Department of Human Services
COLLINGWOOD
Draft Neighbourhood Action Plan
NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL
Part A
Version 2
November 2002
1
INDEX
Part A
Section 1 – Community Description and Background
1. Definition of Area
3
2. Physical Description of Area
5
3. Demographic Description
17
4. Current community Activities
23
5. Other Government Initiatives
26
6. Neighbourhood Renewal
26
Section 2 – Issue Identification for each NR Objective
1. Crime and Safety
1.1 Data Analysis
1.2 Resident Perceptions
1.3 Stakeholder Perceptions
1.4 Summary of Issues
1.5 Summary of Opportunities for Future Development
29
29
34
38
41
51
2. Health and Wellbeing
2.1 Data Analysis
2.2 Activities, Sport and Recreation
2.3 Resident Perceptions
2.4 Stakeholder Perceptions
2.5 Summary of Issues
2.6 Summary of Opportunities for Future Development
45
45
49
49
51
53
54
3. Employment, Learning and Economic Development
58
4. Housing and Physical Environment
Action Plan prepared by:
Jacki Holland
Project Officer
Collingwood Housing Office
229 Hoddle Street, Collingwood 3066
(03) 9417 5144
jacki.holland@dhs.vic.gov.au
2
SECTION 1 - COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND
1. Definition of Area
Collingwood, an industrial and residential suburb, is 3 km. northeast of Melbourne. Its
western boundary is Smith Street, Fitzroy, and its southern boundary is Victoria Parade. On
its east are Clifton Hill and Abbotsford, both included in the former Collingwood
municipality. It was named after Admiral Lord Collingwood, who fought at Trafalgar.
Collingwood Regional Setting
Ê
RO
0
EEN
QU
2.5
Datum GDA94
Projection - GEOGRAPHIC
ES
STREET
ST
G
EO
RG
LSON
AR
S P
E
AD
N
TE R
EAS
E
FRE
WAY
Legend
Main Roads
Other Roads
JOHNSTON
STREET
COLLINGWOOD
Renewal Neighbourhoods
ST REE
T
NIC HO
LYG ON
ST RE ET
AD
Kilometers
PUNT
RO AD H
O DDLE
FITZROY
Local Government
VICTORIA STR
EET
Victoria
BRIDGE RO
AD
SWAN STRE
ET
CIT
K
YLIN
CITYLI
NK
Along with Fitzroy, Collingwood was subdivided in 1838 into allotments each of about 12 ha.
At that time both districts were generally known as Collingwood, although the Fitzroy part
was differentiated by being known as upper Collingwood or Collingwood west. It was the
elevated part, as the land falls away to a plain about 200 metres east of Smith Street,
otherwise known as the Collingwood flat. Stormwater drained from the elevated part along
today's Alexandra Parade and thence southeast from Smith Street to near the Victoria Park
football ground into the Yarra River. The entry to the Yarra was a swampy area.
Buyers of the 12 ha. allotments set about further subdividing them for resale, and by 1854
nearly all but the swampiest parts had been partitioned. Settlement intensified after the gold
rushes, and the area was exempt from building control laws, which encouraged the
concentration of cheap houses on small blocks of land. The flat topography made subdivision
easy. Increasing urbanisation in elevated Fitzroy increased stormwater run-off, and east
Collingwood was frequently flooded with the impervious subsoil causing stagnant sheets of
water to form. Calls for drainage were either neglected or ignored by Melbourne City
Council, which had jurisdiction over Collingwood. On 24 April 1855, Collingwood became a
municipality; it was called East Collingwood until 1873, when it was proclaimed a town.
3
Between 1856 and 1860 the Methodist, Independent, Free and Catholic churches opened
primary schools. Collingwood's early civic and commercial centre was in Johnston Street,
which was a route to the eastern suburbs via the bridge (built in 1857) over the Yarra River. A
town hall and police court were built on the site now occupied by the TAFE.
The Yarra River on Collingwood's east attracted industry. In 1840 John Dight hewed out a
millrace through the basalt rocks in the river near where the Merri Creek joins it. He operated
a mill for flour making, with varying success, then discovered a more productive use was
harnessing the water for wool washing. Local councillors advocated the repeal of laws for
Yarra River water purity, arguing that effluent from noxious trades was merely an addition to
the sewage from Fitzroy and the Collingwood flat. By 1857 the Reilly Street drain (now under
Alexandra Parade), had been built, and discharged into the Yarra with reasonable efficiency
except when over-filled with stormwater or brewers' waste. After the gold boom the
purificationists struggled against the advocates for "unlocking the Yarra", who saw it as an
opportunity to provide employment for workers.
The Collingwood Football Club was founded in 1892, formed from the Britannia Club. It
joined the Victorian Football Association in 1892 and was one of several which broke away
to form the League in 1897. A forerunner of the Britannia Club played in 1880 in an area near
the Reilly Street drain.
