SAFETY, INCLUSION AND EQUITY STRATEGY 2016-2017 to 2021-2022
OUR PEOPLE u OUR CITYSafety, Inclusion and u Equity Strategy OUR 2016-2017 FUTURE to 2021-2022 1 Contents
Mayor’s message ...... 3
Executive summary ...... 4
Vision, goals and priorities ...... 5
Approach ...... 6
Policy context ...... 4
Priorities ...... 15
Prevention of violence against women and children ...... 16
Reducing harm from alcohol and other drugs ...... 20
Reducing homelessness ...... 24
Reducing barriers to access and inclusion for people with a disability ...... 28
Implementation and evaluation ...... 32
Acknowledgements ...... 32
References ...... 33
2 Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 Mayor’s message
Wodonga Council has a strong commitment to improving safety, inclusion and equity to enhance the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors. As part of this, the council will continue to be a leader in the prevention of violence against women and children. The Premier of Victoria has declared that family violence is “the most urgent law and order emergency occurring in our state and the most unspeakable crime unfolding across our nation”. This strategy, in part, responds to this unspeakable crime. With this in mind, I am proud to present Wodonga’s No One Left Behind: Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022. Wodonga is a vibrant, strong and dynamic community that has enjoyed significant growth in the past 25 years. Despite this, there are high levels of disadvantage and vulnerability experienced by some of our people. Many people within Wodonga experience social, economic and physical barriers that limit their ability to feel safe, fully included and connected with the community. The council and the Wodonga community recognise the importance of leaving no one behind. Through research and consultation with our community, the council has identified four priorities for action to achieve this: prevention of violence against women, reducing harm from alcohol and other drugs, reducing homelessness and reducing barriers to access and inclusion for people with a disability. As a leader in the community, Wodonga Council plays a key role in ensuring our people are safe and included. However, we cannot do this alone. Together, we all have a role in building a community that is safe, inclusive and equitable for all.
Cr Anna Speedie Wodonga Mayor
Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 3 Executive summary
Wodonga Council has a long-standing commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and equitable city where residents have the resources and opportunities to achieve optimal health and wellbeing. The community echoed this commitment in the revised Community Vision 2033, with a strong focus on leaving no one behind in Wodonga as the city grows. Wodonga is experiencing growth, prosperity and opportunity. Many people share the benefits the city has to offer and experience good health and wellbeing. Despite this, there is considerable disadvantage and vulnerability across the community. Community members are not always safe. Some struggle to find a place to call home. Others are not included in all aspects of community life and do not have the same access to resources.
Between 2010 and Heavy drinking among On Census night About 18 per cent 2014, rates of family young people aged in 2011, 364 people of people violence in Wodonga 16 to 25 has almost in Wodonga were in Wodonga increased by 91%. doubled across Victoria. without a home. have a disability
In line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Wodonga Council believes that everyone living, working or visiting the city has an equal right to good health and safety, to be socially included and to have equitable access to opportunities. It is with this in mind that Wodonga Council has developed the Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 that reaffirms strong commitment to working towards a safer, inclusive and equitable community. The strategy aligns with the next Council Plan cycle, will form part of the council’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan and replaces the both the Community Safety Strategy and Disability Action Plan.
4 Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 Vision To leave no one behind as the city grows.
Goals To create a community that is safe, inclusive and equitable for all residents and visitors, where everyone has the right to: • Feel safe and be free from incidents of injury and crime; • Participate in all aspects of community life; • Move easily through the city; • Feel accepted and respected; and, • Be supported to achieve their potential.
Priorities
Preventing violence against women and children
Reducing harm from alcohol and other drugs
Reducing homelessness
Reducing barriers to access and inclusion for people with a disability
The council acknowledges that these priorities are not mutually exclusive. Action in one priority will inevitably affect another. For example, minimising the impacts of alcohol and drug related harm on the community would also reduce levels of family violence given that alcohol is a contributing factor in approximately 50 per cent of incidents. This demonstrates the complex interrelated nature of the priorities the council is trying to address. Addressing these priorities will take a whole of community approach. The council will involve stakeholders from government, business, education and others in the community to take a collective approach, where ownership of the priorities are shared and local actions are co-ordinated.
Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 5 How was the strategy developed? To develop the strategy and identify priority areas, a comprehensive and in-depth process was undertaken that considered: 1. What local issues most impacted on safety, inclusion and equity in Wodonga; 2. What issues were important to the community; 3. What local data revealed about the issues; 4. The council’s role and ability in addressing these issues; and, 5. A strong evidence base to inform the strategies.
Review • Reviewed the outcomes and achievements of previous work addressed by this strategy including: o Council Plan/Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017; o Community Safety Strategic Plan 2009-2012; o Access for All Strategy 2011; and, o Disability Action Plan 2011.
Data • Compilation of multiple local, state and national data sets. • Development of factsheets/profiles for priority areas.
Context • Reviewed international, national and state government policy and strategy documents. • Reviewed the council’s related strategies and plans. • Research into best practice.
Consultation • Interviews with internal business units, key stakeholders including service providers, government representatives and community members. • Reviewed the data from community engagement activities undertaken by Wodonga Council over the past three years.
Analysis • Analysis of contextual, data and consultation insights.
6 Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 How will the strategy work?
Collective action
“We believe that there is no other way society will achieve large-scale progress against the urgent and complex problems of our time, unless a collective impact approach becomes the accepted way of doing business.”
John Kania and Mark Kramer 2012
This strategy draws on collective impact to improving safety, inclusion and equity outcomes in the community. This approach is being implemented internationally to tackle deeply entrenched social problems. The overarching goal of the collective impact approach is to ensure successful collaboration between government (Federal, State and Local), business, service sector, community organisations, philanthropic organisations and citizens in order to achieve lasting and positive change. A collective impact approach is successfully implemented if the following elements are adopted: • A shared understanding of the problem; • An agreed goal; • Continuous communication; • Consistent outcomes are being measured and collected; and, • Actions are aligned towards the agreed goal. Research indicates that the best way to address complex issues and improve outcomes is through place-based interventions where the local community, local knowledge and local resources all contribute to addressing the problem through co-ordination and mutually reinforcing strategies. Where priorities align, the council will seek to work cross-border to co-ordinate and strengthen local efforts for greater collective action.
Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 7 Council’s role Local government is in a unique position to play a key leadership role in creating change through coordinating action at the local level. As a key influencer, the council: • Understands the local context; • Has access to a range of local networks; and , • Works closely with other levels of government and the community.
The council has drawn on the Cities for Health and Safe Communities framework when identifying local government’s mechanisms and opportunities for action.
These mechanisms are unique to local government, therefore the council has an obligation to explore and act on these mechanisms to improve outcomes for its people.
8 Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 The council has strong partnerships with community organisations, businesses, residents and other stakeholders at the local level. Therefore, as a leader and advocate, the council is well placed to create shared Leadership and understanding and whole of community responses to local issues. The advocacy council has demonstrated leadership and advocacy through public statements about gender inequity in the media and lobbying to the Victorian Minister for Women for local resource to prevent violence against women.
One of the council’s greatest assets is its capacity to bring the community together to address issues of concern. The council works closely with Community the community and other key partners to address issues that affect its people. This is achieved by building community capacity through increasing engagement understanding and awareness of key social and health issues and co-ordinating local collective action. For example, the council hosting forums, running campaigns and supporting programs.
The council has a duty to look internally to identify how the organisation’s Workforce and practice can be improved when addressing equity, inclusion and safety. This organisational includes developing an organisational gender equity strategy, promoting development women in leadership and ensuring communications are inclusive for all and to prioritise the safety of staff.
The council’s strategic and statutory planning and design role ensures it designs and plans the city to meet the vision and needs of all its people. Planning and The council can strongly influence the way community spaces are designed and incorporate principles of safety, inclusion and equity to ensure built design environment is accessible for all. For example, the council ensures that footpaths and road crossings are accessible for people with a disability, or that open spaces have adequate lighting to ensure people feel safe.
The council’s regulatory role ensures the safety and wellbeing of its Local laws and people through the enforcement of local laws or assessment and approval processes. For example, banning the consumption of alcohol in open spaces regulation or insisting that the responsible service of alcohol is a condition of a council building lease, can minimise the harms of alcohol misuse.
Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 9 What the community can do Although the council plays a pivotal role, it is up to everyone in the community to work together to ensure no one is left behind.
The council has identified key settings and partners where change can be created together.
