l l l e e e  Technical/Further Education including TAFE Colleges     2    2    2   1 Ful 2 0 4 2 1 4 2 2 4 2 4 0 1 %    1    8    8   - Pa 2 0 3 2 5 3 2 4 2 2 0 0 %  University or other Tertiary institution     6    6    9   4 Ful 4 7 1 5 8 1 7 4 1 7 5 7 4 %    1    9    1   1 Pa 7 0 1 5 5 1 8 0 1 1 5 9 %    1    1    1   2 To 1 , 2 1 , 2 1 , 2 6 0 0 3 % 8 7 5 4 7 8  Source: ABS 2001, 2006 & 2011   Destination of Recent Year 12  Completers  The On Track survey is run by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD). It follows up young people in the six months after they leave school from years 10, 11 and 12.  The Hobsons Bay aggregate On Track data is made up of six schools: Bayside College, Emmanuel College, Laverton P-12 College, Mount St Josephs Girls College, Point Cook Senior College,37 and Williamstown High School.  According to the Wyndham and Hobsons Bay Local Learning and Employment Network’s (WynBay LLEN) Environmental Scan 2012 there is a general upward trend in university offers and university enrolments for schools in the  Source: 2006 to 2011 WynBay Completion and Hobsons Bay cluster, (Figure 15) Achievement Data, DEECD which is a positive indicator. Offers  and enrolments in TAFE/VET have  remained stable for the past two  Figure 16: Hobsons Bay Cluster years (Figure 16). Aggregate On Track Data for  Figure 15: Hobsons Bay Cluster TAFE/VET, 2006-2011 Aggregate On Track Data for University Offers , 2006-2011.

  Source: 2006 to 2011 WynBay Completion and Achievement Data, DEECD

37 Point Cook Senior College is outside the Hobsons Bay  municipality however due to DEECD regional networks of  principals it is included.   The Transition of Early School research has identified that there is Leavers an increased ongoing vulnerability for  As the number of low-skilled jobs in those disengaged at this age cohort. the employment market decreases, Further to this, against other due to global competition, the metropolitan councils Hobsons Bay is importance of educational ranked fourth in terms of qualifications increases. Students disengagement (VLGA, 2012). who fail to attain Year 12 have fewer  employment opportunities and are  more likely to experience extended  periods of unemployment than Year  12 graduates. The attainment of Year  12 or an equivalent qualification, such as an apprenticeship or certificate III  qualification, underpins further  education, training or employment.38    Educational Attainment   The 2011 Census provides further  information into the educational attainments of young people who are  no longer attending school and the  Transition and Risk highest level of secondary school  Some young people have difficulties they completed. managing the transition from school  In Hobsons Bay, over the five year to work or further education. period 2005 to 2009, the Year 12 or Organisations such as the equivalent rates have decreased by Dusseldorp Skills Forum, who have 3.4 percentage points, from 72.1 in researched and written extensively 2005 to 68.8 in 2009. Further, in 2009 about youth transitions, have the year 12 or equivalent attainment identified the potential risk of young rates in Hobsons Bay were lower than people who leave school and are not that in the Western Metropolitan engaged in further education, training region (77%) and lower than the rate or employment. across Victoria (79.8%).39  Approximately six per cent (285  young people) of 15 to 19 year olds and 14 per cent (638 young people)  Figure 17: Year 12 or Equivalent of 20 to 24 year olds are disengaged Attainment Rates at Age 19 in from paid work or education. Hobsons Bay Proportionally the incidence of  Source: DEECD, 2010 disengaged youth has slightly  improved since 2006 (Victorian Local  Governance Association (VLGA)  2012).  Figure 18 compares the level of  In terms of the disengagement rate attainment of 15-19 year olds in for 20 to 24 year olds the figure for Hobsons Bay with their western and Hobsons Bay is three per cent higher metropolitan counterparts. than the metropolitan Melbourne  Just under half (48.66%) had average. This figure is alarming as completed Year 12 or equivalent

38 Wyndham and Hobsons Bay Local Learning and Employment 39 Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Network (WynBay LLEN) (2012) Environmental Scan 2012 (2010) Early childhood community profile, City of Hobsons Bay which is higher than the western greater Melbourne regions, however metropolitan region (41.96%) and Hobsons Bay had 3.52 per cent of greater Melbourne (46.33%). young people aged 15-19 years who  In relation to those that left school no longer attend school only prior to Year 12, including years 9, 10 completed year 8 which is higher than and 11 Hobsons Bay has slightly the western region (3.23%) and lower percentage than the western or greater Melbourne (3%).  Figure 18: Highest year of school completed and no longer at school (15-19 years)   Source: ABS, 2012      Labour Force Participation   Employment Status   In Hobsons Bay, employment trends  are undergoing a shift. The numbers  of young people working full-time are  The figure 19 on the following page declining while those with a part-time shows that in Hobsons Bay, the job in the 19-25 year old age cohort majority of 12 to 18 year olds are not are increasing. Those in the 12-18 in the labour force, which is to be years cohort have remained the expected as most are still in same. The factors influencing this education. Those who are employed change include a growth in casual tend to work part time. employment and part-time jobs  particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors, which are the largest  employers of young people, together  with more young people combining  their study with part-time work.                Figure 19: Employment status of 12-18 Year Olds   Source: ABS, 2012  In Hobsons Bay, 35 per cent of 19-25 although since 2006 there has been a year olds are employed full-time, decline of 6 per cent of young people (157) with a full-time job. In the same 11 per cent of young people not in the period, the number of young people in labour force (150). part-time work increased by 33 per  cent (500 young people) which may  be due to more young people  balancing work and further study and  or evidence of increased casualisation of the workforce (ABS,  2012).   Furthermore, since 2006 there has  been a 40 per cent increase in the  amount of 19-25 year olds  unemployed looking for part time  work (61 people) and an increase of        Figure 20: Employment status 19-25 Year Olds   Source: ABS, 2012  employer of young people aged  Employment Industry between 19 and 25 in 2011 with 465  Table 17 shows that retail trade has people being employed. been the main employer of both age  groups. This is followed by  accommodation and food services for  both age cohorts. However for 19 to  25 year olds manufacturing has  decreased from 422 employed people  in 2006 to 324 in 2011. Construction has overtaken as the third placed            Table 17: Industry of Employment for Hobsons Bay Young People   12 to 18  19 to 25  Total years years  2  2  2   2  0 0 0 2 0 20 0 1 0 0 6 1 6 6  Agriculture, Forestry and  0  0  1   1  Fishing 0 1 0 10

 Mining  0  0  1   1  0 0 0 0  Manufacturing  6  7  4   4  8 3 2 3 9 39 2 0  Electricity, Gas, Water and  0  0  2   2  Waste Services 1 3 1 38

 Construction  5  5  3   3  9 9 3 4 9 52 5 4  Wholesale Trade  2  6  1   2  5 9 1 2 17 6 1  Retail Trade  4  3  8   1  0 1 2 8 2 11 3 5 3 2 6  Accommodation and Food  3  3  4   8  Services 5 4 5 6 1 98 6 4 4 0  Transport, Postal and  1  1  2   2  Warehousing 5 3 8 3 9 32 0 5  Information Media and  1  1  9   1  Telecommunications 6 9 7 8 1 10 3  Financial and Insurance  6  3  2   2  Services 0 1 1 16 8 4  Rental, Hiring and Real Estate  1  1  9   1  Services 8 4 1 7 0 84 9  Professional, Scientific and  1  1  3   3  Technical Services 2 6 0 2 1 31 0 2  Administrative and Support  2  1  1   2  Services 6 3 9 2 2 22 8 4  Public Administration and  5  6  1   1  Safety 7 1 7 14 3 8  Education and Training  2  3  1   1  0 8 7 2 9 29 5 5  Health Care and Social  1  2  3   3  Assistance 6 6 0 3 1 37 1 7  Arts and Recreation Services  3  4  1   1  7 0 4 1 7 21 1 8  Other Services  3  3  2   2  4 1 0 2 3 23 4 8  Inadequately described  1  1  5   6  0 4 9 7 9 89

 Not stated  4  2  1   1  6 6 0 9 5 11 5 1  Not applicable  n  5  n   n  ot 6 o 2 o 81 in 8 t t cl 8 i u n i d c n e l c d u l d u e d d e d  Total  1  6  4   5  1 7 6 7 7 14 7 4 0 7 2 4 3 5  Source: ABS, 2012  six per cent of 12 to 18 year olds had  no income and it can be assumed  that high proportions were completing their secondary education. This  decreases to 11 per cent in the 19 to  25 year old bracket.  Volunteering   Ten per cent of young people aged  Within the 12 to 18 year old age 12-25 years volunteer. This is lower bracket, just under 20 per cent had a than the average of 14 per cent for weekly income of less than 200 the broader Hobsons Bay community. dollars, suggesting that some were  Figure 21: 12-25 year olds who combining study with a part-time job volunteer or possibly receiving a Centrelink  allowance.  Source: ABS, 2012    This figure again decreases to 14 per  cent as people move to the 19 to 25  Income year old age group and possibly  Table 18 outlines the individual leaving high school or further study weekly incomes of young people and enter the workforce for the first aged between 12 to 18, and 19 to 25 time. years as at the 2011 census. Twenty   Table 18: Individual weekly income for young people aged 12-25 years from Hobsons Bay   12  1  1  1  T  T - 2 9 9 o o 18 - - t t yea - 2 2 a a rs 5 5 l l nu 1 y y % mb 8 e e er ar ar y s s e n % a u r m s b er %  Negativ  92  1  6  1  1  1 e % 0 % 5 % income 2  Nil  175  2  8  1  2  1 income 8 6 2 1 5 8 % 2 % 8 % 0  $1-$199  123  1  1  1  2  1 8 8 0 4 2 6 % 1 % 5 % 2 0  $200-  129  2  8  1  9  7 $299 % 3 1 6 % 4 % 3  $300-  88  1  6  9  7  5 $399 % 6 % 5 % 5 3  $400-  72  1  9  1  1  7 $599 % 7 3 0 % 3 % 4 5  $600-  26  0  1  1  1  7 $799 % 0 4 0 % 0 % 3 5 1  $800-  7  0  6  9  6  5 $999 % 4 % 4 % 1 8  $1,000-  6  0  4  6  4  3 $1,249 % 2 % 3 % 5 1  $1,250-  0  0  2  3  2  2 $1,499 % 1 % 1 % 2 2  $1,500-  0  0  8  1  8  1 $1,999 % 2 % 2 %  $2,000  3  0  4  1  4  0 or more % 1 % 4 %  Not  462  7  6  8  1  8 stated % 2 % 0 % 5 8 7  Not  286  4  0  0  2  2 applica 5 2 % 8 0 ble % 6 % 5  Total  674  1  7  1  1  1 6 0 3 0 4 0 0 9 0 1 0 % 7 % 4 % 3  Source: ABS, 2012  Centrelink Allowances  whether they are living at home or  Young people, who are studying, are independently unemployed or on low incomes may  whether they are single or partnered be eligible for a range of Centrelink  whether they have children allowances which vary according to:  Table 19 provides an overview of the  the type of allowance Centrelink allowances for 16 to 25  the age of the recipient year olds who live in Hobsons Bay.   Table 19: Centrelink payments for 16-25 year olds living in Hobsons Bay  C  C  P  Ne  D  Youth  Yo  A a a ar ws is Allowan ut u r r e tar a ce h s e e nt t b Apprent All t r r in All ili iceship/ o u P p g o t  Trainee wa d a a P wa y ship nc y y y a nc S e ( m m y e u Fu 2 e e m 21 p ll- 0 n n e - p ti - t t nt 25 o m 2 1 2 Si rt e 5 6 0 n P St ) - - gl e ud 1 2 e n en 9 5 u si t y p o (2 e y to n 0- a e 2 ( 25 r a 5 1 ) s r 6 s - 2 5 )  <  2  1  Ap  1  <20  13  2 2 2 4 pr 8 10 0 0 5 ox 1 44 0  Source: Centrelink: unpublished data March quarter 2011  According to Centrelink data, there (1,310), of whom a small number of were just over 2,100 young people 20 were eligible for Austudy payment. receiving payments. The largest type There are also a small number of less of payment was for full time students than 20 who were receiving an allowance while they undertake an beds for young people who are apprenticeship or traineeship. homeless or at risk of homelessness.  There are 181 young people who  In addition, there are 14 registered were receiving a disability support rooming houses in Hobsons Bay. pension. An approximate total of 440 These are independently owned and young people (aged 21-25) were therefore the conditions can vary. receiving unemployment assistance  As a result of the lack of affordable through Newstart. private rentals, more low income  Housing residents are turning to public  Access to housing housing (housing owned and  Housing is an issue which becomes managed by the state government). increasingly important as young The Department of Human Services people seek greater independence provides 1204 properties in Hobsons and prepare to leave home. In the Bay; however the waiting lists are current climate, with a shortage of long, with an average waiting time of rental properties, high rental costs four years.41 and the increasing cost of purchasing  a home, young people are not alone  in facing housing difficulties.   However, the difficulties associated  with finding affordable, appropriate  housing can be exacerbated for young people, particularly for those  not yet established in permanent  Health and Wellbeing work, limited earning capacity, or not being able to provide appropriate references. Young people who are studying are also more likely to defer the decision to leave home until they have secure employment.  Rental housing  In 2011, there were 583 dwellings for rent in Hobsons Bay and of these, 53 (9 per cent) were affordable for low income households. While this figure has improved slightly over the last couple of years, it has fallen significantly from a peak in 2005, when there were 229 (45 per cent) affordable rental properties in Hobsons Bay.40  Figure 22: Percentage of Affordable Rentals   Latitude Housing Group Inc has 14 properties in the municipality, with 28