The Victorian Housing Commission built numerous estates in outer suburbs in the post-war
years, encouraging an exodus of residents from inner suburbs. The inner suburban cottages
housed post-war migrants, with Greek and Italian migrants accounting for 8% of
Collingwood's population in 1954, 21% in 1961 and 27% in 1971. Fifteen years later
residents born in Europe and Asia accounted for 23% of the population, and those from
Southeast Asia 8.2%. In 1958 the Commission moved into Collingwood, demolishing
cottages near Johnston and Hoddle Streets. Three-storey blocks were built, and later twentystorey blocks (1967-71) to accommodate over 2,000 people. This initiative almost halted the
municipality's population decline, but the decline recommenced in the mid 1970’s.
By the 1990’s Collingwood was undergoing moderate gentrification. Housing prices reflected
the change: in 1987 Collingwood's median house price was 86% of the median for
metropolitan Melbourne, however this rose to 117% in 1996. Abbotsford and Clifton Hill,
from higher base figures, behaved much the same. On the other hand, a report in 1997 showed
that 21% of Collingwood's children were in families on a welfare benefit or classed as
4
working poor. Only 10 of 57 metropolitan suburbs had a higher number of children classed as
working poor.
On 22 June 1994, the City of Collingwood was united with Fitzroy and Richmond cities to
form the City of Yarra.
2290610
2290609
2292201
2292110
2292301
ALEXAND
RA PARAD
E
2292302
2292303
SMITH
STREET
2290611
2291706
Kilometers
2291602
ALEXANDR
A PARA
2291603
ALE
DE
XAN
DR
A P EASTERN FREEWAY
AR
ADE
2291606
2292304
2292305
2291605
2291607
2291609
JOHNSTON
STREET
2291608
2292308
2291401
2292310
2291405 2291407
22923092292401
229240322924042292405
2291402
FITZROY
GERTRUDE
2292408
2292410
STREET
2292409
2292407
2292406
0
0.25
0.5
1
Legend
Main Roads
2291604
Secondary Roads
Other Roads
JOHNSTON
STREET
Renewal Locations
Census (CD)
COLLINGWOOD
2292402
2292311
2291406 2291501
2291502
Victoria
2291403
WELLIN
GTON
STREET
NICHOL
SON ST
REET
2292306
HODDLE
STREET
2292307
ELG IN STR
EET
Ê
2291705
2291601
2291408
GIPPS STR
EET
2291505
LANGRIDG
E STREET
2291404
2291506
2291507
VICTORIA
PAR ADE
2. Physical Description of Area
The Collingwood estate consists of three high-rise tower blocks. Two situated in Hoddle
street between Johnston and Vere Streets (blocks 229 & 253) and one situated in Wellington
Street (block 240). Each tower block comprises 200 flats (10 flats on each floor x 20 floors
per block) - a total of 600 high-rise flats). Adjacent to the estate are an additional 280 walk-up
flats bordered by Harmsworth, Perry, Emerald and Vere Streets. The site is approximately
25,000 sq. metres.
Collingwood public housing estate is different to Atherton Gardens at Fitzroy in that it has a
different community, some issues are more entrenched and the Dight Street walk-up estate
adds a different dimension.
5
A significant feature of the Collingwood estate is the fact that it is cut off from the
surrounding areas by Hoddle Street on the east, Johnston Street on the northern and
Wellington Street on the west. The remaining side, to the south, in part abuts Collingwood
Secondary College, which is regarded as a positive neighbour. However, it also borders a
range of factories, some of which are used for manufacturing purposes, while some are
unused, and others have been converted to “yuppy – style” warehouse accommodation.
Hoddle Street is arguably one of Melbourne’s busiest roads; it’s eight lanes of traffic impact
on the estate in terms of access and amenity as the following picture shows. The impact of
Hoddle Street will have to be addressed at some point.
The following aerial view gives an overall picture of the Collingwood public housing estate.
Hoddle Street is located to the right of the picture whilst Johnston Street is at the top and
Wellington Street is to the left. Collingwood Secondary College is at the base of the picture
along with the factory belt.
6
Aerial photography copyright Qasco Vic Image © 2002
7
The High-rise
In the 1960´s the Housing Commission of Victoria was recognised as the foremost
construction authority in Australia in the field of slum reclamation and high-rise construction.
By mid 1974 the construction of high-rise ceased; 293 hectares had been proclaimed for
public housing, $31,705,454 had been spent on acquisition and clearance, with a further
$107,659,273 spent on redevelopment. Between 1962 and 1974 47 high-rise blocks were
constructed.
The Commission's initiatives in this area made it a prominent player in Australia's concrete
industry. The industry emerged through the 1960’s and 1970’s as a world leader, and it was
proudly reported that architects and builders from other countries would come to Australia to
see what was being done.