10 Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 Wodonga businesses serve as local leaders in the community and can Workplaces influence change among those who work in the city. Key areas that workplaces can act include:
P Development of workplace policy in areas of alcohol consumption, gender equity and disability access in the workplace; P Promote an inclusive and respectful workplace culture; and, P Offer flexible work arrangements to cater for parents or those with a disability.
Schools and Teachers and carers serve as important role models and leaders for young people. Key areas where schools and early learning services can act include: early learning services P Development of internal policy to address gender equity, diversity, inclusion and respect; P Promote the importance of respectful relationships; and, P Guide young people in good decision-making in relation to alcohol and drug use.
Community Many people in Wodonga participate in a community or sporting and sporting organisation. These organisations can act as leaders and role models for community members. Outcomes for the community can be improved organisations through:
P Increasing participation of girls and women in their club; P Promoting gender equity by ensuring female representation on committees or boards; P Ensuring diversity is supported by being inclusive of people with a disability; and, P Upholding a responsible drinking culture.
Individuals It is up to all community members to address issues related to safety, inclusion and equity. As a community, Wodonga can come together to ensure no one in the city is left behind. So what can you do?
P Speak up – If you see something suspicious, report it. Call the police; P Get friendly – Get to know your neighbours and actively improve levels of community cohesion in Wodonga; P Spread the word – Talk to people about these significant issues and help raise the awareness of others; and, P Change the culture – Have you seen gender inequity in your workplace? Does your community or sporting organisation make it difficult for people with a disability to get involved? Are there sexist attitudes within your friendship group? Take a stand and make a change. Significant cultural shifts can start with just one person.
Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 11 Guiding principles Local efforts to improve safety, inclusion and equity outcomes for the Wodonga community will be guided by the following principles:
ating to create shared vision, ownership, responsibility and action; 1. Collabor
2. ated Integr planning and action across multiple partners and disciplines;
3. orking W to prevent the issue before it occurs;
engths and assets;
4. Understanding and building on the community’s str
5. Engaging the community to participate in being part of the solutions;
ystems thinking approach to deliver actions; and, 6. Using a s
7. ormed Inf decision making based on the best available evidence.
12 Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 Framework: Creating a safe, inclusive and equitable Wodonga
Vision
Goal
Guiding principles
Role of local government - mechanisms for change
Leadership Community Workforce Land use Local laws engagement development and advocacy planning and regulation
Preventing violence against women and children
Reducing harm from alcohol and other drugs
Reducing homelessness
Reducing barriers to access and inclusion for people with a disability
Researching, monitoring, evaluation and social impact measurement Strategic partnerships for collective action collective partnerships for Strategic
Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 13 Policy context
This strategy has been informed by and aligns with international, national, state, regional and local policy.
International UN adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Convention on the Rights of Person with Disabilities Universal Declaration of Human Rights World Health Organisation
National The Family Violence Prevention Act 2008 National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children2010-2022 The Road Home - A National Approach to Reducing Homelessness 2007 Disability Discrimination Act 1992 The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) National Drug Strategy 2016-2025
State and regional A Right to Respect: Victorian Government Plan 2010-2020 A Right to Safety and Justice: Strategic Framework to Guide Continuing Family Violence Reform in Victoria 2010–2020 Hume Region Preventing Violence Against Women and Children (PVAWC) Strategy 2013-2017. Family Violence Protection Act 2008 Safer Design Guidelines for Victoria Victorian Homelessness Action Plan 2011-2015 State planning policy: clauses 16.01-4 Housing diversity and 16.01-5 Housing affordability Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 Disability Act 2006 Equal Opportunity Act 2010 Victorian State Disability Plan 2013 -2016. Implementation of local Disability Action Plan (DAP). Reducing the Alcohol and Drug Toll Strategy 2013-2017 Safer Design Guidelines for Victoria.
Wodonga Community Vision 2033 Council Plan Municipal Public Health Plan Wodonga Charter for Prevention of Violence Against Women Workplace Gender Equity Directive and Strategy, 2016 Affordable Housing Principles adopted by Wodonga Council in 2010 Wodonga Growth Strategy. Access for All Strategy 2011 Disability Action Plan 2011 Wodonga Growth Strategy: theme – A mobile and connected region
14 Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 Preventing violence against women and children
Reducing harm from alcohol and other drugs
Reducing homelessness
Reducing barriers to access and inclusion for people with a disability
Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 15 In Wodonga, 75.1 per cent of people said they would act if they saw an incident of violence against a woman. And together the community MUST act.1
PRIORITY
“We understand, to a much greater extent than ever before, that family violence exists, its prevalence and impacts are devastating and shame us all, and that family violence affects individuals, our community and ultimately our nation.”
Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence, 2016
All community members have a vested interest in preventing family violence from occurring in the first place. Everyone must work to challenge harmful attitudes, beliefs and norms that support violence in the community, in the places where people live, learn, work and play.
16 Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 WODONGA IS IN THE TOP
%IN VICTORIA FOR REPORTED INCIDENCE 2 OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 10AND THE HIGHEST RATES OF FAMILY VIOLENCE IN THE HUME REGION
Violence against women and children is unacceptably high in Between 2010 and 2014, reported Wodonga and reported incidents rates of family violence in Wodonga continue to grow. increased by 91 per cent.3
Wodonga’s youth service providers One in six women in estimate that 75 per cent of young the workforce are people seeking support have a 75% experiencing or have history of violence in the home.4 experienced violence.5
A woman dies at the hands of a current or former partner almost every week in Australia.6
The United Nation’s declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women (1993) defines violence against women as: “Any act of gender based violence that results in, or likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life.”
Men’s violence against women and children is a widespread complex issue with devastating impacts. It destroys families and undermines communities. • For Victorian women, intimate partner violence is the leading contributor of preventable illness and premature death aged 15 to 45 years. 6 • Children exposed to family violence from an early age have much poorer outcomes than children not exposed.7 Family violence does not only affect those directly experiencing it. Family violence impacts the wider community through family breakdown, the reduced ability of women to participate in employment, displaced from housing and education and increased crime.
Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 17 Violence against women is a complex social issue and therefore there is no single cause. There are, however, three main contributors to family violence in Wodonga that this strategy will focus on.
1. Evidence indicates that the underlying cause of men’s violence against women is gender inequality, power imbalances and negative attitudes towards women.
Despite the many advances made to progress gender equity, women are still constrained by traditional gender stereotypes. 8
There is no doubt that violence against women and children is deeply rooted in power imbalances that are reinforced For example, women are: by gender stereotypes. • Paid less than their male colleagues; • More likely to be responsible for 9 child rearing duties; • Less likely to occupy senior murder leadership roles; and, physical violence • More likely to experience periods controlling behaviours of unemployment due to caring responsibilities, impacting trivialise/acceptance of VAW negatively on superannuation hostile sexism balances. benevolent sexism unequal power between men and women gender stereotypes
2. Wodonga has a higher reported 3. The reinforcing role alcohol plays in number of children witnessing violence against women and children in or experiencing family violence Wodonga. 2 compared to the state average. Almost half of all family violence incidents in Wodonga involve alcohol or Forty per cent of family violence occurs in drug use.1 front of children.2 This can lead to: Research shows higher levels of violence against l Children’s attitudes around violence as a women where there is a higher density of alcohol normal way of dealing with conflict; and, outlets in the community.11 l Increases the likelihood of children becoming perpetrators of family violence themselves one day.10
In Wodonga, people live in close proximity to alcohol sales outlets. In Wodonga, proximity to alcohol outlets is a concern. This is further addressed through the priority ‘Reducing harm from alcohol and other drugs’.
18 Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 Priority: Prevent violence against women and children
Strategies Local Govt mechanism
Objective: Participate in a collective approach to strengthen the service system
Leadership and advocacy Work in partnership to improve the understanding, access, operation of the system. Community engagement
Collectively identify local opportunities and interventions. Community engagement
Support the timely collection of relevant local data to inform a strong response. Leadership and advocacy
Advocate, lobby and seek funding at a federal and state government level. Leadership and advocacy
Work with internal local laws and regulation teams and Wodonga Police to explore Local laws and regulation strategies for reducing alcohol-fuelled incidents of family violence.
Objective: Promote gender equity and respectful relationships where people live, learn, work and play
Increase awareness and understanding of gender equity and respectful relationships. Community engagement
Actively speak out as leaders in the community in support of women’s equality. Leadership and advocacy
Continue to participate in campaigns that build capacity within the business Leadership and advocacy community to respond to family violence and promote gender equity. Community engagement
Work with Recreation, Local Laws and other relevenat internal teams to explore Local laws and regulation strategies for improving gender equity in the community.