41 Nader, C (2011) ‘Crisis in Public Housing’, The Age, 31 40 Dept of Human Services (2009), Victorian Government, Rental January 2011. Reports  In 2010-2011, there were 2,222 hospital admissions of young people aged 15 to 24 who lived in Hobsons Bay. The most common reasons for admission were diseases of the digestive system which accounted for 16 per cent of all admissions.  Other common reasons for admission included pregnancy, childbirth and after birth care (329 admissions), injury, poisoning, and certain other consequences of external causes  Hospital Admissions (294 admissions). See the table below.  Table 20: Admissions to Hospital 2010-2011  Reason for admission  Males  Females  Total**  15-19  20-24  15-19  20-24   Certain Conditions Originating in the Perinatal Period  0  0  0  0  0  Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases  17  31  22  37  107  Congenital Malformations Deformations and Chromosomal Abnormalities  3 *  3 *  6  3*  15  Diseases of the Blood and Blood-Forming Organs and Certain Disorders Involving the Immune Mechanism  22  15  3  3  43  Diseases of the Circulatory System  15  7  9  5  36  Diseases of the Digestive System  74  93  96  100  363  Diseases of the Ear and Mastoid Process  3 *  0  3 *  0  6  Diseases of the Eye and Adnexa  3 *  6  3*  3 *  15  Diseases of the Genitourinary System  7  19  22  67  115  Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue  20  34  11  20  85  Diseases of the Nervous System  8  8  8  26  50  Diseases of the Respiratory System  25  38  40  37  140  Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue  18  25  11  20  74  Endocrine Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases  3 *  3 *  10  3*  19  Factors Influencing Health Status and Contact with Health Services  15  37  34  31  117  Injury Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes  90  123  33  48  294  Mental and Behavioural Disorders  25  54  40  25  144  Neoplasms  11  8  13  15  47  Pregnancy Childbirth and the Puerperium  0  0  63  266  329  Symptoms Signs and Abnormal Clinical Laboratory Findings NEC  27  28  61  98  214  Undefined  3 *  3 *  0  3*  9  Total**  389  535  488  810  2,222  Source: Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset (VAED) and Victorian Emergency Minimum Dataset (VEMD)  * = approximate value due to low numbers  ** = approximate totals due to incomplete data set  three of the five years between 2004  Mental Health and 2009.44  Psychological or emotional distress  Specialist Child and Adolescent refers to an individual’s overall level Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are of psychological strain or pain, as provided for children and adolescents reflected in states of depression, up to the age of 18 years with serious anxiety and anger. Psychological emotional disturbance including distress may be fairly transient, e.g. diagnosable psychiatric disorders. experiencing high anxiety over an  Despite the high levels of upcoming exam, or sadness because psychological distress being reported, of the break-up of relationship, but from 2005-06 to 2010-11, the number may also be a continuing problem, of CAMHS clients and the associated particularly among those experiencing number of contacts with mental health mental health problems and clinical services has reduced significantly disorders.42 from 228 clients (7,210 contacts) to  In 2009, 19.9 per cent of adolescents 81 clients (856 contacts). Regionally, (years 7, 9 and 11) surveyed in this translates to a 5 per cent Hobsons Bay reported high levels of reduction in clients (7% to 2%).45 psychological distress. This was  The Council funds one free youth higher than that reported across specific counselor. This is the only Western Metropolitan Region (14.1%) free youth specific counselor and Victoria (13%).43 operating in the municipality, which  Despite fluctuations, the Western has led to long waiting lists for young Metropolitan rates for hospitalisations people trying to access support. for intentional self harm have been Hobsons Bay City Council counseling higher than that across Victoria for

44 Adolescent Community Profile (2010) 42 AIHW (2007) 45 Department of Health (2012a), Mental Health and Drugs 43 Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Region Division, Community-based Public Mental Health Service (2010) Adolescent Community Profile, City of Hobsons Bay 2010 Client Residential Profiles NWMR, 2010-2011 data shows that the average wait for  Bullying is characterised by an counseling is 14 weeks.46 imbalance of physical or  Hobsons Bay Youth Services data psychological strength between the shows that in the past 12 months bully and his or her victim. Bullies referrals to the counseling service repeatedly expose their victims to have been made by: parents (23%), aggressive physical or verbal acts schools (42%), community over time.51 Bullying is known to agencies/government departments negatively impact on young people’s (15%), and self referrals (20%).47 mental health status, including  The most common issues that young increasing risk of depression, anxiety, people are presenting to counseling poor self-esteem and withdrawal.52 for are anger management, family  In 2009, 48.3 per cent of adolescents issues, mental health, bullying, self surveyed (years 7, 9 and 11) in esteem, grief and loss. Hobsons Bay were recently bullied.  There has also been an increase in This was higher than the proportion young people presenting at the reported across Western Metropolitan counseling service with significant Region (45.8%) and Victoria (44.6%) mental health issues and being although both differences were not deemed ineligible or being unable to significant.53 offer longer term support as  Youth Services manage the state required.48 funded “Access and Service  In 2010-2011, 305 requests for Coordination” project. Student counseling were received, an Welfare Coordinators are reporting increase of 41 per cent from the that over 90 per cent of their work previous financial year which saw 217 with students has involved young people requesting counseling implementing suicide prevention support.49 training.54  Of the 305 requests for counseling,  96 per cent were eligible for  Psychiatric Hospitalisation counseling support, a slight increase  Mental health problems are the from the previous year (88%). There leading contributor to burden of is continuing ineligibility to the service disease among young Australians due to young people presenting with with anxiety and depression being the issues requiring specialised and specific leading cause in both males longer-term support from things such and females.55 There are many as significant mental health issues, consequences if mental health anxiety, depression, personality problems are not resolved. Children disorders and eating disorders, which may experience a poorer quality of need.50 life, physical health problems,  decreased academic attainment, risky  Bullying 51 AIHW (2009)

46 Hobsons Bay City Council internal reporting 52 Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (2010) Adolescent Community Profile, City of Hobsons Bay 2010 47 Hobsons Bay City Council internal reporting 53 Department of Education and Early Childhood Development 48 Hobsons Bay City Council internal reporting (2010) Adolescent Community Profile, City of Hobsons Bay 2010

49 Hobsons Bay City Council internal reporting 54 Hobsons Bay City Council internal reporting

50 Hobsons Bay City Council internal reporting 55 AIHW (2007) behaviours, substance use, and ion suicidal ideation. Mental illness can  Vict      also have negative impact on the oria 8 8 6 6 6 family and social environment.56  Source: Department of Health 2010, Victorian  Table 21 shows that during 2009- Admitted Episodes Dataset (VAED), Funding, Health 2010, there were 11.2 psychiatric Information Policy Branch, unpublished hospitalisations per 1,000  Alcohol Use adolescents (10-17 years old) in  Alcohol use and abuse is an issue Hobsons Bay. This is higher than the that impacts on the entire population. psychiatric hospitalisation rate in the Young people are not immune to its Western Metropolitan region (6.2 per affects, some of which can result in 1,000 adolescents) and higher than involvement in car accidents, physical the rate in Victoria (6.7 per 1,000 assaults, and admissions to hospital. adolescents).57  Approximately 80 per cent of young  Hobsons Bay was also ranked six out Australians have consumed alcohol of 68 local government areas in terms by age 19, with 62.4 per cent of 14 to of the psychiatric hospitalisation rate 19 year olds consuming alcohol in the during 2009-2010. A rank of one was last 12 months and 21.8 per cent assigned to the local government consuming alcohol on a weekly area with the highest rate of hospital basis.59 separations.58  The short and long term harms  associated with alcohol use in young  Table 21: Psychiatric people are considerable as alcohol Hospitalisation Rate for also acts as a precursor to other Adolescents (10-17 years) in health and lifestyle problems Hobsons Bay 2005-2006 to 2009- experienced by young people that 2010 can impact negatively on their 60       future. 2 2 2 2 2  In particular, alcohol consumption can act as a risk factor for unsafe sexual  practices,61 violence and injury,62 R adverse behavioural problems,63 64  Hob      academic failure, and mental health son 6 1 6 5 1 s Bay 59 AIHW. 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Survey report.  We      Canberra: AIHW, 2011 ster 9 9 7 7 6 n 60 NHMRC. Australian Guidelines to reduce health risk from Met drinking alcohol. Canberra: NHMRC; 2009. rop olit 61 Coleman L, and Carter, S. A qualitative study of the an relationship between alcohol consumption and risky sex in Reg adolescents. Arch Sex Behav. 2005;34:649 - 61.

56 Raphael, B (2000) Promoting the Mental Health and Wellbeing 62 Mattila V, Parkkari, J,. Lintonen, T., et al. Occurrences of of Children and Young People. Discussion Paper: Key Principles violence and violent-related injuries among 12-18 year old Finns. and Directions, National Mental Health Working Group, Scand J Public Health. 2005;33:307-13. Department of Health and Aged Care. 63 French M, and Maclean, J. Underage alcohol use, 57 Department of Education and Early Childhood Development delinquency, and criminal activity. Health Economics. (2010) Adolescent Community Profile, City of Hobsons Bay 2010 2006;15:1261-81.

58 Department of Education and Early Childhood Development 64 NHMRC. Australian Guidelines to reduce health risk from (2010) Adolescent Community Profile, City of Hobsons Bay 2010 drinking alcohol. Canberra: NHMRC; 2009. and social problems.65 In addition, early age of onset and feeling drunk during initial drinking experiences increases probability of problem drinking in adulthood.66  Alcohol Related Assaults  Data on alcohol related assault is limited to young people aged 18 to 24 years.67 In 2007-08 there were 31 young people from Hobsons Bay who were victims of alcohol related assault. There has been an increase in alcohol related assaults for young people living in Hobsons Bay which is similar to the NWMR and Victorian trend. However Hobsons Bay still remains lower than both.   

65 Brown S, and Tapert, S. Adolescence and the trajectory of alcohol use: basic to clinical studies. Annals NY Acad Sci. 2004;1021:234-44.

66 Warner L, White, H., and Johnson, V. Alcohol initiation experiences and family history of alcoholism as predictors of problem-drinking trajectories. J Stud Alcohol. 2007;68:56-65.