The concept of load bearing wall construction for large buildings was not new. Natural stone
and clay bricks had been used for this purpose for centuries. In the 20th century the framed
method became the conventional form of construction for most multi-storeyed buildings, but
by the mid-20th century concrete was beginning to be used for load bearing wall construction.
The development of modern concrete technology, particularly from the late 1940s, was
largely driven by the shortage of materials and civilian labour caused by World War II.
Another significant factor was the ever-growing need for low cost housing of a reasonable
standard for large sections of communities in all parts of the world.
The advantages of load-bearing-wall structures rather than framed structure for the high-rise
blocks was therefore speed of erection and overall economy. The main disadvantages were
not identified or acknowledged until later. The high-rise blocks have limited scope for
redevelopment; the walls cannot be totally removed or repositioned to enable new floor plans
and it is difficult to reorganise spatial arrangements as family circumstances change.
8
Two of the three high-rise buildings on the Collingwood estate are “Z” shaped buildings (229
& 253 Hoddle Street) and 240 Wellington Street is reverse “S” shaped. This can be seen by
referring to the aerial photograph on page 7.
All the high-rise buildings had balcony access and a service core of lifts and laundry.
229 Hoddle Street
There are 1x1 bedroom flats, 6x2 bedroom flats and 2x3 bedroom flats on each floor, i.e. a
total of 9 flats per floor.
All flats available in this block are built along exactly the same plans. The gross area of each
type of flat is as follows:
1 bedroom – Flat Type C – 53.55 square metres
2 bedroom – Flat Type A – 76.05 square metres
3 bedroom - Flat Type B – 93.80 square metres
253 Hoddle Street
There are 6x2 bedroom flats and 3x3 bedroom flats on each floor, i.e. a total of 9 flats per
floor.
All 2-bedroom flats available in this block are built along exactly the same plans. The gross
area of each type of flat is as follows:
2 bedroom – Flat Type A – 76.05 square metres.
There are two types of 3 bedroom flats available in this building. There is a variation in layout
and gross area. ‘Type B’ has a gross area of 93.80 square metres and ‘Type D’ measures
87.75 square metres.
240 Wellington Street
There are 6x2 bedroom flats and 4x3 bedroom flats on each floor, i.e. a total of 10 flats per
floor.
All 2-bedroom flats available in this building are built along exactly the same plan. They
cover a gross area of 77.31 square metres.
9
There are two types of 3 bedroom flats available in this building. There is a variation in layout
and gross area. ‘Type B’ has a gross area of 94.26 square metres and ‘Type D’ measures
92.31 square metres.
Services to all buildings include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
two lifts;
communal laundry facilities;
drying rooms, refuse chute; heating and hot water;
electricity is available and tenants are billed directly and
the estate is flood–lit at night.
In February 1980, the Ministry of Housing set up an inter-divisional task force/working party
to examine the possibility of upgrading the High-rise estates. The working party included a
representative from the Housing Commission’s Tenants Association.
The major aims of the Working Party were:
o
To discuss housing options that seek to reflect identified client choices; that improve
social and physical living conditions and retain low cost accommodation for a variety
of clients.
o
To encourage the qualitative social and physical upgrading of existing estates to
increase resident satisfaction; reduce vandalism and therefore reduce maintenance
costs; improve the residential identity and the general image of public housing.
Collingwood and Canning Street, North Melbourne were chosen for the initial improvement
program.
The working party settled on the following priorities:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Enclose access balconies
Upgrade lift services
Improve laundry facilities
Communal lounges
Improved foyers
Improved car parking and an
10
7. Improved identity and public image.
With the exception of the communal lounges all the other works were completed in the early
1980s.
Dight Street estate:
The Dight Street estate was built between 1957 and 1971.
redevelopment of the estate from 1984 to 1990.
There was a substantial
By the late 1950’s the Housing Commission ‘slum clearance’ program was well underway in
inner urban areas including Collingwood. Despite the protests of residents, a ten-acre area
bounded by Vere, Perry, Harmsworth and Emerald Streets was demolished and rebuilt as an
estate of two and three story walk-up flats.
Many old “Collingwoodites” left the area and their homes behind. Others were reluctant to
leave Collingwood and remained on the estate as tenants; new residents who reflected the
changing character of the inner urban neighbourhoods joined them.
Three decades on, many of these walk-up flats had structural problems: condensation, lack of
insulation and cracking through foundation movement. Lack of privacy and minimal division
between public and private spaces were also of concern. Tenants were particularly critical of
anti-social behaviour in public zones such as the central park and drying yards.
The then Ministry of Housing and Construction began consulting with tenants and other
interested groups on ways to solve Dight Street’s problems. In 1984, the Ministry decided that
a major redevelopment of the estate was the best solution. It allowed for the creation of vastly
improved housing and environmental design, while ‘recycling’ flats in sound condition.
Importantly, many of the tenants remained on the estate during redevelopment, while former
residents had the option of moving back.
