SAFETY, INCLUSION AND EQUITY STRATEGY
2016-2017 to 2021-2022
O U R P EO P L E
u
Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 1
OUR CITY
u
OUR FUTURE
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
2014, rates of family
violence in Wodonga
increased by 91%.
Heavy drinking among
young people aged
16 to 25 has almost
doubled across Victoria.
On Census night
in 2011, 364 people
in Wodonga were
without a home.
About 18 per cent
of people
in Wodonga
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
Leadership and
advocacy
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
understanding and whole of community responses to local issues. The
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.
Community
engagement
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
the community and other key partners to address issues that affect its
people. This is achieved by building community capacity through increasing
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.
Workforce and
organisational
development
The council has a duty to look internally to identify how the organisation’s
practice can be improved when addressing equity, inclusion and safety. This
includes developing an organisational gender equity strategy, promoting
women in leadership and ensuring communications are inclusive for all and
to prioritise the safety of staff.
Planning and
design
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.
The council can strongly influence the way community spaces are designed
and incorporate principles of safety, inclusion and equity to ensure built
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.
Local laws and
regulation
The council’s regulatory role ensures the safety and wellbeing of its
people through the enforcement of local laws or assessment and approval
processes. For example, banning the consumption of alcohol in open spaces
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
Workplaces
Wodonga businesses serve as local leaders in the community and can
influence change among those who work in the city. Key areas that
workplaces can act include:
PDevelopment 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,
Offer flexible work arrangements to cater for parents or those with a
P
disability.
Schools and
early learning
services
Teachers and carers serve as important role models and leaders for young
people. Key areas where schools and early learning services can act include:
Community
and sporting
organisations
Many people in Wodonga participate in a community or sporting
organisation. These organisations can act as leaders and role models
for community members. Outcomes for the community can be improved
through:
Development of internal policy to address gender equity, diversity,
P
inclusion and respect;
P Promote the importance of respectful relationships; and,
Guide young people in good decision-making in relation to alcohol and
P
drug use.
P Increasing participation of girls and women in their club;
Promoting gender equity by ensuring female representation on
P
committees or boards;
Ensuring diversity is supported by being inclusive of people with a
P
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;
Get friendly – Get to know your neighbours and actively improve levels of
P
community cohesion in Wodonga;
Spread the word – Talk to people about these significant issues and help
P
raise the awareness of others; and,
Change the culture – Have you seen gender inequity in your workplace?
P
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:
tion;
ility and ac
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1. Collabo
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5. E
6. Using a
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ased
n making b
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7. Inform
;
and assets
12 Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022
e.
le evidenc
t availab
on the bes
Framework: Creating a safe, inclusive and equitable Wodonga
Vision
Goal
Guiding principles
Role of local government - mechanisms for change
Leadership
and advocacy
Community
engagement
Workforce
development
Land use
Local laws
planning
and regulation
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
Preventing violence against women and children
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
10
%
IN VICTORIA FOR REPORTED INCIDENCE
OF FAMILY VIOLENCE
2
AND THE HIGHEST RATES OF FAMILY VIOLENCE IN THE HUME REGION
Violence against women and
children is unacceptably high in
Wodonga and reported incidents
continue to grow.
Wodonga’s youth service providers
estimate that 75 per cent of young
people seeking support have a
history of violence in the home.4
75%
Between 2010 and 2014, reported
rates of family violence in Wodonga
increased by 91 per cent.3
One in six women in
the workforce are
experiencing or have
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
For example, women are:
• Paid less than their male colleagues;
• More likely to be responsible for
child rearing duties;
• Less likely to occupy senior
leadership roles; and,
• More likely to experience periods
of unemployment due to caring
responsibilities, impacting
negatively on superannuation
balances.
There is no doubt that violence
against women and children
is deeply rooted in power
imbalances that are reinforced
by gender stereotypes.