67 Matthews, S., and Barratt, M. J. (2011). Victorian alcohol statistics: Wholly alcohol attributable hospitalisations across Victorian local government areas Volume 2 Alcohol related harms and use across Victorian LGAs 1999-2000 to 2007-08 Appendices and Data Table Updates. Fitzroy, Victoria: Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre.  Table 22: Alcohol Related Assaults For 18 to 24 Year Olds   2  2   2  2 Are 0 0 200 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 4 6 7 - -  - - 2 2 Tota 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 5 7 8  T  T  T  T o o o o t t t t a a al a l l r l a r r r t a a a e t t t s e e e p s s s e p r e p p 1 r e e 0 1 r r , 0 0 , 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 , , 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   1  2   3  2 Hob 9 0 27.7 3 8 . . . . 2 2 5 8 8 9 7 9   2  3   4  3 NW 7 0 36.0 0 1 . . . . 8 0 3 9 0 7 9 6   3  3   4  3 Vict 2 5 38.8 2 4 . . . . 0 3 2 7 8 0 5 4  Source: Department of Health and Victoria: Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre, Victoria Police LEAP  Alcohol Related Hospital       Admissions Are 2 2 2 20 20  Alcohol related hospital admission is      admission to hospital resulting from T T T Tot To high-risk alcohol consumption. Table 23 provides an overview of alcohol       related hospital admissions from Hob 4 4 5 57. 58 2003-04 through to 2007-08 for 15 to       24 year olds who live in Hobsons NW 3 4 4 45. 48 Bay.        Table 23: Alcohol Related Vict 4 4 4 50. 51 Hospitalisations 15 to 24 Years Old.  Source: Department of Health and Victoria: Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre, Victorian Admitted Episodes Database  There has been an increase in females aged 15 to 24 years in the alcohol related hospitalisations at a region.68 local level, regionally and at the  Victorian level. The level of increase in Hobsons Bay however has been higher than those in the NWMR and Victoria.  Wholly Alcohol Attributable Hospitalisations  Table 24 provides an overview of wholly alcohol attributable related hospital admissions from 2003-04 through to 2007-08 for 15 to 24 year olds who live in Hobsons Bay. Wholly alcohol attributable hospitalisations do not include assaults, car accidents, injuries and other causes of hospitalisation that may be partially caused by alcohol.  The Victorian rates for males aged 15 to 24 years rose from 34 to 47 per 10,000 residents. The North and West Metropolitan Region (NWMR) rate follows this overall trend, rising from 33 to 42 per 10,000 residents over the last five years.  The NWMR rate for females aged 15 to 24 years showed a higher increase, rising from 21 to 38 per 10,000 residents over the last five years.  Hobsons Bay followed a similar trend across both males and females with males increasing from 46 to 58 per 10,000 and females increasing from 22 to 42 per 10,000 over the five year period.  Hobsons Bay was similar to the state and other regions with males showing generally higher rates of hospitalisation than females which is different from the broader NWMR which has started to trend towards convergence between rates of hospitalisation among males and

68 Matthews, S., Barratt, M.J. Strickland, H. and Lloyd B. (2011). Victorian alcohol statistics: Wholly alcohol attributable hospitalisations across Victorian local government areas – Age and gender comparisons 2003–04 to 2007–08. Volume 1. Fitzroy, Victoria: Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre  Table 24: Wholly Alcohol Attributable Hospitalisations 15 to 24 Year Olds.   2003-2004  2004-2005  2005-2006  2006-2007  2007-2008 Are  Total rates per  Total rates per  Total rates per  Total rates per  Total rates per 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000                M Fe T M Fe T M F T M Fe T M Fe T

              

                Ho 4 21. 3 5 16. 3 4 16 3 6 25. 4 5 41. 5                 NW 3 20. 2 3 24. 2 3 26 3 4 26. 3 4 38. 4                 Vict 3 23. 2 3 29. 3 3 33 3 4 31. 3 4 33. 4

 Source: Department of Health and Victoria: Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre  Alcohol Related Serious Road Bay which is similar to the NWMR Injuries and Victorian Trend. However  In 2007-08 there were 19 young Hobsons Bay (17.71 per 10,000) is people from Hobsons Bay who were higher than both the NWMR (12.97 victims of alcohol related serious road per 10,000) and Victoria (15.29 per injuries. There has been an increase 10,000) in 2007-2008. in alcohol related serious road injuries  for young people living in Hobsons   Table 25: Alcohol Related Series Road Injuries 15 to 24 Years Olds.  A   2  2  2  200 r 20 0 0 0 7- e 0 0 0 200 a  4 5 6 8 To - - -  Tot 2 2 2 al 0 0 0 rat 0 0 0 es 5 6 7 per  T  T  T 10, o o o 000 t t t a a a l l l r r r a a a t t t e e e s s s

p p p e e e r r r

1 1 1 0 0 0 , , , 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

 H   1  1  9  17. o 10. 4 1 . 71 b . . 4 s 0 0 4 o 9 8 n s

B a y  N   1  1  1  12. W 12. 4 3 4 97 M . . . R 4 0 2 7 7 4  V   1  1  1  15. i 15. 6 5 5 29 c . . . t 8 6 9 o 5 6 2 r i a  Source: Department of Health and Victoria: Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre, VicRoads  Sexual and Reproductive Health recommended daily serves of  Sexual and reproductive health is vegetables.70 integral to supporting young people  as they develop. Women’s Health  In 2009, 20.1 per cent of adolescents West identified significant issues such (years 7, 9 and 11) in Hobsons Bay as teenage fertility rates, low pap were eating the minimum screening rates and low proportions recommended serves of fruit and of contraceptive use in Hobsons Bay, vegetables each day. This was higher highlighting this as a health need for than the proportion reported across young people in Hobsons Bay.69 the Western Metropolitan Region  Nutrition (18.3%) and Victoria (19%).71  In Australia, as in many Western  countries, people often struggle to  Sun Protection meet the recommended daily intake  Avoidance of sunlight with the use of of fruits and vegetables. In Victoria, clothing and sunscreen, avoidance to just over one quarter (27.1%) of exposure to sunlight in the middle of young people eat their daily serve of the day, use of broad-spectrum fruit. A much greater proportion sunscreen and the use of sun (57.3%) eat the minimum protective structures are all strategies

70 Australian Bureau of Statistics (2006)

69 Womens Health West (2013) Women in the City 71 Department of Education and Early Childhood Development of Hobsons Bay (2010) Adolescent Community Profile, City of Hobsons Bay 2010 that can be employed to reduce the were reported to brush their teeth a exposure to sunlight.72 least twice a day. This was lower than  the proportion reported across the  While adolescents show a high level Western Metropolitan Region (66.3%) of awareness of the dangers of sun and Victoria (67.4%).77 exposure, they tend to adopt sun  protection behaviours less frequently  Physical Health than adults. Young people are at high  Australia’s physical activity risk of experiencing skin damage recommendations for children aged 5 owing to excessive sun exposure. to 18 years advise that children need Australia has a long history of sun at least 60 minutes (and up to 7 protection education; however, there hours) of moderate to vigorous are still sub-optimal practices among physical activity every day.78 adolescents.73    In 2009, 14.7 per cent of adolescents  In 2009, 2.1 per cent of adolescents (years 7, 9 and 11) surveyed in (years 7, 9 and 11) in Hobsons Bay Hobsons Bay did the recommended adopted safe sun behaviours. This amount of physical activity every day. was lower than the proportion This was higher than the proportion reported across the Western reported across the Western Metropolitan Region (3.2%) and Metropolitan Region (13.2%) and Victoria (3.1%).74 Victoria (12.3%).    Oral Health  Participation in the Council Youth  Tooth brushing assists in ensuring Services good oral health. Effective tooth  As 2011, Hobsons Bay Youth brushing removes dental plaque that Services were in contact with over can cause inflammation of the gums 10,300 young people. As shown in and dental decay.75 If good oral health the table below, Youth Services strategies can be established in the provide a range of services and early years, there is greater likelihood programs for young people aged 12 that an individual will have good oral to 25 years who live, work or study health behaviours and oral health within the municipality of Hobsons outcomes in adult life.76 Bay and, where appropriate, their  families.  In 2009, 62.2 per cent of adolescents  (years 7, 9 and 11) in Hobsons Bay   72 Department of Education and Early Childhood Development  (2010) Adolescent Community Profile, City of Hobsons Bay 2010  73 Centre for Adolescent Health (2010) 

74 Department of Education and Early Childhood Development  (2010) Adolescent Community Profile, City of Hobsons Bay 2010  75 Robinson, PG, Deacon SA, Deery, C, Heanue M, Walmsley AD, Worthington, HV, Gleny AM & Shaw WC, (2005) manual versus powered tooth brushing for oral health, Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews 2005, Issue 2, 77 Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (2010) Adolescent Community Profile, City of Hobsons Bay 2010 76 Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (2010) Adolescent Community Profile, City of Hobsons Bay 2010 78 DoHA (2004)  Table 26: Services and Participant Numbers79  Type of  Participant Service/Program Numbers  Mainstream Holiday  624 Program  After School  2,440 Youth Club  Disability  107 programs  Youth Participation  498 and Youth Week  Freeza Program and Youth  931 Events  Skill Development  417 and Support Programs  Parenting Information  263 Forums and Workshops  Source: Hobsons Bay Youth Services, 2012   Access to the internet  Increasingly, access to the internet is important, not only as an educational tool but also as a method for maintaining social connections. The figure below provides an overview of single parent and couple families in Hobsons Bay that have access to the internet.  There were 18 per cent of one parent families with children who did not have access to the internet compared with 5 per cent of couple families with children who do not have access to the internet. This trend is also evident for Greater Melbourne although the rate for Hobsons Bay one parent families is 4 per cent higher.

79 The following data is not a comprehensive list of programs, services and activities delivered by Youth Services, however it does provide an overview of the breadth of options and the level of engagement with Hobsons Bay young people.   Figure 23: Access to the Internet for Couple Families and One Parent Families.   Source: ABS, 2012  disadvantage. The palest grey areas  Socio – Economic Indexes for have the least disadvantage. Areas (SEIFA) – Index of  In 2011, the SEIFA Index for Hobsons Disadvantage Bay was 1,001.7. This put Hobsons  Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas Bay at ninth most disadvantaged (SEIFA) are produced by the municipality in metropolitan Australian Bureau of Statistics and is Melbourne. based on factors such as low income,  Vulnerable young people tend to live low educational attainment, high within these disadvantaged areas unemployment, jobs in relatively (Laverton, Altona North and Altona unskilled occupations and variables Meadows) indicating that their that reflect disadvantage. As per the parents might have lower educational figure below, the darker the red on attainment or income levels. One the map, the higher the incidence of parent families also often have lower income levels.      Figure 24: SEIFA According To Neighbourhood Area 2011

  Source: ABS, 2006  Intergenerational equity in the  In most cases, children and young environment people are not in control of their  Similar to children, young people live environment and are dependent on in an environment that is vastly adults to ensure protection of their different from that of previous surroundings and guard them from generations. In the last years alone potential exposure to hazardous over, new chemicals have been environmental conditions or harmful added to our eco-system, and their substances. impact on health is in most cases  unknown. Equally, development  It is the responsibility of everyone continues to intrude and transform who lives, works and visits Hobsons previous areas of the natural Bay to ensure the protection of the environment, placing additional environment for future generations. stresses on finite natural resources.    Bay have a higher risk of bullying o What Are the Major and psychiatric hospitalisation. Issues in Relation to  Education and Employment Young People in  Young people in Hobsons Bay have Hobsons Bay? a lower rate of high school  completion and a higher rate of disengagement from paid work or  The health of young people (aged education. 12 to 25 years) is the result of a complex interplay of genetic, social,  environmental, economic and  Health and Wellbeing cultural factors. Key issues that  Sexual and reproductive health is have been identified for further integral to supporting young people support for young people in as they develop. Women’s Health Hobsons Bay include: West identified significant issues  such as teenage fertility rates, low  Equity pap screening rates and low  proportions of contraceptive use, highlighting the sexual and  Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas reproductive health needs of young (SEIFA) are produced by the people in Hobsons Bay Australian Bureau of Statistics and is based on factors such as low  Young people in Hobsons Bay are income, low educational attainment, less likely to adopt safe sun high unemployment, jobs in behaviours and to brush their teeth relatively unskilled occupations and twice a day. variables that reflect disadvantage.  There has been a significant increase in alcohol related  hospitalisations for young people in  In 2011, the SEIFA Index for Hobsons Bay in comparison to the Hobsons Bay was 1,001.7. This put NWMR and Victoria. Hobsons Bay at ninth most disadvantaged municipality in  metropolitan Melbourne.   Vulnerable young people tend to live  within these disadvantaged areas  (Laverton, Altona North and Altona  Meadows) indicating that their  parents might have lower  educational attainment or income  levels. One parent families also often have lower income levels.     Mental Health   Young people in Hobsons Bay, for a  variety of reasons, are more likely to  require support for mental health issues including access to counseling and other youth specific supports. Young people in Hobsons 