11
The character of local streets was reintroduced to the area and external upgrades gave an
individual identity to each block. A 100-year-old former church in Harmsworth Street was
renovated and extended to become the Dight Street Community Centre.
Both the high-rise towers and the Dight Street walk-up flats are 100% public rental.
As of 2002 the Dight Street estate requires underpinning in many of the blocks at an estimated
cost of $5M.
Land Use
The following photograph demonstrates land usage at Collingwood. The photograph looks
toward Hoddle Street and is taken from Harmsworth Street. Immediately behind the
photographer is the Dight Street estate and beyond that the Wellington Street high-rise.
12
There are two community gardens on the Collingwood Estate, unfortunately, they have a
limited usage.
A sheltered garden setting and bbq area is located behind the 229 Hoddle Street building, to
the right of the photograph.
A large sporting oval is adjacent to the high-rise tower in Wellington Street.
Development Opportunities
The estate has a significant amount of open space that could be used for social housing,
however, the fundamental question that needs to be resolved is the estate’s long term future in
that it is isolated from its immediate surroundings by major roads and a factory belt.
A development opportunity to investigate is for the estate to become a centre of community
art. Community Arts projects have been particularly successful tenant driven recreational
activities. Preliminary projects include mosaic decorations around the estate and an
underground car park precinct that has great potential.
The following table analyses the make up of industrial and commercial activity within the
suburb of Collingwood.
Industry
Agriculture
Mining
Manufacturing
Utilities
Construction
Retail
Transport
Communication
Finance
Public Sector
Community
Recreation
1981 %
0.2
0.0
41.0
.6
2.6
14.5
4.8
2.4
5.0
5.0
17.2
6.6
1986 %
0.2
0.0
31.5
0.6
3.5
13.9
4.3
2.2
7.3
6.2
20.3
10.0
1991 %
0.4
0.0
25.1
0.6
2.4
13.9
2.9
1.6
10.8
4.6
24.2
13.5
1996 %
0.2
0.0
20.3
0.0
2.3
15.1
2.1
2.7
15.3
3.9
22.4
15.7
13
The table indicates a significant drop in manufacturing and an increase in retail industries, a
negative trend as the manufacturing sector used to provide employment for many of the
residents. Many tenants’ skill level qualifies them for t work in the older industries that are
disappearing, but they lack the skills for many of the new emerging enterprises. This issue
will be further discussed in the section on Employment, Learning and Economic
Development.
Social and Educational Services
The Turkish Welfare Association is situated on the ground floor at the rear of 229 Hoddle
Street. It runs Turkish language and culture classes for children on Saturday mornings.
Collingwood Neighbourhood House is situated at the bottom of block 253 Hoddle Street,
adjacent to the foyer. This is a popular and well-utilised facility, which provides an extensive
range of social / recreational, arts / cultural programs and ethno-specific activities as well as
playgroups and English language classes.
On the ground floor of 253 Hoddle Street block there is a Fitness Centre with an operational
gym, an indoor court, two offices, a kitchen and a community space / meeting area. This area
has been used as a classroom for the Horticulture & Landscape Design "Work for the Dole"
project, as a meeting place for the Oromo (Ethiopian) tenant community and the local Maori
community, and most recently as a venue for training tenants in an accredited course in
Community Information Work. This course has trained tenants to participate in the new
Collingwood Community Information Centre (CCIC), established in 2002 to undertake the
tasks of a Citizens Advice Bureau and provide accredited training and other resources to
residents of Collingwood, Abbotsford and Clifton Hill. The target area is seen as important as
the CCIC is part of a broader program to integrate the Collingwood housing estate within the
local area. The CCIC creates an opportunity for people who would not normally enter the
estate to meet and interact with tenants. It also has the potential to create the reverse
opportunity for tenants.
A Maternal & Child Health Centre is located inside the ground floor foyer at the rear of 253
Hoddle Street block.
Operation Stiches, a Christian organisation, who organised recreational activities for children
and provided material aid were situated underneath 240 Wellington Street block, and still visit
the estate on an ad hoc basis.
A community garden is located behind 229 Hoddle Street block; another one is situated
adjacent to the car park behind 253 Hoddle Street block and a smaller community garden is
located alongside the walk-ups at 24 Emerald Street. Cultivating Community currently
manages these gardens.
Other estate based community facilities comprise a basketball court located behind 229
Hoddle Street block bordering Harmsworth Street next to Collingwood College; a children's
playground and barbecue area with seating near the basketball court; another children's
playground adjacent to 240 Wellington Street block and a smaller one behind the community
facility in Harmsworth Street.
The North Yarra Community Health Centre is located in Hoddle Street, just over Johnston
Street and provides a range of social / recreational, arts / cultural programs and ethno-specific
activities as well as primary health care, social worker, podiatrist, gambling counselling and
needle exchange. The Welfare Rights Unit and Flat Out (an agency providing post prison
release support services for women) also have offices inside the Health Centre, which is one
of the key support agencies for the estate.