Objective: Influence and encourage gender equity and the safety of women through council’s culture and practices.
Implement Wodonga Council’s Gender Equity Strategy to promote and embed an Workforce and org organisational culture that embraces gender equality. development
Workforce and org Support organisational changes that prioritise gender equity. development
Increase awareness and understanding of gender equity and family violence for all Workforce and org staff. development
Ensure land use planning utilises Safer by Design Guidelines and applies a gender Planning and design equity lens in planning decisions.
Continue to update and improve the city’s lighting to improve safety. Planning and design
The Victorian Premier acknowledged, “more of the same policies will only mean more of the same tragedies”. At a state level, the 227 recommendations from the Royal Commission seek to address the multitude of issues and recommends local governments be required to report on the measures that they take to reduce family violence and respond to victims. For Wodonga this strategy sets out the council’s response.
Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 19 PRIORITY
Drug and alcohol use is a key contributor to crime and injury in Wodonga The ease of access to drugs and alcohol, as well as the normalised drinking culture in Wodonga, has led to an unprecedented growth in drug and alcohol- fuelled crime and violence. The council understands, and is committed to act on, its critical role in planning and design, and licensing and regulation, when working to prevent harm from alcohol and drug use in the city.
Greater attention should be paid to the relationship between alcohol supply and family violence in light of the evidence showing that alcohol misuse increases the severity and frequency of family violence.
– Royal Commission into Family Violence
20 Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 71% OF PEOPLE IN WODONGA ARE AT INCREASED LIFETIME RISK OF ALCOHOL RELATED HARM COMPARED TO ONLY 59.2% OF ALL VICTORIANS12
Heavy drinking In 2014, Wodonga police reported among young that ice offences have risen by at 60% people aged 16 least 60 per cent a year in the past 14 to 25 years has five years. almost doubled across Victoria.13 Drug offences have been steadily 2 2011 2016 increasing in Wodonga since 2011.
WODONGA HAS THE HIGHEST RATE IN THE HUME REGION FOR HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS RELATED TO ILLICIT DRUGS AT 3.6 PRESENTATIONS PER 10,000 PEOPLE.15
In Wodonga, men and women regularly drink alcohol at risky levels considered harmful, according to Australia’s national responsible drinking guidelines. Risky alcohol consumption is defined as consuming more than two standard drinks at a time. Anything over this amount increases one’s likelihood of long-term risk of harm from alcohol-related disease. While the individual health impacts are concerning, the social consequences of harmful alcohol and drug use, where other people are affected, is of most concern. Harmful alcohol and drug use is linked to many incidents of crime and injury in Wodonga. Of particular concern is the reinforcing role alcohol and other drugs play in violence against women and children, with about 50 per cent of incidents in Wodonga involving alcohol or other drugs.11
Injury/violence where alcohol and other drugs was involved (rate per 10,000 people)15
Emergency department Serious road injury Family violence Assault presentations WODONGA VICTORIA WODONGA VICTORIA WODONGA VICTORIA WODONGA VICTORIA 19.9 13.8 4.1 1.7 42.5 21.9 19.1 13.1
Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 21 There are two key contributors of harmful alcohol and drug use in Wodonga where the council will focus efforts.
1. There is a strong drinking culture in Wodonga. People In 2011, 40 per cent of people in in Wodonga drink alcohol at 40% Wodonga purchased alcohol in the 16 a higher rate when compared past seven days. to their Victorian peers and spend slightly more on alcohol. Risky levels of drinking is considered the norm. Heavy drinking among young Young people are also starting to people aged experiment with alcohol and drugs from an earlier age, with 40 per cent of 16 to 25 years people aged between 12 and 17 years has almost in Australia having already tried a full doubled across 13 serve of alcohol.17 Victoria. 2011 2016
The average distance from 2. People can easily access home to an alcohol outlet in Wodonga is 2.3km, compared alcohol throughout the city. to 10.1km in the region.1
FAMILY VIOLENCE AND INCIDENTS OF CHILD MALTREATMENT AND NEGLECT INCREASE WITH A HIGHER DENSITY OF ALCOHOL OUTLETS11
ALMOST Alcohol or drug use is a factor in almost half of all family violence 50% incidents in Wodonga.11
One of the specific recommendations for the Victorian Government is to change liquor licensing laws so the impact of family violence can be considered in planning applications for bottle shops and other alcohol outlets. It is therefore important for the council to consider the three main mechanisms for action: (1) Leadership and advocacy; (2) Designing and planning the city; and, (3) Assessing liquor licencing applications.