 Legislation and Policy Analysis nurturing services the such as  Legislation and creation of health care, child education; friendly and social Policy Analysis support environme services o International, Federal, nts.  Be State and Local policy  According protected frameworks inform to UNICEF, from a Child exploitation, funding priorities and Friendly violence and local policy initiates in City is a abuse the children and youth local  Walk safely field. Each of these system of in the streets on influences are good governanc their own; presented below. The e meet friends and play Council has a committed responsibility of  Have green to fulfilling spaces to abiding by all relevant children’s play in legislation and rights. A nature with regulations and is Child plants and committed to enforcing Friendly animals City is  Live in an the principles of actively unpolluted relevant policies and engaged in environment standards. It also has a fulfilling the  Be an equal responsibility to be right of citizen of their city informed about issues every young with access to every affecting children and citizen to: young people and service,  Influence regardless advocating decisions of ethnic accordingly. about their origin, city; and religion,  express income, their opinion Cities gender or o Int on the city disability Principles they want ern  Drink safe   Participate water and ati  One key in family, have access on aim of this community to proper plan is to and social sanitation.80 al life; support including  and  UNICEF’s cultural and educate social 80Child Friendly Cities: Child http://www.childfriendlycitie the events Friendly s.org/ community  Receive about basic o Fe Framework  National outcomes Quality Standard for children der  The national through al legislative  The high-quality framework is National Quality educational  established through Standard sets a programs  National an applied laws new national  families’ Quality system and benchmark for the understandi Framework consists of: quality of education ng of what National Quality  the and care services. distinguishe Framework applies Education The National s a quality to most long day and Care Quality Standard is service. care, family day Services divided into seven  care, preschool (or National Quality Areas:  The kindergarten) and Law  National Quality outside schools  the  Standard will hours care Education replace the services.  Educational and Care program National Childcare Services Accreditation  The and practice National Council. National Quality  Children’s Regulations. Framework aims to health and   The raise quality and safety National Quality drive continuous  Physical  It creates a Standard will improvement and environment jointly governed require all providers consistency in  Staffing uniform national to improve services education and care arrangemen approach to the in the areas that services through: ts regulation and impact on a child’s  a national  Relationship quality assessment development and legislative s with of education and children safety and to framework provide families care services and  Collaborativ  a National with quality replaces existing e Quality information to help separate licensing partnerships Standard them make and quality with families  a national informed choices assurance and quality processes. about services. rating and communities  Leadership assessment  A new and service  process national body—the  a new managemen  Australian t. national Children’s   The body called Education and Care  Education National the Quality Authority— Reform Quality Australian will oversee the Agenda Standard Children’s National Quality aims to  To improve Education Framework and the quality and Care promote: ensure the of Quality consistent and  the safety, Authority. health and schooling effective nationally,  implementation of wellbeing of the Federal  National the new system. children Legislative  a focus on Governme  achieving nt is working funding  The Inclusion – the with states, system for Australian Office for Youth territories schools. Government’s acknowledges and non-  Office for Youth there are gaps in opportunity and governmen  The within the achievement t education Australian Department of between young Government has a Education, providers people doing well varied and wide Employment and as part of a and those faced role in the lives of Workplace shared with disadvantage young people. Relations, commitme and social These include coordinates the nt to exclusion. education, Australian  achieve employment and Government’s results. income support but significant  The Office One aspect also less obvious investment and for Youth delivers of this work areas like effort for young on a range of is the communication and people across projects and Building transport. government. programs to help the young Australians   The Office to reach their full Education  National for Youth leads the potential and assist Revolution Strategy Australian vulnerable young program for Young Government's Australians to which has Australian commitment to engage with their seen s 2010 working for and families and the investing in  The with young people, community building National Strategy acknowledging that including the learning for Young young people are following reports. environme Australians was valuable nts to help launched in 2010 participants in  Australian society children, and is part of the  Investing and are crucial to families Australian in Government’s our nation’s and economic and Australia’s ongoing process of Young communitie giving young social prosperity. People s people a better deal participate and a voice in  The guiding Report in activities decisions that affect principles for the 2009 that will them. It will be used Australian  Investing in support as a guide for Government Office Australia’s young achieveme future Government for Youth are: people report takes nt, develop action to encourage stock of the  Universalit Australian learning and help young people aged y – every young Government’s potential person is important. significant and bring between 12 and 24 years to take  Engageme investment in communitie charge of their own nt – in order to be young people by s together. lives. effective, capturing policies It also governments must and programs that includes a  stop talking to are youth-specific and those that are comprehen  Office for young people, and start engaging with not specific to youth sive review Youth of the young people. but have a significant impact with Young People wellbeing statement is the on young people. report was of children. government’s The report presents specifically These commitment to a comprehensive developed for principles Victorian families. picture of efforts government use, for children The Families and resourcing and is the outcome Statement intends are divided being directed to of a research to lay the youth affairs across project looking at into three groundwork for an the Australian how government groups: ongoing Government and can most effectively 1. The assessment of assist to identify communicate with developme where the potential gaps and the current nt and government needs areas for future generation of young provision of to focus to help attention. people. It centers services for create a Victoria in on this generation children which all families  of young people and have a chance to  State of who have unique families achieve their communication aspirations. Australia’s should be methods. Young based  The People upon o Sta Victorian Families Report fundament Statement 2011 2009 te al reports on key  State of  principles factors that impact Australia’s Young  Child outlined in on a family’s People report Wellbeing the act. quality of family life describes how and Safety 2. How including such young people in Services things as Australia are faring Act 2005 for children household budgets, across all the major  The Early jobs, transport, and life domains, points Years Plan safety, rural and out links between is families regional support, the different underpinne should be disability support, domains like d by designed health and education, health legislation and education. and employment such as the developed. and identifies those Child 3. What  who may need Wellbeing providers  Victorian additional support of services to do well. and Safety Public Act 2005. to children Health and and  The main Wellbeing families Plan 2011-  Effective purpose of should 2015 Communi the Act as adhere to.  The goal of cation it relates to  the plan is to with Hobsons Bay City  Families improve the health Young and wellbeing of all People Council is Statement to  In 2011 the Victorians by Report engaging establish government 2009 released its first communities in  Effective principles prevention, and by for the Families Statement. Communication The families’ strengthening systems for health  The prepare reports on Practice protection, health Outcomes relevant data Principles promotion and Framework for against indicators for Learning preventive Victoria’s children for each key and healthcare across and adolescents outcome to Developmen all sectors and includes safety, measure how t, levels of health, learning, children and young categorised government. development and people are faring. as wellbeing from birth Collaborativ  The to 18 years;  e, Effective Victorian Public reflecting an  Victorian and Health and ecological model Early Reflective. Wellbeing Plan The Practice that places the child Years 2011–2015 at the centre of Principles Learning provides the basis family, community describe the for building a state- and society. (See and most wide prevention appendix one) Developm effective system – ent ways for complementary to  In choosing Framewor early the healthcare which outcomes k childhood system – that will should be used to professional  The be more effective, describe how s to work Victorian better coordinated children and young together, Framework and sustainable people are faring, with children provides early over the longer the framework has and with childhood term. relied on the best families to professionals with a available research facilitate common language  The evidence learning and for describing Victorian Public internationally to developmen outcomes for Health and choose those t children, and Wellbeing Plan things which  emphasises describes practice 2011–2015 has genuinely make a the principles to guide identified four difference to importance early childhood priority settings as children and young of professionals to major focal points people, and to supporting work together, with for action: early establish ways to children’s children and with childhood and measure these in and families’ families to achieve education settings, meaningful ways. transitions local communities the best outcomes as they for every child. The and environments,  The move within Victorian workplaces, and Outcomes and across Framework: health services. Framework services provides a common  identifies throughout  basis for setting five Early the early  Victorian objectives and Years childhood Child and planning across the Learning period. whole of and Adolescen  The government. The Developmen t Victorian Victorian Child and t Outcomes Framework is Outcomes Adolescent for all intended to support Framewor Monitoring System children all professionals k will then collect  identifies who work with analyse and eight children from birth with a continue into es and to eight years. national adulthood. channels early years for young  learning   Universal  Departme people’s framework, opinions to Access to for 15 hours nt of be Early a week, 40 Human Childhood weeks a Services - considered Education year. Office for by  All states  The Youth governmen t. and territories have program will  Similar to committed to be that at the  accessible moving to 15 hours Federal  Youth across a of early childhood level, the Statement education for diversity of – Engage, settings, in a Departmen children in the year Involve, form that t of Human before school Create through a National meets the Services’,  Engage, Partnership on needs of the Office Involve, Create Early Childhood parents and for Youth is outlines the Education with the in a manner the key Victorian Commonwealth that ensures agency Government’s Government, to be cost does driving a vision for all implemented by not present whole-of- a barrier to Victorian young 2013. governmen access. people. The t agenda in Government’s  The  Under this relation to vision is that all National program, a 15 hour young Victorians Partnership was Victorians kindergarten experience healthy, signed in aged 12 to program delivered active and fulfilling December 2008 25. It is by a qualified early lives and have the with the aim that: responsible childhood teacher opportunity to: will be available in for policy  By 2013 long day care advice,  Be engaged every child centres, community research in education will have kindergartens, and and/or access to a schools, children’s strategic employment preschool hubs and other planning  Be involved program in early childhood relating to in their the 12 settings. months prior governmen communities to full-time  Hours are t policies, and schooling. being increased programs decisions that affect  The because of the and service them preschool proven benefits of delivery for  Create program is early childhood young change, to be education for Victorians. enterprise delivered by children. These It is also a qualified include and culture. responsible  early improvements in for children’s learning,  To achieve childhood providing teacher, in health and this, the opportuniti accordance behaviour that government has identified three 10 to 19 years in o Ho people and priority areas: Wyndham and our place,  Hobsons Bay. bs now and  Getting on into the young  Established future: in 2001, it is a not s people  A safe, involved for profit body Ba clean,  Services funded by the that meet Victorian y accessible the needs of Government to Cit and young support the y connected people objective that 94 municipalit  Creating per cent of all Co y, which new ideas young people un values and achieve year 12 or diversity, partnerships equivalent by 2015 cil protects its and to act as a . Pol heritage regional strategic body bringing ici and o environme relevant partners es together to improve nt, fosters o We the education,  The a strong ste training and Communit sense of employment y Health community rn outcomes of young and and Me people in the Wellbeing provides region. tro Plan 2013- opportuniti 2017 es to  WynBay pol  The achieve LLEN is part of a ita network of 31 Community the best n LLEN’s across Health and possible Victoria. Wellbeing health and Re Plan sets wellbeing. gio out the  A place n broad that people vision are proud  about what to call  WynBay both the home. Local Learning community  This plan and Employment and informs the Network (LLEN) Council Council want to see Plan and  The for consequen WynBay LLEN is Hobsons tly other an independent Bay. organisatio association of  The vision nal stakeholders is: strategies, dedicated to the education, training  Valuing the plans and and employment of wellbeing services. young people aged of our   The for and  Safe and Council managing community Accessible Plan 2013- land use developme Places and 2017 change nt for Spaces  The and children  An Informed, purpose of developme under eight Caring and the Council nt within years of Inclusive Plan is to the age and Community guide the municipalit their  A Great Start Council’s y. It families. for Every Child direction, provides The plan priorities, the basis was  Quality and for the developed Services and decisions. application in Facilities It drives of local consultatio  The next the policies, n with section of developme zones, families, this paper nt of the overlays service discusses budget and and other providers the other provisions and progress of specific in the children. the current strategies, Hobsons  The Plan Children’s as well as Bay allows for Plan and the Planning the Council its organisatio Scheme. to take a effectivene nal  The Whole of ss in structure Children’s Council achieving including Plan approach improveme department (Municipal via the nts for business Early developme children plans, Years nt of and their individual Plan) 2009 annual families. action staff work - 2013  plans and  The plans  Youth resources. Children’s which Strategic Plan 2009- articulate  The Plan 2009 2013 (the each Municipal - 2013 Strategic Plan) department  The Statement articulates ’s work Council the towards  The developed Council’s achieving Municipal an role in the goals Strategic integrated service and and Statement Youth infrastructu objectives sets out Strategic re of the Plan the vision, Plan 2009- provision, which objectives 2013 to not planning, include: and only advocacy strategies support the needs of their full strong young potential. o focus on people with The Youth promotion, timely Strategic o Ho prevention, interventio Plan works bs early ns but also towards on detection to capture achieving and young the goals s interventio people’s and Ba n to unique objectives y’s improve abilities to of the Plan health and contribute which Ch developme to the include: ildr ntal community.  Leadership en outcomes This body for young and an of work has Coordination children been the d and their  Spaces and culmination Yo families. of Places uth  demograph  Connection  Playgroup ical and and Se s – policy Participation rvi provides analysis,  Transitions: ce parents as well as Learning and and consultatio Working s caregivers n with  Health and  Hobsons with the residents Wellbeing Bay City opportunity and Council to meet  The next community provides a new section of organisatio range of people, this paper ns. services gain discusses  The Youth children support the Strategic and young and share progress of Plan people ideas. the current guides the including: They allow Youth Council’s babies, Strategic  work toddlers Plan and  For towards Children: and ensuring its  preschoole young effectivene  Maternal rs to people in ss in and Child socialise Hobsons achieving Health – is as they Bay are improveme a family- play and valued, nts for centred, learn support young primary together. and people. health  champione service that  Child Care d to has a Services – achieve operates between three years  two Child birth to 12 of age.  Support Care years old in  for Services a home  4 Year Old Children providing environme Kindergart with long day nt. en – the Additional care to  Council Needs families in  Occasiona provides a  the l Care – central  Home and community. occasional enrolment Communit Dedicated care for all service for y Care staff plan families of four year (HACC) and Hobsons old program – implement Bay who kindergarte Assessme a program require n programs nt and care with care for a in Hobsons manageme emphasis child under Bay. nt and In- based on a six years of Kindergart home warm, age. en is a support secure  program assists homelike  Toy for children eligible environme Library – in the year residents nt that gives prior to with allows families the starting disabilities each child opportunity primary to remain to develop to borrow school active in to their high quality Kindergart their maximum play en aims to community. potential. equipment provide a It provides  that helps quality practical  Family in the program support day Care education based on through (Home of young play, encourage Based children. enabling ment and Child  children to when Care) –  3 Year Old develop required Family day Kindergart social, assistance care is en – these emotional, to maintain profession programs cognitive and ally provide and develop coordinate exciting physical skills for d childcare and skills which independe and challenging in turn will nt living. education experience prepare The type of service that s for them for services provides children their provided group care aged from educational may for children life. include:  Domestic experience festivals, the assistance in early national community  Preparing childhood youth week while meals developme events and gaining  Shopping nt and outdoor practical  Transport special excursions skills. to local education like  medical with a Skate/BMX  Support appointme backgroun /Scooter for young nts d in competition people –  Personal kindergarte s. Hobsons support n teaching.  Bay Youth such as   Counsellin Services showering,  For Young g for provides a sponge People: young range of washing  people – support and  Youth Hobsons based dressing Services – Bay Youth programs  Respite Youth Counsellin and including Services g Service services to in-home run a broad providers young and access range of short to people. to the recreationa medium  community l activities generalist  School  Prompting for young counselling Focused of people in for young Youth medication Hobsons people Service –  Bay. These aged Aims to between  Preschool activities develop an 12 and 15 Field include integrated years, who Officer – four school response live, work role is to holiday for young or study in support the programs, people at Hobsons inclusion of two drop in risk who Bay. children centres require with and one  support additional craft’a’noo  Skill and needs into ns weekly developm interventio state session. ent and n. funded They also youth  Kindergart provide participati  Young en support on –These people services. and programs with The execution offer young disabilitie Preschool of special people an s – Youth Field events opportunity services Officer has such as fun to be offers extensive run involved in recreationa l programs  for young  people  aged 12 to  25 with disabilities.     In  response  to a lack of  youth  services  located in  Hobsons Bay, Youth  Services  provide  profession  al  developme  nt  programs  for parents, teachers  and  workers in  order to  build the  capacity of  the  community to support  our young  people.  