14
Collingwood College is situated adjacent to the estate in Hoddle Street and provides
education at both primary and secondary school level, as well as a Rudolph Steiner stream,
after school program and breakfast program.
The Collingwood Education Centre is the most important and significant educational project
undertaken in Australia this century. While other projects have centred on school
organisation, or teaching methods, on curriculum or building design, and a few have
ventured timidly into the field of social environment, no other project has considered all of
these at the same time and combined them in an undertaking (R A Reed, Director of
Secondary Education, 1975)
Social and Recreational Activities
Collingwood, like Fitzroy, is blessed with a large number of social and recreational
opportunities for people, particularly those with the means to pay.
There are numerous pubs, clubs, boutique-style shops, theatres, restaurants, churches and
community buildings within walking distance of the estate, however, tenants for either
economic or cultural reasons, are unlikely to use these facilities. As a consequence many are
restricted to social and recreational activities in their own homes or in the community
facilities or grounds of the estate. This lack of access to the broader community is a
significant barrier to estate regeneration.
15
References:
•
•
•
•
•
•
www.arts.monash.edu.au/ncas/multimedia/gazetter/list/collingwood.html
Fitzgerald, JL 1998, Regulating the Street Heroin Market in Fitzroy / Collingwood
Department of Infrastructure, 2001, Suburbs in Time
Ministry of Housing & Construction, 1990 The High Rise
Guinness, C 2000, Assessment of the Service Needs of Low Income Families: Collingwood and Fitzroy
Housing Estates
Office of Housing Neighbourhood Renewal Project 2001, Spatial Vision Demography and SocialEconomic Status Maps
–
16
3. Demographic Description
i.
Age Group*
0 to 4 years
5 to 17 years
18 to 24 years
25 to 54 years
55 years or more
Age
Total
No.
%
126
7.9%
295
18.4%
115
7.2%
697
43.5%
370
23.1%
Grand Total
1603 100.0%
Source: OoH Northern Metropolitan Region Profile of Households, Collingwood Public
Housing Estate, October 2002
ii.
Gender
Total
No.
%
863
53.8%
740
46.2%
Gender*
Female
Male
Grand Total
1603 100.0%
Source: OoH Northern Metropolitan Region Profile of Households, Collingwood Public
Housing Estate, October 2002
iii.
Ethnicity
Country of Birth
No.
AFGHANISTAN
4
AFRICA (EXCLUDING NORTH AFRICA)
8
ARGENTINA
1
AUSTRALIA
306
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
1
BULGARIA
1
BURMA (MYANMAR)
1
CAMBODIA
2
CHILE
2
CHINA (EXCLUDING TAIWAN PROVINCE)
37
COLOMBIA
1
COOK ISLANDS
2
CYPRUS
2
EGYPT
5
EL SALVADOR
2
ENGLAND
9
ERITREA
7
ETHIOPIA
30
FALKLAND ISLANDS
1
FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA (FYROM)
1
FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLICS OF SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO
2
GERMANY, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF
4
GREECE
28
HONG KONG
1
Total
%
0.4%
0.9%
0.1%
34.3%
0.1%
0.1%
0.1%
0.2%
0.2%
4.2%
0.1%
0.2%
0.2%
0.6%
0.2%
1.0%
0.8%
3.4%
0.1%
0.1%
0.2%
0.4%
3.1%
0.1%
17
HUNGARY
INDIA
INDONESIA
IRAN
IRAQ
IRELAND
ITALY
JAPAN
KUWAIT
LEBANON
MALAYSIA
MALTA
NEW ZEALAND
NORTHERN IRELAND
NOT STATED
PERU
POLAND
ROMANIA
SAMOA, WESTERN
SAUDI ARABIA
SCOTLAND
SOMALIA
SOUTH AFRICA
SOUTHERN ASIA
SOUTHERN EUROPE
SPAIN
SRI LANKA
SYRIA
THAILAND
THE FORMER USSR AND THE BALTIC STATES
TURKEY
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
VIET NAM
3
1
3
7
2
1
8
1
1
4
13
5
6
2
27
1
8
1
1
1
2
19
2
1
23
3
1
1
2
2
39
2
240
0.3%
0.1%
0.3%
0.8%
0.2%
0.1%
0.9%
0.1%
0.1%
0.4%
1.5%
0.6%
0.7%
0.2%
3.0%
0.1%
0.9%
0.1%
0.1%
0.1%
0.2%
2.1%
0.2%
0.1%
2.6%
0.3%
0.1%
0.1%
0.2%
0.2%
4.4%
0.2%
26.9%
Grand Total
891
100.0%
Source: OoH Northern Metropolitan Region Profile of Households, Collingwood Public
Housing Estate, October 2002
iv.
Koori Households
Non-Koori
Koori
Aboriginality
Total
No.