22 Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 Priority: Reduce alcohol and drug harm in Wodonga
Strategies Local Govt mechanism
Objective: Participate in a collective approach to strengthen the service system
Work in partnership to improve the understanding, access and operation of the drug and Leadership and advocacy alcohol service system. Community engagement
Collectively identify local opportunities and interventions to improve access to drug and Leadership and advocacy alcohol services.
Support the timely collection of relevant local data to inform a strong response. Community engagement
Advocate, lobby and seek funding at a federal and state government level. Leadership and advocacy
Objective: Increase awareness of risky drinking to encourage a safe drinking culture where people live, learn, work and play
Lobby and advocate with community partners to de-normalise risky drinking and drug Community engagement use.
Participate in campaigns that increase community awareness. Community engagement
Workforce and org Work internally to create a responsible workplace drinking culture. development
Objective: Use council planning, regulatory and policy mechanisms to reduce alcohol and drug harm
Work to reduce anti-social behaviour and violence in public spaces through local laws. Local laws and regulation
Work to reduce anti-social behaviour and violence in public spaces through the consideration of improved public lighting and implementing Safer by Design Guidelines Planning and design in planning decisions.
Advocate and lobby in partnership with the Municipal Association of Victoria to influence state policy to better consider the social and health impacts of alcohol- Leadership and advocacy related harm.
Undertake an alcohol outlet mapping exercise across Wodonga. Planning and design
Investigate ways for council to better consider the social and health impacts for all Planning and design liquor license applications.
In partnership with Wodonga Police, encourage compliance with, and appropriate Local laws and regulation issuing of, liquor licences through education and advice.
Influence the council’s services and events to promote responsible drinking. Leadership and advocacy
Ensure active surveillance over reserves and other public spaces through the use of design and development overlays or other appropriate policy and controls to minimise Planning and design anti-social behaviour in relation to drug and alcohol use
Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 23 PRIORITY
Everyone in Wodonga has the right to have a safe place to call home and it is through the community’s collective efforts that this is achievable. The council recognises it has a key role in progressing efforts to reduce homelessness within the community.
Home is about safety and security, and being involved in the community
- Homeless person in Wodonga
24 Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 IN 2011 PEOPLE364 WERE HOMELESS IN WODONGA19 THIS NUMBER IS LIKELY TO BE HIGHER IN REALITY DUE TO DIFFICULTIES IN LOCATING HOMELESS PEOPLE
In700 2014 -2015 more than 700 people who were homeless or at risk of becoming homeless presented to the Rural Housing Network for assistance. According to local services, youth homelessness is on the rise, u 43 per cent were lone persons with an increase in young people presenting for housing support.4 u 27 per cent were couples or families
u 24 per cent were single parents.18
Being without safe, secure and affordable housing can have life-long impacts on community members. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) defines a person as homeless if they do not have suitable accommodation and their current living arrangement: l Is in a dwelling that is inadequate; l Has no tenure, or their initial tenure is short and not extendable; or, l Does not allow them to have control of, and access to, space for social relations.
The impacts of homelessness on individuals and the community are devastating. Homeless people are more likely to experience poorer health outcomes, drug and alcohol addiction and poor mental health. Furthermore, the stigma associated with being homeless can contribute to feelings of shame and fear, which can make it difficult for people to seek help.
Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 25 In Wodonga there are two main contributors to homelessness that the council will focus efforts towards.
Median weekly rent 2015 2006 $265 Wodonga
2001 1. Poor housing affordability Median house prices are continuing to rise
and diversity within the local in Wodonga.20 120k 262k 290k housing system can contribute to poor housing availability. Shortage of social housing and high waiting lists
In Wodonga, there has been an increase in the median rent and house price, as well as a shortage of diverse housing options.
In Wodonga 7.8% of dwellings are social Poor housing affordability housing, higher than Victoria at 3.8%12 and lack of variety of dwelling types can contribute to rates of Between 2000 and 2015, the number of homelessness in a community. two-bedroom flats for rent decreased from 191 to 97, withfour-bedroom houses increasing from 30 to 87.21
The increase in four-bedroom houses and a decrease in units has made it difficult for single people seeking affordable housing.