 Evaluation  Evaluation of the Council’s Children and Youth Plans

o The Hobsons Bay City Council has so far had two Children’s Plans and two Youth Plans aimed at providing our children with the best possible start to life, and encouraging young people to make positive contributions to the community. 

o Children’s Plan  Enable a more integrated approach to service provision (Municipal Early  Key achievements of the MEYP Years Plan) 2005- 2008 included:    Hobsons Bay City Council  The completion and opening of the Municipal Early Years Plan 2005- Laverton Community Children’s Centre 2008 in February 2007.   The establishment of a number of  In 2005, the Hobsons Bay City supported playgroups within the Council developed its first Municipal municipality through the appointment of Early Years Plan (MEYP). The the Family Resource and Development vision of this plan was to: Officer.   The creation of the Family and Children  Increase support for young children in Hobsons Bay newsletter providing and their families, enable ease of important information to families. access to services and improve service integration and  Increased opportunities for improving collaboration. children’s health through the Kids – ‘Go For Your Life’ (KGFYL) program.   In 2007 an evaluation review of this  For early years service users and plan was carried out which providers across the municipality, concluded that the plan was the MEYP aimed to: successful in highlighting the  ongoing drive of the yearly years  Highlight key local education, care and team for working towards best health issues and provide a realistic practice service provision. However, plan to address them the review also noted that further  Set a clear, strategic local direction work needed to occur across the Council to ensure other relevant  Support beneficial partnerships and departments were engaging and networks working towards outcomes for  Promote linkages across Council, children. families and the community   A shortfall of the 2005-2008 MEYP that Council continues to upgrade and Action Plan included the lack of and maintain its early years particular goals, and reporting facilities, play spaces and open mechanisms which making it difficult spaces. to further analyse and evaluate  Despite this, only a few achievements. opportunities were created over the  last four years for children and their  A copy of the audit report relating to families to be consulted about the the 2005 – 2008 Municipal Early spaces and places that been Years Plan is available by redeveloped or designed. Further contacting the Social Planning and little evidence has suggested that Development unit at the Hobsons feedback from children and their Bay City Council. families and young people has been  incorporated into the planning of  The Children’s Plan (Municipal new spaces and places. Early Years Plan) 2009-2013  During the term of this plan, minimal  actions were identified for working  The Children’s Plan (the Plan) towards the creation of safer articulated the Council’s role in neighbourhoods. As plans for key service and infrastructure provision, strategic redevelopment sites begin planning, advocacy and community to be drafted the Council should development for children less than ensure these developments eight years of age and their families. consider children particularly in The Plan was developed in relation to encouraging active consultation with families, service transportation. providers and children.     Below is an analysis of the 2009-  Goal 2: An informed, Caring and 2013 Children’s plan. For further Inclusive Community detail see Appendix 1. The plan  The Council will work to support and consisted of four goal areas as encourage the participation of children follows. and families in community life.   Over the term of the plan, the  Goal 1: Safe and Accessible Council’s Arts, Events and Tourism Places and Spaces unit and Family Youth and  Children and families in Hobsons Bay Children’s department have focused will benefit from safe, accessible and on increasing programming and attractive built and natural spaces. activities for children and families.  The Council’s libraries have led the  Arts, Events and Tourism have way in aiming for the inclusion of ensured that their events are children within the development of welcoming of children and that the Williamstown library including shows are on at times which are employing a specialist children’s conducive for families. This has designer. seen subsequent shows having  Whilst the Council has seen various more than 1000 people attending of achievements within this goal area, which a high proportion of the they are primarily aimed at ensuring audiences have been children.  The Arts, Events and Tourism unit families with parents or children with have also formed key partnerships disabilities and those families from to implement community arts low socio-economic backgrounds programs including the highly are engaged and are able to successful “Crashendo.” Crashendo participate in the services and is an intensive after hours, orchestra programs available for them. and instrument music program. It  provides a free instrument for each  Goal 3: A Great Start for Every child. It is non selective and works Child on the basis that the best way to  Maximize the potential of every child by become a musician is to be a working together to support their health, musician, to learn on the job, to wellbeing and development during the learn by doing, and refining as you early years. go. It has no auditions, no  This goal has primarily focused on examinations and is about positive access to nutritional food for encouragement in music making. It children with successful programs is also inclusive of any child who including a food security project wishes to join. which supported Laverton P-12  The Family Youth and Children’s College to implement a range of department have led the way in initiatives to increase student fruit developing and providing a variety consumption. Also both of the of playgroups for families within Council’s long day childcare centres Hobsons Bay. These have included have been accredited with the Start supported playgroups for children Right Eat Right program, an award from Culturally and Linguistically based program which recognises Diverse backgrounds, children with best practice in nutrition for children developmental delays and autism. attending long day childcare. This has contributed greatly to  The libraries have also implemented raising the awareness of the value additional programs to assist with of play in enhancing children’s children’s development including learning and development. ‘Libraries on Location’ which has  Maternal and Child Health have increased people’s ability to access delivered new parent support groups the library in non-conventional and which particularly aimed to spaces such as parks. Further the encourage participation of fathers. libraries together with children’s  Despite these achievements, the services have worked together to provision of information in ensure playgroups and alternative formats particularly for kindergartens have access to books newly arrived residents from through a roving library collection. Culturally and Linguistically Diverse  In order to foster collaboration and (CALD) backgrounds has not really partnership between early years increased. services and agencies, the early  A new children’s plan will therefore years team has also developed a need to continue to work towards consolidated annual training ensuring that those families who calendar for early years may have additional barriers to professionals and staff that has participation including those from provided a variety of opportunities CALD backgrounds, or those for increases in professional development which in turn has families to the Council and its broad created a culture of working together role. towards the health, wellbeing and  Currently the Council is investigating development of children. local government models for  As part of the Laverton community implementing Child Friendly Cities renewal project there was an (CFC) and Age Friendly Cities emphasis on children and the early (AFC) including principles of both years. A number of key projects individually, combined principles and including diverse playgroups and the benefits and limitations of support for a range of families were implementing either or both for initiated. Due to the funding of this Hobsons Bay City Council. This project finishing up, the Council piece of work will provide further needs to ensure these families (and evidence and make clear others who are the most vulnerable opportunities for embedding not only within the municipality) continue to CFC but also AFC so that Council have access to the supports they not only provides services for all its’ need. community members but also  empowers, is inclusive, listens and  Goal 4: Quality Services and allows for active participation across Facilities all generations.  Children and families in Hobsons Bay  will have access to a broad range of quality services and social supports.  This goal area has been heavily driven and influenced over the four years by the Council of Australian Government’s (COAG) Early Years Reform agenda. This has required the Council to be involved in the implementation of these changes across its services including the analysis and implementation of universal access requirements (15 hours of kindergarten), an Early Years forum to outline the proposed national Quality Standards and an additional audit of all the Council’s community facilities to explore the functionality and appropriateness of these spaces for future use.  There is also further opportunity for the Council to explore how it engages with children and their families across a range of Council business areas, not only to provide opportunities for children to contribute to the local community but also to expose children and their o Youth Strategic Plan increased services within the  Hobsons Bay City Council Youth municipality to provide for a ‘better Policy and Action Plan 2004 - deal’ for local young people. 2007  Partnerships—to develop  key partnerships with relevant  In 2004 the Council developed its providers across the municipality first Youth Policy and Action Plan. and the Western Region of The vision of the Youth Policy was: Melbourne to improve opportunities  for local young people.  The City of Hobsons Bay is  recognised as a place where young  A shortfall of the 2004-2007 Youth people are valued, supported and Policy and Action Plan was its respected as residents of our local service provision focus. Although community. The City welcomes and the plan provided an opportunity for encourages young people to the Youth Services unit together participate in community life and with the Youth Planner to work on acknowledges the diversity and issues, it did not manage to engage richness young people bring to a other parts of the Council to ensure community. The City of Hobsons a whole of Council response for Bay will be a place where young young people. people feel safe, healthy and proud  to live.  A further shortfall of the 2004-2007  Through this policy, the Council Youth Policy and Action Plan aimed to: included the lack of particular goals,  and reporting mechanisms making it  ensure that local young people have difficult to further analyse and access to the best possible support evaluate achievements. and resources to meet their needs,  and that they are valued for the  A review/audit report for this plan is contribution they make to the not available. Hobsons Bay community.   Hobsons Bay City Council Youth  Strategic Plan 2009-2013  The Youth Policy and Action Plan  articulated Council’s role in the  The Youth Strategic Plan 2009-2013 planning and delivery of services for was developed to not only support young people. Council’s role is the needs of young people with defined under three goal areas: timely interventions, but also to  capture young people’s unique  Service planning and abilities to contribute to the provision—to facilitate the community. development of improved youth  service planning and provision  The Youth Strategic Plan 2009-2013 within the municipality. guided the Council’s work towards  Advocacy—to advocate to all ensuring young people in Hobsons levels of government the need for Bay are valued, supported and championed to achieve their full business areas engage with young potential. people meaningfully on a range of  issues/projects of relevance.  The plan consisted of five goal  Further there continues to be gaps areas as follows. within the youth service system  within the municipality which need to  Goal 1: Leadership and be addressed including access to Coordination mental health services, which despite continued advocacy during  Hobsons Bay City Council is uniquely the term of this plan are still not placed to provide support for an adequately addressed. integrated youth support system and a platform to advocate for a ‘better deal’  for young people.  Goal 2: Spaces and Places  Whilst the Council has seen various  Hobsons Bay City Council achievements within this goal area, acknowledges that young people they have been lead predominately interact within the community in a range by the Youth Services team and of diverse and culturally specific ways relate to recognising and promoting that are relevant to their life stage. the capacity of young people as well  The main aims of this goal area as engaging young people. were to include young people in  Achievements have included the urban design planning, increase the development of “the Guide” as an provision of locations that are information and referral tool for the accessible and responsive to the sector, a number of young people needs of young people and being awarded and recognized for advocate for a transport system that their contributions to the is responsive to the needs of young municipality, and the delivery of a people. range of programs and information  The work undertaken during the life including Mental Health First Aid, e of the plan in relation to this role has newsletters and e bulletins and primarily focused on delivery of a consultation programs including a range of programs for young people youth forum. from a variety of locations including  Further the Youth Services team the libraries and neighbourhood has evolved the way they engage houses. It has also seen the young people in their programs and establishment of a new drop in planning and have therefore been centre at Altona Meadows. able to embed the PROUD program  In terms of engaging young people for same sex attracted residents, in urban design frameworks and engage with young people from facility planning throughout the diverse backgrounds to participate municipality, this was primarily in a number of different groups and confined to projects related directly committees and strengthen existing to young people including young people’s skills in these consultation with young people for groups including training and the Play Space Strategy and Sport induction programs. and Recreation Strategy as well as  As such, the Council’s next plan initial discussions regarding a should continue to explore more Newport youth, library and seniors broadly how different Council facility.  In relation to public transport, this is adolescence and adulthood involves a an issue that doesn’t only affect series of unique, complex and young people and as such the sometimes challenging transitions. advocacy undertaken by the Council  The main aim of this goal area is to has been broader to include all ensure young people are supported users of public transport and those during major transitions and to particularly affected which also support and advocate for include people with disabilities and employment and education older people. opportunities for young people.   Council’s Youth Services team has  Goal 3: Connection and driven a number of programs to Participation support transition times including a  Hobsons Bay City Council wide range of transitions programs acknowledges that a sense of for Grade Six students as they enter belonging and connection to the into secondary school. community (e.g. peers, neighbourhood,  A major achievement of the Youth and family) is vital for young people’s Strategy has been the introduction resilience, self esteem and potential to of the SEED project in Hobsons Bay develop life skills. and development of four  The main aims of this goal area apprenticeships/traineeships within were to facilitate projects that foster the Council which are currently youth participation through being led by the Human leadership and brokerage Performance department. opportunities.  The Youth Services unit also  The main drivers of the supports psychology student achievements within the goal area placements which not only provides where the Youth Services unit which opportunities for young people delivered a range of National Youth studying but which also boost the Week activities and supported unit’s capacity to meet unmet need projects for same sex attracted in relation to youth mental health young people. services.  A suite of support for young people  The libraries have established an in culture and arts program has also online tutoring program which has included: Lost in Transit and St had strong uptake from the Martins Youth Theatre running community classes at the Substation.  Despite these great achievements,  Many of the achievements included the Council is limited in its capacity in this area relate to the core to influence education and business of the Youth Services unit. employment opportunities for young As such, a future plan should build people. Hobsons Bay continues to in more achievable objectives in have a high youth disengagement order to be able to better evaluate rate and broader action is required and measure change. to tackle this issue.    Goal 4: Transitions: Learning and  Working  Goal 5: Health and Wellbeing  Hobsons Bay City Council acknowledges that the period between  Hobsons Bay City Council acknowledges that in order for young people to reach their full potential, they  Although currently both the require access to appropriate health Children’s Plan and the Youth and wellbeing services. Strategic Plan are run as separate  The issue of access to appropriate policies the evaluation process has health services in Hobsons Bay demonstrated that there are a does not only affect young people. number of commonalities in relation As such, the Council has spent a to the intent of both plans including significant amount of time in that both aim to: advocating for health services  increase health and wellbeing across the municipality. outcomes  The Youth Services unit has driven  encourage socially isolated or the actions within this goal area in disadvantaged residents to particular relating to youth mental participate and have access to health issues. Through the provision support required of a range of workshops, seminars  increase consultation with young and forums, the Youth Services unit people and children and their has addressed a need which had families across the whole of Council not been previously addressed in  improve the current level of Council the municipality. service provision and programming  The overwhelming response  advocate for better services and received to all these awareness support. raising and information provision  As such, interestingly the shortfalls sessions (including Youth Suicide of both plans tend to be similar Parent Workshop, a number of including that both plans did not parenting seminars, a youth manage to achieve a high level of mentoring program and a number of whole of council action or response. support programs) is proof that not  The majority of actions and work only was the content and delivery undertaken during the life of these needed, but that nothing else like plans fell to the department with the this is being offered readily by any responsibility for youth and children other organisation within Hobsons that is the Family Youth and Bay. Children’s department. In particular  In light of this, whilst other providers in the case of the Youth Strategic don’t fill this void, a future policy Plan, the Youth Services unit together with specific service undertook the bulk of the work for planning needs to ensure adequate the plan. resourcing of the Youth Services  Furthermore, both plans lacked unit to ensure this line of measurable objectives and goals programming is a sustainable area which made assessing the actual of core business alongside change made by these plans at the adequate counseling resources. community level very difficult,  primarily given that the majority of actions identified were for the most  Commonalities between part seen as core business for the the Council’s Children’s department’s and units undertaking Plan and the Council’s the work. Youth Strategic Plan  Lastly, some of issues identified within these plans, primarily access to health services, public transport groups and as such these issues and concerns regarding urban should be considered within a design are issues which cut across broader strategic document such as many target groups. These issues the Community Health and are often complex to solve and Wellbeing Plan and the Municipal require work across many Council Strategic Statement (where business units. However once possible). solved, they benefit many target  