%
871
97.8%
20
2.2%
Grand Total
891
100.0%
Source: OoH Northern Metropolitan Region Profile of Households, Collingwood Public
Housing Estate, October 2002
18
v.
Income – by amount and source
Income Group
Aged Pension
Sub-total
Austudy Payment
Sub-total
Disability Support Pension
Sub-total
Imputed
Income
$200 to $299
$300 to $399
$400 to $499
$500 to $599
$700 or more
$150 to $199
$300 to $399
$400 to $499
Less than $150
$200 to $299
$300 to $399
$400 to $499
$500 to $599
$600 to $699
$700 or more
Less than $150
$400 to $499
$600 to $699
Sub-total
Mature Age/Widows Pension$150 to $199
$200 to $299
$300 to $399
$400 to $499
Sub-total
New Start Allowance
$150 to $199
$200 to $299
$300 to $399
$400 to $499
$500 to $599
Sub-total
Other
$150 to $199
$200 to $299
$300 to $399
$400 to $499
$500 to $599
$600 to $699
$700 or more
Sub-total
Parenting Payment
$200 to $299
$300 to $399
$400 to $499
$500 to $599
$600 to $699
$700 or more
Sub-total
Service
$200 to $299
$300 to $399
$400 to $499
Total
No.
131
28
8
3
1
171
7
4
1
2
14
134
28
21
7
1
1
1
193
1
1
2
5
2
3
1
11
117
5
36
24
4
186
7
2
16
7
6
4
3
45
5
127
38
16
2
3
191
2
2
1
%
14.7%
3.1%
0.9%
0.3%
0.1%
19.2%
0.8%
0.4%
0.1%
0.2%
1.6%
15.0%
3.1%
2.4%
0.8%
0.1%
0.1%
0.1%
21.7%
0.1%
0.1%
0.2%
0.6%
0.2%
0.3%
0.1%
1.2%
13.1%
0.6%
4.0%
2.7%
0.4%
20.9%
0.8%
0.2%
1.8%
0.8%
0.7%
0.4%
0.3%
5.1%
0.6%
14.3%
4.3%
1.8%
0.2%
0.3%
21.4%
0.2%
0.2%
0.1%
19
$500 to $599
1
0.1%
6
0.7%
$200 to $299
1
0.1%
$300 to $399
6
0.7%
$400 to $499
16
1.8%
$500 to $599
7
0.8%
$600 to $699
11
1.2%
$700 or more
7
0.8%
Less than $150
4
0.4%
Sub-total
52
5.8%
Youth Allowance
$150 to $199
1
0.1%
$200 to $299
4
0.4%
$300 to $399
5
0.6%
$400 to $499
2
0.2%
$700 or more
1
0.1%
Less than $150
7
0.8%
Sub-total
20
2.2%
Grand Total
891
100.0%
Source: OoH Northern Metropolitan Region Profile of Households, Collingwood Public
Housing Estate, October 2002
vi.
Occupation/s
Data Unavailable until release of 2nd Release Census 2001 Data
Sub-total
Wages/Self Employed
vii.
Education level/s
Persons aged 15 years and over (excluding overseas visitors)
Males
Year 8 or below
Year 9 or equivalent
Year 10 or equivalent
Year 11 or equivalent
Year 12 or equivalent
Still at school
Did not go to school
Not stated
145
86
182
176
1,219
45
56
313
Females Persons
224
83
175
154
1,109
46
100
297
369
169
357
330
2,328
91
156
610
Total
2,222
2,188
4,410
AUSTRALIAN BUREAU OF STATISTICS 2001 Census of Population and Housing,
Victoria, Postal Area: 3066, Table B12
viii. Household type
Total
Household Structure
No.
%
Couple
26
2.9%
Couple + Children
60
6.7%
Group
117
13.1%
Older Couple
50
5.6%
Older Single
204
22.9%
Single Parents
209
23.5%
Singles
208
23.3%
Unknown
1
0.1%
Youth
16
1.8%
20
Grand Total
891
100.0%
Source: OoH Northern Metropolitan Region Profile of Households, Collingwood Public
Housing Estate, October 2002
ix.
Religion
Religious Affiliation by Gender
Buddhism
Christianity:
Anglican
Baptist
Brethren
Catholic
Churches of Christ
Jehovah's Witnesses
Latter Day Saints
Lutheran
Oriental Christian
Orthodox
Presbyterian and Reformed
Salvation Army
Seventh-day Adventist
Uniting Church
Pentecostal
Other Protestant
Other Christian
Total
Hinduism
Islam
Judaism
Other Religions:
Australian Aboriginal Traditional Religions
Other Religious Groups
Total
No religion
Inadequately described
Not stated
Overseas visitors
Males Females Persons
281
311
592
179
25
0
433
0
3
0
7
7
123
38
4
7
39
5
0
29
899
9
167
8
167
24
0
479
4
0
3
18
9
139
37
7
8
48
4
4
29
980
7
151
7
346
49
0
912
4
3
3
25
16
262
75
11
15
87
9
4
58
1,879
16
318
15
0
17
17
649
128
416
51
0
20
20
566
92
367
42
0
37
37
1,215
220
783
93
Total
2,625
2,543
5,168
AUSTRALIAN BUREAU OF STATISTICS 2001 Census of Population and Housing,
Victoria, Postal Area: 3066, Table B10
Some key outcomes are detailed below in a series of charts developed from the above
data.