These housing conditions make it extremely difficult for those most vulnerable in the community to access appropriate housing
2. Housing stress, combined Housing stress is where more than with everyday living costs and unforeseen expenses such as 30% of one’s income illness or injury, can increase goes towards housing-related costs the risk of becoming homeless. In Wodonga It is important to increase community awareness and understanding 11.8% renters that anyone in the community can experience homelessness, not only those 7.1% homeowners experiencing drug and alcohol addiction experience housing stress19 or mental illness.
26 Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 Priority: Reduce homelessness in Wodonga
Strategies Local Govt mechanism
Objective: Participate in a collective approach to strengthen the service sector and to improve pathways into housing in Wodonga
Work in partnership to improve the understanding, access and operation of the Leadership and advocacy housing system. Community engagement
Support the timely collection of relevant local data to inform a strong response. Leadership and advocacy
Collectively identify local opportunities and interventions to create new or improved Community engagement pathways into housing.
Continue to enforce local laws related to public squatting/camping while also linking Local laws in those experiencing homelessness to appropriate services and housing support.
Objective: Work to reduce housing stress in the community
Participate in relevant networks and support community organisations working Community engagement directly with people at risk of homelessness.
Participate in campaigns that increase community awareness of the nature, causes Leadership and advocacy and consequences of homelessness. Community engagement
Objective: Use council planning, regulatory and policy mechanisms to increase housing diversity and affordability
Undertake a housing needs analysis and develop a housing strategy Planning and design
Advocate, lobby and seek funding from federal and state governments for appropriate Leadership and advocacy and affordable housing across all tenure types.
In partnership, explore innovative models of social and affordable housing. Leadership and advocacy
Investigate ways to increase development of affordable and diverse housing options, Planning and design close to transport and services. Licensing and regulation
Through the Wodonga Growth Strategy investigate ways to influence both affordability and diversity by using appropriate residential zones to promote a more Planning and design diverse supply of lot sizes and dwelling types.
The council has an obligation to ensure that it plans for a growing city and caters for all residents now and into the future. The Wodonga Growth Strategy recognises the need to create a liveable city through the provision of diverse housing options and suggests appropriate actions to achieve this.
Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 27 PRIORITY
This chapter furthers the council’s commitment to achieve a fully accessible and inclusive city.
The council is legislated to develop and adopt a Disability Action Plan. Wodonga Council’s Disability Action Plan is integrated into this strategy to reduce barriers to access and inclusion for people with a disability. This has been done to ensure that access and inclusion principles are considered in all responsibilities, activities and services of the council.
People with a disability in Wodonga are more likely to experience discrimination and exclusion from community life
28 Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 LOCAL SERVICES ESTIMATE THAT
OF PEOPLE IN WODONGA % HAVE SOME TYPE OF 7280 22 18 DISABILITY =PEOPLE
Most common types of disability include: • Mental illness; • Physical or intellectual impairment; Disability affects approximately • Hearing loss and vision impairment; and, one in five Australians.23 • Dyslexia.
In Wodonga, 5.4% of people require help with day-to-day tasks due to disability12
Compared to people without a disability, people with a disability are:
l More likely to leave school earlier; Everyone in the community has the l More likely to experience discrimination and right to access the services they need exclusion; and to participate fully in community l Less likely to own a home; life. l More likely to experience disadvantage; This includes simple things that most people take l Less likely to be employed; for granted; being able to move freely throughout the city, attending community events and having a l Less likely to enjoy full participation in the community; and, say on issues that are important to them. However, people with a disability face many barriers within l Two times more likely to be in the community that limit their ability to participate the bottom 20 per cent of gross fully. household income.24
Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 29 The council has identified two significant barriers that prevent people with a disability from participating fully in Wodonga. This is where the council will focus efforts.
1. Wodonga’s physical environment and community infrastructure contributes to poor access for people with disability. This includes narrow footpaths, limited kerb ramps, poor access into shops and poor public transport.
In Australia, 35.5 per cent of people with a disability have difficulty in getting to where they need to go, compared to 12.7 per cent of people without a disability.19
There is also a lack of awareness of the needs of people with a disability. Their most important issues were: l Feeling included and being a part of the community; and, l Their ability to access age appropriate services and activities.25
2. Attitudes towards people with a disability. National research about community attitudes has highlighted the often paternalistic and patronising attitudes people have towards those with a disability.