 Community Consultation  Community Consultation Results

o To inform the development of the Council’s next Children and Youth Plans a range of consultation activities were undertaken.   Essential to the development of the  Whilst those consulted were Children and Young People’s Plan generally happy in Hobsons Bay was engaging with children and they identified a number of areas for young people to find out what they improvement. Children indicated like, value and need for their future that they would like the opportunity health and wellbeing. Surveys, to increase friendships with their voxpops and focus groups were neighbours. held with children, young people,  Children, young people, parents, parents, carers, schools and service carers and service providers all providers. In total more than 900 spoke of the limitations of the public people were consulted. transport service and integrated  transport opportunities in Hobsons  The community consultation was Bay. This is of particular importance based on the principles of the United to young people as it is their primary Nations Convention on the Rights of means of transportation. the Child. The results of the  Improvements to parks, facilities and consultation are presented here. services that welcome and cater for  What do you like and value all age groups was also indicated as most about Hobsons Bay? a need for improvement, especially to ensure services are accessible  The consultation highlighted that and meet the needs of children and children, young people, parents and young people. carers unanimously agree that parks  What do children and young and recreational space (including swimming pools) are essential to the people need for their future? wellbeing of all community members  To provide the best possible future and like their proximity. In addition for our children and young people children and young people accessible learning opportunities for expressed the high value they place all ages and abilities need to be on family and friendships, especially available on. In addition local local opportunities to socialise and employment opportunities need to play together; equally enjoying the be capitalised and inclusion of friendliness and community feel of young people to help secure Hobsons Bay. People also liked how successful futures. peaceful safe and quiet the  Integrated transport solutions to municipality is. ensure children, young people and  What improvements could be their families can move around and beyond Hobsons Bay accessing the made in Hobsons Bay? services and facilities they need for a fulfilled and healthy life.  Health and wellbeing services that  are accessible and meet the needs  of children and young people,  including mental health provision for  young people and outreach maternal child health nurses for  children and their parents.   A socially inclusive society that  fosters a sense of belonging and  allows children and young people to  feel safe; making friends with a  diverse range of people who live,  work and recreate locally.   The provision of places and spaces  that are welcoming to a variety of age groups, allowing families to  spend time together and be equally  engaged. Building play into the  fabric of our community to help  ensure children and young people  feel valued and included.   What should the Council  work on for children and  young people over the next  four years?   Overall, the top five aspects for the  Council to focus their work on  between 2014 and 2018 include:   Maintaining and improving parks, opens spaces and facilities that meet the  needs of children and young people;   Considering and engaging children and  young people in the Council’s decisions  making processes;   Advocating for accessible health and  wellbeing services and programs for  children and young people;   Advocating for improved public  transport; and  Strengthening learning and play  opportunities within the Council’s  programs, infrastructure, facilities and  services.   Further detail can be found In the  Children and Young People’s Plan  Community Consultation Report at  www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au      

 Recommendations  Recommendations

o Despite significant achievements, there is still a need for the Council to continue to work on acknowledging, empowering and providing quality services for children and young people.   It is evident upon review of the inclusion and participation of Council’s two Children’s Plans and children and young people across two Youth Strategic Plans that the Council. progress has been made towards  acknowledging, empowering and  Recommendation 3 providing quality services for  The combined plan should clearly children and young people. articulate four cohorts:  Based on the discussion contained  Early years (0- four years) in this background paper the  Primary School (five– 11 years) following recommendations are provided for a future Children and  Secondary School (12-18 years) Youth plan for the Council.  Young Adults (19-25 years)  Recommendation 1  Recommendation 4  Combine the Children and Youth  Ensure the combined plan Plans and ensure both cohorts are a emphasises the unique and differing priority in the Community Health and strategies involved in working with Wellbeing Plan (CHWP) currently these differing cohorts being developed for 2013. For  children the CHWP should highlight  Recommendation 5 the importance of the early years in  The new plan works in a more influencing future adult health and focused way on areas of life outcomes. Likewise the CHWP disadvantage. Particularly focuses should also highlight the importance on vulnerable children and young of support and guidance in people who tend to live within these adolescence to ensure young disadvantaged areas (Laverton, people are on a path to achieving Altona North and Altona Meadows). their goals. In relation to young  people, the CHWP will also tackle  Recommendation 6 the overarching issue of mental health, employment and  Ensure specific cohort issues and training/education opportunities opportunities for development (youth disengagement), access to should be highlighted through the transport and affordable housing. combined plan. Including:  Recommendation 2   Make sure the combined plan  For children encompasses the age gap of eight  DMFT for children across the to 11 that currently exists and has municipality an overarching focus on the  decreasing developmental vulnerability  increasing intake of fresh fruit  and vegetables in diets   increasing the likelihood to  Recommendation 9 undertake the required amounts of physical activity  The Council’s new children and youth plans should include an evaluation  increasing participation in MCH framework from the outset and the or early years education such as progress of the plan should be reported not kindergarten only to the Council, but back to our  community including children and young  For Young People: people themselves.  Decreasing waiting lists for mental health services   Increasing high school  Recommendation 10 completion and lowering the rate  Critical to the effectiveness of the of disengagement from paid combined Children and Youth Plan work or education is service planning. Service planning  Increasing adoption of safe sun should cascade out of the combined behaviours and of twice daily Children and Youth Plan to highlight teeth brushing service provision and staffing gaps  Decrease in alcohol related and to begin to address these hospitalisations for young people issues in Hobsons Bay in comparison to  the NWMR and Victoria.     Recommendation 7   The new children and youth plans  should capture intergenerational  equity for the environment. This  would need to ensure linkages both  to and from other Council  environment policies. As children and young people are targets for  behavior change programs and  ultimately will need to tackles issues  handed to them from the current  generation.   Recommendation 8   Ensure other areas of the Council,  in particular Arts and Culture and  Recreation are highlighted and  supported as critical environments for engaging and working with  children and their families and  . young people. 