21
Length of Tenancy
25.0%
20.0%
15.0%
10.0%
5.0%
0.0%
Less than 1
year
One to three
years
Three to six
years
Six to ten
years
Ten years or
more
Like Fitzroy, Collingwood is home to a significant proportion of longer-term tenants.
YUGOSLA
V N.E.I.
VIETNAME
SE
TURKISH
GREEK
ENGLISH
CHINESE
80.0%
60.0%
40.0%
20.0%
0.0%
-20.0%
ARABIC
Preferred Language
The relatively high proportion of English spoken as a preferred language probably
derives from 34% of the tenants being born in Australia.
Youth
Unknown
Singles
Single
Parents
Older
Single
Older
Couple
Group
Couple +
Children
30.0%
25.0%
20.0%
15.0%
10.0%
5.0%
0.0%
-5.0%
Couple
Household Structure
The Household Structure chart illustrates the prevalence of Single Parent and Single
households on the Collingwood estate.
22
Income Type
25.0%
20.0%
15.0%
10.0%
5.0%
Youth
Allowance
Wages/Self
Employed
Service
Parenting
Payment
Other
Mature
Age/Widows
Pension
New Start
Allowance
Imputed
-5.0%
Austudy
Payment
Disability
Support
Pension
Aged
Pension
0.0%
Like Fitzroy, Centrelink features as a significant provider of income support
4.Current Community Activities
i.
Tenant Groups
The Dight Abbortsford, Collingwood, Clifton Hill, Tenants Association (DACHTA)
has become more active over the last six months and is starting to participate in the
management of the Collingwood public housing estate.
ii.
Community Development Projects
Actions
Orgs.
Involved
Targets
Start /End
Dates
Achievements
Somali
Language
School
CNH &
Somali
Community
To educate younger
Somali persons in
the Somali culture
and language.
July 2002
and
ongoing
Weekly meetings (Sat and Sun)
Afghan and
Iranian
Women’s
Support
Group
Multicultural
Catering
Program
JSS and
NYCH
Health education January
and outings for 2002 and
Afghan and Iranian ongoing
Women.
12 participants. Weekly meetings at
Collingwood College. Successful
Islamic New Year Festival event.
CNH
To provide catering July 2001
services
for and
residents and local ongoing
agencies.
Provides employment and business
skills development for tenants
through catering for meetings,
functions and events. Now a selfsufficient business.
23
CHEAC
CoY, NYCH,
CNH, OoH,
Contemporar
y Sculptors
Assoc.,
Primary
Mental
Health
Services, Vic
Health,
RMIT, JSS,
Down Street
Studio,
Community
representativ
es
CNH, CoY,
OoH
To establish
Collingwood
Public Housing
Estate as a centre
for excellence in
art.
July 2001
and
ongoing
Attracted Melbourne Fringe Festival
to work with tenants on the estate
during 2001.
Photographic
display of positive
images of the
estate.
2001-2002
* Tower
Based
Management
JSS, NYCH,
OoH, CoY,
Outreach
Victoria,
CNH
November
2002 and
ongoing
Public
Consultations
CNH, JSS,
COY,
Outreach
Victoria,
NYCH, OoH
To provide resident
input
into
the
management
of
their
tower;
possible
longerterm
roles
in
employment
and
contracts
management,
similar
to
the
function of a body
corporate.
To keep all tenants
informed of NR
activities, and
involve them in NR
processes and
decision-making.
To consult around
intensive tower
management
strategies.
Photographer employed during 2001.
Community selected 5 photographs
from photographer’s folio for display
in foyer of 253 Hoddle Street highrise.
Concepts debated with tenants and
endorsed. Needs analysis regarding
training
identified
as
critical.
Processes being put into place
regarding election to the committee.
Community
Art Bank
CNH,
Collingwood
College,
NRCHC
Positive
Images
Project
February
2002 – and
ongoing
Paintings
from January
Collingwood
2001 – and
College
students ongoing
(primary to year
12) framed and
leased to offices.
Doorknocked every household on the
estate (950) to issue invitation to
public consultations, workshops and
information sessions. Approx. 40% of
HR tenants have become engaged
through this personalised approach;
these tenants now involved in
contributing to and providing
feedback on proposals for change.
Anecdotal evidence of increased
tenant participation in other projects
and programs run on the estate as a
result of networking activities from
these consultations.