These attitudes lead to exclusion and discrimination. For example, people with a vision or hearing impairment are often excluded from civic planning and decision making as services do not always tailor to their communication needs.
The council acknowledges that the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the largest reform to address barriers for people with a disability in Australia. This will roll out in Wodonga in October 2017 and will have significant impact on the community and further inform the direction of the council’s work with the sector and community.
The council is committed to reducing the barriers for people with a disability created by the built environment, negative attitudes and discriminatory practices to ensure that all members of the community are able to participate fully in the community.
30 Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 Priority: Reduce barriers experienced by people with a disability to allow them to participate fully in community life
Strategies Local Govt mechanism
Objective: Participate in a collective approach to strengthen the service system
Work in partnership to improve the understanding, access and operation of the Leadership and advocacy disability service system. Community engagement
Collectively identify local opportunities and interventions to improve participation of Leadership and advocacy people with a disability in community life.
Support the timely collection of relevant local data to inform a strong response. Community engagement
Objective: Promote inclusion and participation in the community for people with a disability
Advocate for diverse and affordable housing and transport options in Wodonga. Leadership and advocacy
Develop a consultative platform for people with disabilities to identify and address Community engagement issues of accessibility within the community.
Advocate, lobby and seek funding from federal and state governments to support Leadership and advocacy people with disabilities to reach their full potential.
Work in partnership with community organisations to improve opportunities for Community engagement people with disabilities to participate in education, training and employment. Leadership and advocacy
Objective: Use council planning, regulatory and policy mechanisms to reduce discriminatory practices for people with a disability
Investigate social procurement as a lever for improving employment opportunities for Workforce and org people with a disability. development
Work with partners to communicate to our community relevant changes regarding the Leadership and advocacy National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Apply access and inclusion principles to the operation of council services, programs, Leadership and advocacy events and communications.
Increase the opportunities and provide support for people with disabilities to exercise Workforce and org their rights in civic participation. development
Planning and design Identify and improve accessibility of council buildings and infrastructure. Workforce and org development
Exercise leadership by championing the value of access and inclusion across Community engagement Wodonga’s business community. Leadership and advocacy
Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 31 Implementation and evaluation
This strategy will be implemented and evaluated over a five-year period.
The successful implementation and evaluation of this strategy relies on: • Appropriate levels of resourcing; • Relevant measures and reporting mechanisms; and, • Ongoing commitment from a range of stakeholders to work in partnership to advance safety, inclusion and equity in Wodonga.
Implementation
To determine the relevant resources needed to achieve the strategic objectives outlined, a detailed action plan will be developed annually. The action plan will clearly set out the activities that will be undertaken in alignment with the council’s five mechanisms/levers for change, the timelines for the actions to be undertaken and any budgetary considerations of these actions.
The implementation of this plan will take a ‘whole of council’ approach to the delivery of each priority area. This ensures strategies and actions are implemented by appropriate business units and encourages integrated planning and action. A cross-council working group will be established to oversee implementation.
Review
An action research approach will be adopted to continually review and track progress against annual measures. This will allow local initiatives to be targeted, adaptive, and more effective. This method ensures the council is continuously reviewing and refining its actions to maximise local opportunities to improve safety, inclusion and equity.
Evaluation
A formal review and evaluation of the Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy will be undertaken at the end of the five-year period.
32 Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 Acknowledgements
Wodonga Council wishes to acknowledge the following groups and individuals who contributed to the development of this strategy:
Rural Housing Network Limited, Wodonga Chamber of Commerce, Wodonga Senior Secondary College, Wodonga Principals Network, Junction Support Services, Gateway Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Disability Advocacy and Information Service, LaTrobe University, Women’s Health Goulburn North East, YES Youth and Family Services, Hume Region Homelessness Network Coordinator, Intereach, Centre Against Violence, Betty’s Place, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and community members who participated in community engagement exercises that Wodonga Council has implemented over the past three years.
Wodonga Council acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which it meets. The council pays its respects to their Elders and to Elders from other communities past and present.
For further information:
Wodonga Council wodonga.vic.gov.au (02) 6022 9300 [email protected]
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John Kania and Mark Kramer, Hanleybrown F, Kania J & Kramer M, 2012, Channeling Change: Making Collective Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 35 OUR PEOPLE u OUR CITY u OUR FUTURE