 Appendix  Appendix 1  Achievements of the Children’s Plan 2009 – 2013   Year 1  Year 2  Year 3  Year 4 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013  Number of Actions  61  50  44   Overall status of  47% (29) completed  28% (14)  34% (15)  performance over that 26% (16) progressing completed completed year 18% (11) ongoing 32% (16) 43% (19) 7% (4) deferred progressing progressing 2% (1) not started 16% (8) ongoing 16% (7) ongoing 2% (1) deferred 7% (3) deferred 22% (11) not 0% (0) not started started  Goal 1: Safe and  Achievements  Achievements  Achievements  accessible places and spaces: Children and •Cherry Lake is being developed to include • Cherry Lake • Design works families in Hobsons more accessible facilities and infrastructure. A redevelopment have commenced Bay will benefit from sensory garden design was completed and has been on the safe, accessible and adopted by the Council with construction due completed with a McCormack Park attractive built and to commence in August 2010. newly designed Playground which natural spaces. • A detailed design for the redevelopment of sensory garden coincides with the Williamstown Library has been completed constructed receiving funding The Children’s Plan and a specialist children’s designer was • Actions in the from the DPCD to recognises that the employed by the architect to provide input into Road Safety undertake creek Council has a role to the children’s areas for safety, access and Strategy 2008- central recreation play in ensuring creating a stimulating environment for 2010 have been zone children can access children. implemented, improvements. places and spaces including a major • Actions in the where they can campaign to Road Safety experience nature and introduce the Strategy 2008- other fun activities “Looking After Our 2010 have been alongside their Mate” responsible implemented, families. alcohol program to including a 40kph Hobsons Bay area in Pier Under this goal, the Sporting Clubs Street, Altona Council agreed to work • The practice of • Construction of towards the following incorporating a the new four objectives: continuous path of kindergarten/multi travel to the main purpose room at 1.1 Create, maintain entrance of all Seabrook and improve attractive new and Community playgrounds and open redeveloped Centre and the spaces which promote Council buildings extension of exciting opportunities has been adopted Russell Court for children to play and • The works to Kindergarten have experience nature expand the been completed. safely. babies’ room at • Completed 1.2 Future urban the Range concept plan and design will take into Children’s Centre community account the need to in Williamstown consultation encourage children have been occurred for and families to move completed accessibility works about the municipality at Edwards using active Reserve. This transportation project has now methods (e.g. walking moved to a and cycling). detailed design 1.3 Ensure Council phase. infrastructure is Actions That Could Be Further Explored and/or That Are Still Relevant planned and built to  enhance safety and accessibility. • A feasibility study will be undertaken and a master plan will be developed for proposed changes to the Cooraminta Kindergarten and 1.4 Take a lead role in Maternal Child Health Centre. fostering a sense of • Detail design phase to be completed at Edwards Reserve, Spotswood. community which • Commence construction of the Newport Gardens Early Years Centre encourages the creation of safe neighbourhoods.  Goal 2: An informed,  Achievements  Achievements  Achievements  caring and inclusive community: The • School holiday programs have been • The Arts and • Hobsons Bay Council will work to extended to the new Altona North Community Culture Plan City Council support and encourage Library. All events for children were very well 2010-2015 has performing arts the participation of patronised including a performance in April been adopted by program Arts at children and families in attended by 120 people. Over 30 people Council your doorstep community life. regularly attend storytime and rhymetime. • A partnership included a • Supported playgroups have been developed between the program genre Connecting with their for children from CALD backgrounds and for Council, Victoria “children and community and those with developmental delays and autism. Police, Altona family.” belonging within their North and Subsequently neighbourhood are Laverton P-12 more than 1000 very important aspects Colleges and people, mostly of a child’s Sistema has been children, parents development. developed to and grandparents Providing spaces for implement a attended 2 shows socialising and music program at of “Happy Birthday information in Laverton P-12 Peter Rabbit at alternative formats is College. The the Williamstown essential for children program engages Town Hall in May. and families, especially primary school • Hobsons Bay those from overseas, students in an City Council to feel included in their after hours funded the community. classical music Crashendo program and program in Under this goal, the includes the partnership with Council agreed to work supply of all Victoria Police, towards the following instruments Laverton P-12 four objectives: College and Sistema Australia. 2.1 The Council will The program has work to promote had many children as equal successful citizens in the outcomes over the community. last financial year 2.2 Encourage including; a high opportunities for retention of children and families to children participate in events participating, the and activities that program and embrace the diversity children of the Hobsons Bay highlighted in community. ABC’s Limelight 2.3 Establish and Magazine and the maintain Saturday Age; and communication Families have pathways that provide been celebrating information in the achievement alternative formats, of their children languages and at key together at the service points across end of each term. the municipality. • Maternal and 2.4 Establish links and Child Health partnerships with commenced new relevant external parent support service providers, groups in Newport businesses and and Williamstown community groups, to that encouraged promote social fathers joining, connections for • A partnership parents and carers. between the Council’s Libraries and Victoria University has developed Kinda Kinder which explored pre- literacy skills for 0- 6 year olds through play based activities.  Actions That Could Be Further Explored and/or That Are Still Relevant

• Maternal and Child Health Nurses to be involved in a research project in 2012 with the aim of reducing the 6 month postpartum incidence of depression, anxiety and adjustment disorders in first time mothers in the form of facilitated parent groups for couples. • In conjunction with Ride to Work Day, implement a "Ride to Care Week" encouraging families to ride bikes or walk to childcare during October • Opportunities to extend the Libraries Story Time to be more accessible to a range of parents and children and include technology  Goal 3: A great start for  Achievements  Achievements  Achievements  every child: Maximise the potential of every • The Libraries on Location program • A Kinda Kinder • A working group child by working commenced with five sessions during the program has been coordinated the together to support 2009/2010 financial year. The program implemented at development of an their health, wellbeing generated a lot of interest and new Laverton P-12 annual training and development memberships for library branches. College. Kinda calendar for early during the early years. • A Food Security Project Officer commenced Kinder is aimed at year’s in October 2009. Achievements include: children close to professionals and Providing the best start “Community Connect” pilot project that school age and staff. to a child’s life enables an ongoing source of food for three provides a free • The Council’s involves providing the community organisations; an increase in the one to two hour Libraries worked basics of an unpolluted number of volunteers with food handling learning in partnership with environment, the best qualifications in food programs; and experience in an Deakin University possible care and supporting Laverton P-12 College to inviting to run parent health services, implement a range of initiatives to increase environment. The nutrition programs healthy food options, student fruit consumption. program values at both Altona opportunities for • Both of the Council’s long day childcare the importance of Meadows and physical activity and centres are currently accredited with the Start literacy and Altona North safe places to play, Right Eat Right program. This is an award numeracy grow and experience program funded by DHS which recognises development in the world around them. best practice in nutrition for children attending young children The collaboration of long day childcare. and gives them service providers is the opportunity to important to maximise develop social these opportunities. skills by learning in a larger group Under this goal, the • Two food Council agreed to work security projects towards the following commenced which four objectives: facilitated the distribution of 3.1 Raise awareness of surplus food to the value of play in groups including enhancing a child’s seniors, newly learning and creativity arrived families and advocate for a and residents of range of affordable, two housing educational, active and estates. Both creative play activities projects are being in the municipality. managed by 3.2 Assist families to community have access to organisations with information that limited support enables them to from Council incorporate Actions That Could Be Further Explored and/or That Are Still Relevant educational  experiences, exercise and healthy food • Work across the Council to broaden the successful training calendar aimed at parent and early years professionals choices into their • Work across the Council to broaden the roving book program to supported playgroups and kindergartens children’s lives. • Complete the transition to sustainability of key project and programs for the Laverton Early Years Strategy 3.3 The Council will lead by example to encourage healthy eating practices within schools and across children’s services and programs within the municipality. 3.4 Utilise the Council’s role as a direct service provider and its links to other agencies to foster and advocate for safe and supportive family environments for children.  Goal 4: Quality  Achievements  Achievements  Achievements  Services and Facilities: Children and families • As part of the Neighbourhood House • The Family • The Family in Hobsons Bay will Strategic Plan 2008-2012, working Youth and Youth and have access to a broad relationships were established with NMIT to Children’s Children’s range of quality successfully deliver an accredited retail Services Services services, facilities and training program at Seabrook Community department department social supports. Centre. delivered an Early implemented the • A consultant has prepared a report detailing Years forum in Council of The Council has long how facilities are positioned to meet universal June 2011 Australian been a principal access requirements (15 hours of attended by over Government’s provider of a range of kindergarten). The implications of this report 100 early (COAG) Early early childhood were analysed and this information provided childhood Years Reform services. Recent to relevant officers within Council for future professionals to agenda Federal and State planning. outline the • The Council has policy shifts are proposed National audited all of its influencing how these Quality Standards, facilities and services are provided part of the Council looked at their with a move towards of Australian functionality with a integrating early Government’s view to completing childhood education (COAG) Early a Community and childcare. With the Years Reform Services and introduction of agenda Infrastructure Plan community hubs as a • Work to develop . model for service an evaluation delivery, the Plan framework is provides the driver for currently taking developing place to assist partnerships with key with evaluating stakeholders to ensure how well actions that the Council’s in the Council’s service models are Social Policies are adaptive to the working towards changing needs of the achievement children and families in of policy the municipality. objectives

Under this goal, the Actions That Could Be Further Explored and/or That Are Still Relevant Council agreed to work  towards the following four objectives: • A discussion paper will be developed which articulates the Council’s role in implementing Child Friendly Cities principles. • Calculated Risk- The Childcare services team have identified an opportunity to explore facilitated safe risk taking within child care settings 4.1 Develop and that aligns with the National Quality Framework. The framework promotes children being confident and involved learners and promoting skill maintain partnerships development. with all levels of • Outdoor Play – The Childcare services team has also identified an opportunity to improve quality of the outdoor program provided and government, schools make sure children are offered regular opportunities to play outdoors. and service providers • Commence evaluation of the Children's Plan through development of a discussion paper and recommendations for a new plan. to ensure an integrated • Ensure that children are included in the development of core recreation projects. approach to service delivery. 4.2 Advocate for high quality, locally based services, education, care and support that meet the needs of families and children in Hobsons Bay. 4.3 The Council will plan, review and provide services in consultation with children, families and other key stakeholders. 4.4 The Council will actively build Child Friendly Cities principles into its services and processes.    Appendix 2  Achievements of the Youth Strategic Plan 2009 – 2013   Year 1  Year 2  Year 3  Year 4 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013  Number of Actions  78  65  49   Overall status of  66% (51) completed  57% (37) completed  58% (28) completed  performance over that 23% (18) progressing 14% (9) progressing 28% (10) progressing year 6% (5) ongoing 11% (7) ongoing 11% (10) ongoing 5% (4) deferred % (19) 11% (7) deferred 3% (1) deferred 0% (0) not started 7% (5) not started 0% (0) not started  Goal 1 Leadership and  Achievements  Achievements  Achievements  Coordination: • The Council lead and • Youth Services Youth • Implemented the “Beyond Hobsons Bay City participated in a range Counsellor has delivered a that’s so Gay” worker training Council is uniquely of youth related total of four Youth Mental • The PROUD program has placed to provide networks including the Health First Aid programs. been redesigned to operate support for an integrated Hobsons Bay Youth • A Youth Forum was held within a youth participation youth support system Network, Western at Laverton P-12 College. framework. and a platform to FReeza Network, • The Inaugural Laverton • All youth participation advocate for a ‘better Rainbow Network, and Youth Art Prize was groups include a range of deal’ for young people Disability Network established. young people from diverse • Continuation of • Both Youth Voice backgrounds. An important theme resourcing for the Committee and KAOS • Three Youth Mental Health raised by young people Youth Voice (Music Events Youth First Aid programs have was that they felt the Committee with Committee) have been run throughout this Council had an important particular focus on participated in Social financial year. role in improving the ensuring Media training and • Two Pride and Prejudice image of young people in representation on the induction programs for new train the trainer programs the local community. As Committee is made up members. have been delivered for a provider of youth- of young people from • 25 young people were teachers and student welfare specific services to the diverse backgrounds presented with Reward workers. municipality it is and that their skills are and Recognition Awards • E-bulletins have evolved important that the developed through as part of National Youth from being delivered six Council understands the their involvement Week 2011 celebrations. times a year to being needs, and is able to • Development of ‘the These young people were delivered on a fortnightly communicate effectively Guide’ as an acknowledged through basis to schools and with young people. information and referral local news articles and agencies working with tool for the sector Youth Services Facebook. schools, providing relevant Under this goal, the • Six young people • Hobsons Bay Youth information and resources. Council and its partner were awarded and Services Facebook • The E-newsletter for young organisations agreed to recognised as part of currently has 475 fans people and their families has work towards six the Recognition and (June 2011). also increased its delivery objectives: Rewards program from four term newsletters to • The Council’s KAOS every two weeks. • Strategically plan for Committee was • Consultation took place with the development of a nominated and young people during Youth responsive and awarded for their Week at the Newport Skate accessible youth service contributions to the Park to determine what system within the municipality through social media techniques the municipality by building the Office for Youth library could use. This has and maintaining effective FReeZA awards resulted in a dedicated staff networks. • A Youth Services member to develop and • Advocate for more Facebook trial is monitor social media for services in the currently underway to young people on the new municipality based on investigate the use of library website need, emerging trends online technologies to and/or demographic support service analysis. delivery. • Inform local, regional and state bodies of the needs of young people in Hobsons Bay. • Provide a clearinghouse of information to youth services in the municipality to support local service planning and skill development opportunities. • Recognise and promote the capacity of young people in the community. • Ensure that communication strategies are relevant and effective tools to engage with young people.