9
murder
physical violence
controlling behaviours
trivialise/acceptance of VAW
hostile sexism
benevolent sexism
unequal power between men and women
gender stereotypes
2. Wodonga has a higher reported
number of children witnessing
or experiencing family violence
compared to the state average.2
Forty per cent of family violence occurs in
2
front of children. This can lead to:
l Children’s attitudes around violence as a
normal way of dealing with conflict; and,
l Increases the likelihood of children
becoming perpetrators of family violence
themselves one day.10
3. The reinforcing role alcohol plays in
violence against women and children in
Wodonga.
Almost half of all family violence
incidents in Wodonga involve alcohol or
drug use.1
Research shows higher levels of violence against
women where there is a higher density of alcohol
outlets in the community.11
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
Local Govt mechanism
Strategies
Objective: Participate in a collective approach to strengthen the service system
Work in partnership to improve the understanding, access, operation of the system.
Leadership and advocacy
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
strategies for reducing alcohol-fuelled incidents of family violence.
Local laws and regulation
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
community to respond to family violence and promote gender equity.
Leadership and advocacy
Work with Recreation, Local Laws and other relevenat internal teams to explore
strategies for improving gender equity in the community.
Community engagement
Local laws and regulation
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
organisational culture that embraces gender equality.
Workforce and org
development
Support organisational changes that prioritise gender equity.
Workforce and org
development
Increase awareness and understanding of gender equity and family violence for all
staff.
Workforce and org
development
Ensure land use planning utilises Safer by Design Guidelines and applies a gender
equity lens in planning decisions.
Planning and design
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 alcoholfuelled 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
12
COMPARED TO ONLY 59.2% OF ALL VICTORIANS
In 2014, Wodonga police reported
that ice offences have risen by at
least 60 per cent a year in the past
five years.14
Heavy drinking
among young
people aged 16
to 25 years has
almost doubled
across Victoria.13
2011
60%
Drug offences have been steadily
2
increasing in Wodonga since 2011.
2016
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
15
Injury/violence where alcohol and other drugs was involved (rate per 10,000 people)
Emergency department
presentations
Serious road injury
Family violence
Assault
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 Wodonga drink alcohol at
a higher rate when compared
to their Victorian peers and
spend slightly more on alcohol.
Risky levels of drinking is
considered the norm.
Young people are also starting to
experiment with alcohol and drugs
from an earlier age, with 40 per cent of
people aged between 12 and 17 years
in Australia having already tried a full
serve of alcohol.17
2. People can easily access
alcohol throughout the city.
40%
Heavy drinking
among young
people aged
16 to 25 years
has almost
doubled across
Victoria.13
In 2011, 40 per cent of people in
Wodonga purchased alcohol in the
past seven days.16
2011
2016
The average distance from
home to an alcohol outlet in
Wodonga is 2.3km, compared
to 10.1km in the region.1
FAMILY VIOLENCE AND INCIDENTS OF CHILD MALTREATMENT AND NEGLECT
11
INCREASE WITH A HIGHER DENSITY OF ALCOHOL OUTLETS
ALMOST
50%
Alcohol or drug use is a factor in
almost half of all family violence
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
Local Govt mechanism
Strategies
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
alcohol service system.
Leadership and advocacy
Community engagement
Collectively identify local opportunities and interventions to improve access to drug and
alcohol services.
Leadership and advocacy
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
use.
Community engagement
Participate in campaigns that increase community awareness.
Community engagement
Work internally to create a responsible workplace drinking culture.
Workforce and org
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
in planning decisions.
Planning and design
Advocate and lobby in partnership with the Municipal Association of Victoria to
influence state policy to better consider the social and health impacts of alcoholrelated harm.
Leadership and advocacy
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
liquor license applications.
Planning and design
In partnership with Wodonga Police, encourage compliance with, and appropriate
issuing of, liquor licences through education and advice.
Local laws and regulation
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
anti-social behaviour in relation to drug and alcohol use
Planning and design
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
364
IN
2011
PEOPLE WERE
HOMELESS IN WODONGA
19
THIS NUMBER IS LIKELY TO BE HIGHER
IN REALITY DUE TO DIFFICULTIES IN LOCATING HOMELESS PEOPLE
700
In 2014 -2015 more than 700 people
who were homeless or at risk of
becoming homeless presented to the
Rural Housing Network for assistance.
u 43 per cent were lone persons
u 27 per cent were couples or families
According to local services, youth
homelessness is on the rise,
with an increase in young people
presenting for housing support.4
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
$265 Wodonga
2006
2015
290k
Median house prices
are continuing to rise
in Wodonga.20
262k
1. Poor housing affordability
and diversity within the local
housing system can contribute
to poor housing availability.