 Actions That Could Be Further Explored and/or That Are Still Relevant

• Actively participate on the Youth Partnership Working Party • Redevelop the Youth Voice Committee within a youth participation framework • Deliver professional development training for workers/teachers as well as Council staff • Deliver the reward and recognition program as part of Youth Week “25 most inspirational young people in Hobsons Bay”  Goal 2 Spaces and  Achievements  Achievements  Achievements  Places: • Three young people • Young people were • Young people were Hobsons Bay City are participating in the consulted with as part of consulted for the Council acknowledges steering committee for the Play Space Strategy development of the Sport that young people the development of the • Young people have and Recreation Strategy. interact within the Newport Youth, Library participated in the • A mobile arts program has community in a range of and Seniors’ facility. community consultation been developed – Craft a diverse and culturally • Streetsmart youth arts regarding review of Noons and has been specific ways that are group exhibited in the Councils skate park delivered in parks, libraries relevant to their life Council foyer during Art facilities. and community centres stage. in Public Places • The PROUD program across Hobsons Bay • A range of activities participated in Council's • Venue sponsorship was Like other age groups, during school holiday Midsumma activities provided to Warchild music young people use public period were • Council supported the concert benefit created by space and community undertaken in the delivery of 3 professional students from Williamstown facilities to meet with libraries for young development workshops High School friends and socialise. people aged 12 to 18 with a focus on addressing • Pixel8, Airtime, and the However, unlike other years homophobia in schools. Woods Street Arts Space age groups, public • A new drop in centre • During 2010 the have been promoted through perception of young was established in neighbourhood houses youth networks people’s usage of public Altona Meadows offered 46 different space is often programs for young considered problematic people. or negative. While there Actions That Could Be Further Explored and/or That Are Still Relevant is provision for  recreational/sporting pursuits in public spaces • Scope the possibility of a mobile service to deliver services to young people in public spaces / schools (e.g. football, skate • Explore possibilities to increase opportunities for young people within Neighbourhood Houses parks) in Hobsons Bay, • Consult with young people in the development of the Environment Strategy the Council has a pivotal • Continue to actively involve and encourage input from young people in the arts role in engaging with young people in urban design frameworks and facility planning throughout the municipality.

Under this goal, the Council and its partner organisations agreed to work towards three objectives:

• Provide a planning framework that actively involves and encourages the input of young people as key stakeholders in urban design; • Provide locations to deliver services that are accessible and responsive to the needs of young people; • Advocate for a transport system that is flexible, accessible and responsive to the needs of young people.  Goal 3 Connection and  Achievements  Achievements  Achievements  Participation: • The Council delivered • A suite of support to • Application for funding Hobsons Bay City 15 activities and events culture & arts programs through the Office for Youth Council acknowledges for young people in included: Lost In Transit is was successful for National that a sense of belonging Hobsons Bay as part of underway; St Martins Youth Week. Youth Voice and connection to National Youth Week Youth Theatre is running developed and delivered community (e.g. peers, including the Kool classes at The Substation; three events as part of Youth neighbourhood, and Schools program the Council supported Week family) is vital for young • The Council Sistema/Lavertunes at • A young person has been people’s resilience, self- continued to support Laverton P-12 through nominated and accepted to esteem and potential to young people’s sexual funding (a music and be on the Gay Lesbian develop life skills. diversity through the performance program). Bisexual Transgender implementation of • Council sponsored a Intersex Queer (GLBTIQ) PROUD activities state wide conference on Advisory Committee Meaningful opportunities • The Council delivered International Students and • A Youth Participation Group to participate in two skill development the role of local has been established to community life enhances program for young governments in this area. deliver culturally appropriate young people’s civic people with disabilities events for GLBTIQ young responsibility, life skills • Grants for youth • Libraries, Arts and people. and ability to compete in driven projects in Culture and Recreation the job market. One in Laverton were provided partnered with Youth five young people aged through Laverton Youth Services to deliver 12 between 18 – 25 years of Foundations events to celebrate and age living in Hobsons acknowledge local young Bay volunteers and people throughout National almost 30 per cent were Youth Week 2011. members of an organised • Two Life Skills Programs group or decision making were delivered to young committee. In light of people with disabilities The this, the Council will first program provided work to enhance the basic First Aid Training current structures that and the second a provide positive photography program connections for young which were exhibited people in the during National Youth municipality and promote Week 2011. access points for young • Youth Forum took place people to ‘be heard’. in August 2011 which included 60 students from Under this goal, the across Hobsons Bay. The Council and its partner information been organisations agreed to incorporated in Youth work towards two Services Business Plan objectives: • Young people have been consulted or engaged in • Facilitate and support decision making with the opportunities that following 4 Council acknowledge and reflect departments: Youth the diversity of young Services, Recreation and people within our Arts and Culture and municipality. Libraries. • Facilitate processes and Actions That Could Be Further Explored and/or That Are Still Relevant projects that provide  community engagement, youth participation, • Evaluate the New and Emerging Leadership program leadership and brokerage • Support artists through rotations of Airtime Flag Project, funding workshop programs and supporting outcomes and launches opportunities.  Goal 4 Transitions:  Achievements  Achievements  Achievements  Learning and Working: • Melbourne City • Youth Services have • Youth Services have Hobsons Bay City Mission Job Service is participated in a wide participated in a wide range Council acknowledges currently delivering range of transition of transition programs for that the period between support from Laverton programs for Grade 6 Grade six students entering adolescence and three days a week to students entering into into secondary schools. adulthood involves a young people seeking secondary schools. • Four work placements have series of unique, employment • Following initial been identified though the complex and sometimes • The Libraries have discussions with parents, SEED Project to commence challenging transitions. established the online Youth Services and Social in the new financial year. tutoring program ‘Your Planning & Development • Youth Services supported Local data indicates that Tutor’, which is will contract a consultant to two third year youth work the top three counselling currently averaging research existing models students and three issues for young people more than 50 enquiries and make counselling student in Hobsons Bay included per month recommendations for placements. family conflict, mental • School Focused exiting strategies for HB health issues and Youth Services young adults (25 years of bullying. In addition, provided brokerage age) with a disability. statistics show that funding to 11 schools Funding has been made Hobsons Bay’s school and community available in 2011/12 retention rates are lower agencies across budget. and unemployment rates Hobsons Bay and • Multi-Intervention are higher than the Wyndham to assist in Response Team (MIRT) Melbourne Statistical meeting the needs of school model has been Division. vulnerable young developed and is now people operational. The MIRT As the largest employer • A working relationship involves a range of of local residents and a was established with services to support highly provider of youth NMIT to deliver an vulnerable students at risk services, the Council is accredited retail of disengaging from in a good position to training program from school. actively enhance service Seabrook Community • The HBCC Youth provision to young Centre Employment Research people as well as support Paper has been completed the education, training with Council committing to and employment needs supporting employment of young people in the programs for young people municipality. and offering a minimum of four Under this goal, the apprenticeships/traineeshi Council has agreed to ps across Council. This will work towards three be lead by the Human objectives: Resources Department. • Youth Services currently • Identify and strengthen supported 2 x 3rd year support during youth work students from psychological and social VU; 2 x Masters in psych transitions of young students and one VET people, generally and at Certificate IV events critical times. management student. • Support and advocate for workplace programs and employment within the Council and through the local community. • Support and advocate for appropriate educational opportunities and resources that are locally and culturally relevant to the needs of students.

 Actions That Could Be Further Explored and/or That Are Still Relevant

• Develop and implement an existing program for young adults with a disability transitioning out of Youth Services. • Explore and develop recommendations for traineeships/apprenticeships across Council departments. • Provide workforce participation opportunities for tertiary students in Youth Services.  Goal 5 Health and Well-  Achievements  Achievements  Achievements  Being: • The Council, in • A Youth Suicide Parent • Four parenting seminars Hobsons Bay City partnership with Workshop was held at were delivered which Council acknowledges headspace delivered Altona Meadows Library. included guest speakers that in order for young mental health • Four parenting seminars Andrew Fuller and Susan people to reach their full awareness raising have been delivered. McLean. Further potential, they require workshops in schools Attendance has increased development work will occur access to appropriate across Hobsons Bay significantly following a with parents regarding the health and well being • The Council delivered robust consultation and next guest speakers. services. four information review with parents. 120 • Eighteen Support programs sessions were parents attended the last were delivered across Local data indicates that delivered for parents, parent seminar with Hobsons Bay secondary mental health disorders teachers and workers Andrew Fuller as the guest schools, libraries and rate the third highest in Hobsons Bay speaker. community settings. burden of disease for • The Council delivered • The Youth Mentoring • Four skate park events Hobsons Bay residents. a number of program has been were run with an average As such, the provision information sessions in reviewed in light over the attendance of 60 people and effective planning for schools based on a oversubscription to the • Two successful events the growing health needs variety of topics program. were developed and held by of young people requires including stress Recommendations to the PROUD group for careful attention. management and restructure & extend the GLBTIQ young people. Through provision of career pathways. program will begin July 1st Firstly a Masquerade Dance services, the Council will 2011. and secondly the Midsumma ensure that it remains • A Youth Circus program Pamper Day, which informed of the issues was delivered during incorporated a range of affecting young people in school holiday program health and well being mini the municipality, and that with Westside Circus. workshopsPixel8 was it supports the • Youth Arts programs successfully held with over development and have included: Airtime, 100 entries. The winners implementation of Street SmART fundraising were announced on the 25th programs and initiatives Auction, Doormats of May 2012 and the images needed to address health Laverton. have been used for the and wellbeing issues of • The Lohse Woods Arts Airtime flags exhibition in concern to young people. Program is being Altona Meadows. developed to commence in • Lavertunes, now renamed Under this goal, the March 2011 with the Crashendo, is now Council has agreed to StreetsmART (youth arts established and currently work towards three project) coordinating a engages 30 Primary students objectives: community arts project from Laverton P-12 College with local traders. A visual in orchestral training. • Provide equitable arts/sculpture project is • The Laverton Youth Art access to appropriate also being developed Prize now renamed Hobsons and responsive services which will engage with Bay Youth Art Prize has that support the needs of students at the Laverton P- been integrated into the young people and where 12 college. This will annual Youth Week appropriate, their families culminate in community celebrations. The event was • Identify and promote multicultural celebrations in highly successful with 45 young people’s self April and November entries from emerging young protective behaviours artists. through skill • The delivery of the Laverton development, education Artsplan continues to support and environments that young people through support safe ‘risk taking’ Streetsmart who are opportunities delivering programs at the • Support and promote newly established Woods healthy choices and Street Arts Space. behaviours through • Rainbow families’ packs initiatives and activities with recommended books for and same sex families have been • Support, embrace and purchased for the libraries celebrate the diversity of and are currently being young people through catalogued. the provision of recreational and arts initiatives that are culturally relevant to them

 Actions That Could Be Further Explored and/or That Are Still Relevant

• Provide support to young people who cannot access youth counselling • Implement the Sports without Borders project targeting newly arrived refugee and migrant young people • Develop and extend the Pixel 8 Photographic Program to include photographic workshops in schools • Extend the mentoring program to include volunteers • Investigate a program to offer influenza immunisation to VCE students attending Hobsons Bay Schools 

Load more

  97

Copy Link