120k
2001
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.
Poor housing affordability
and lack of variety of dwelling
types can contribute to rates of
homelessness in a community.
In Wodonga 7.8% of dwellings are social
housing, higher than Victoria at 3.8%12
Between 2000 and 2015, the number of
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
with everyday living costs and
unforeseen expenses such as
illness or injury, can increase
the risk of becoming homeless.
It is important to increase community
awareness and understanding
that anyone in the community can
experience homelessness, not only those
experiencing drug and alcohol addiction
or mental illness.
26 Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022
Housing stress is where more than
30% of one’s income
goes towards housing-related costs
In Wodonga
11.8% renters
7.1% homeowners
experience housing stress19
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
housing system.
Leadership and advocacy
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
pathways into housing.
Community engagement
Continue to enforce local laws related to public squatting/camping while also linking
in those experiencing homelessness to appropriate services and housing support.
Local laws
Community engagement
Objective: Work to reduce housing stress in the community
Participate in relevant networks and support community organisations working
directly with people at risk of homelessness.
Community engagement
Participate in campaigns that increase community awareness of the nature, causes
and consequences of homelessness.
Leadership and advocacy
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
and affordable housing across all tenure types.
Leadership and advocacy
In partnership, explore innovative models of social and affordable housing.
Leadership and advocacy
Investigate ways to increase development of affordable and diverse housing options,
close to transport and services.
Planning and design
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
diverse supply of lot sizes and dwelling types.
Planning and design
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
18
LOCAL SERVICES ESTIMATE THAT
%
OF PEOPLE IN WODONGA
HAVE SOME TYPE OF
DISABILITY =
Disability affects approximately
one in five Australians.23
7280
PEOPLE22
Most common types of disability include:
• Mental illness;
• Physical or intellectual impairment;
• Hearing loss and vision impairment; and,
• Dyslexia.
In Wodonga, 5.4% of people require help
12
with day-to-day tasks due to disability
Compared to people without a disability, people
with a disability are:
Everyone in the community has the
right to access the services they need
and to participate fully in community
life.
This includes simple things that most people take
for granted; being able to move freely throughout
the city, attending community events and having a
say on issues that are important to them. However,
people with a disability face many barriers within
the community that limit their ability to participate
fully.
l More likely to leave school earlier;
l More likely to experience discrimination and exclusion;
l Less likely to own a home;
l More likely to experience disadvantage;
l Less likely to be employed;
l Less likely to enjoy full participation
in the community; and,
l Two times more likely to be in
the bottom 20 per cent of gross
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
disability service system.
Leadership and advocacy
Community engagement
Collectively identify local opportunities and interventions to improve participation of
people with a disability in community life.
Leadership and advocacy
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
issues of accessibility within the community.
Community engagement
Advocate, lobby and seek funding from federal and state governments to support
people with disabilities to reach their full potential.
Leadership and advocacy
Work in partnership with community organisations to improve opportunities for
people with disabilities to participate in education, training and employment.
Community engagement
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
people with a disability.
Workforce and org
development
Work with partners to communicate to our community relevant changes regarding the
National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Leadership and advocacy
Apply access and inclusion principles to the operation of council services, programs,
events and communications.
Leadership and advocacy
Increase the opportunities and provide support for people with disabilities to exercise
their rights in civic participation.
Workforce and org
development
Identify and improve accessibility of council buildings and infrastructure.
Planning and design
Workforce and org
development
Exercise leadership by championing the value of access and inclusion across
Wodonga’s business community.
Community engagement
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]
Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 33
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Safety, Inclusion and Equity Strategy 2016-2017 to 2021-2022 35
O U R P EO P L E
u
OUR CITY
u
OUR FUTURE