25 pieces currently framed, promoting
and celebrating the talents of young
children living on the estate. Income
opportunities created in quality
framing, exhibition organisation and.
Two exhibitions in local galleries.
Development
of
website:
www.communityartbank.org.au.
24
Yarra
Multicultural
Sports
Program
JSS, CoY,
tenants
Excursion
and camping
program
CNH
To foster improved
health amongst
tenants and provide
opportunity for
social recreation
Monthly excursions
and an annual
weekend camping
trip
July 2001
and
ongoing
Ongoing
Table
tennis
competitions
commenced
July
2001.
Approximately
50
participants.
Soccer program commenced 26/10/02
– 55 youths signed up to the program.
50 – 60 tenants regularly
participating.
Local Neighbourhood Renewal publications put out by the region.
Date
12/2/02
Publication Name
Collingwood Public
Housing Estate Web
Page
Collingwood
Newsletter
Orgs. Involved
OoH
Targets
To aid communication strategies
relating to NR activities at Fitzroy
OOH, CoY, NYCH, HG,
DACCHTA, JSS
Web
Page
Wired High-rise Web
Page
InfoXchange
Web
Page
Yarraweb
InfoXchange, OOH, CoY,
NYCH, HG, JSS
To promote tenant awareness of
what is occurring on the estate.
Increase tenant involvement
To provide information and
coordination around Reach For the
Clouds project
To provide information and
coordination around activities on
the estate
Ongoing
OoH
NYCH
COY
JSS
RMIT
CSA
DACCHTA
HG
DOJ
CPV
Office of Housing
North Yarra Community Health
City of Yarra
Jesuit Social Services
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Contemporary Sculptors Association
Dight, Abbotsford, Collingwood, Clifton Hill Tenants Association
HomeGround
Department of Justice
Crime Prevention Victoria
25
5.
Other Government Initiatives
i.
Local Government
The City of Yarra in partnership with a number of other agencies was successful in obtaining
a Federal Department of Family and Children’s Services grant of $350,000 for a community
empowerment project.
The project has just commenced and will run for two years across social housing projects
within the City of Yarra.
It is anticipated that up to fifteen Atherton Gardens tenants may receive training in advocacy,
problem solving, issue identification, public speaking and submission writing in this project.
Whilst not specifically indicated the City of Yarra has been involved in most activities,
workshops and project groups at Collingwood, including NRPAG, Community Safety plan,
CCIC, various community arts projects and submissions to the Community Support Fund.
ii.
State Government
The State Government in partnership with the City of Yarra adopted a partnership approach to
address illicit drug use and issues in a harm minimisation framework.
Major initiatives include:
1. Syringe collection services and education on public housing estates.
2. Support for businesses to install syringe disposal units.
3. Support for the establishment of an employment and education program targeting
people at risk
4. Extension of drug and alcohol counselling services.
The local drug strategy has allocated $2,679,300 between 2000 and 2003.
6. Neighbourhood Renewal
Neighbourhood Renewal is a major whole-of-government initiative to narrow the gap
between the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Victoria and the rest of the State.
Neighbourhood Renewal is a priority approach for the Victorian government in addressing
place-based disadvantage. A whole-of-government approach in Neighbourhood Renewal
areas means:
•
Better coordination between government portfolios.
•
Targeting initiatives and prioritising existing resources and growth funding to
Neighbourhood Renewal projects.
•
All of government supporting implementation of local Neighbourhood Renewal
Action Plans.
•
All of government committing to work with local communities through local
Neighbourhood Renewal partnership arrangements.
26
State government agencies that have made specific formal commitments to Neighbourhood
Renewal areas include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Innovation, Industry and Regional Development
Department of Education and Training
Department of Infrastructure
Victoria Police
Sustainable Energy Authority Victoria
Urban and Regional Land Corporation
Department of Justice
Department of Human Services
Commitments to individual local projects have also been made by local governments,
Commonwealth government (eg Stronger Families, Stronger Communities), non-government
and community-based organisations, local businesses, local universities, schools and other
learning institutions and the residents and people working in Neighbourhood Renewal areas.
Neighbourhood Renewal projects are encouraged to use the commitments of support to
develop local actions that will create vibrant and cohesive communities.
Neighbourhood Renewal offers a better deal for disadvantaged communities in Victoria. The
initiative is being led by the Office of Housing in the Department of Human Services as part
of the State Government’s Growing Victoria Together agenda to build more cohesive
communities and reduce inequalities.
The Victorian Government wants to narrow the gap between the most disadvantaged
neighbourhoods in Victoria and the rest of the State by working with local communities,
businesses and those providing services.
To achieve this Neighbourhood Renewal will:
• Increase people’s pride and participation in the community.
•
Enhance housing and the physical environment.
•
Lift employment, training and education opportunities and expand local economic
activities.
•
Improve personal safety and reduce crime.
•
Promote health and wellbeing.
•
Increase access to transport and other key services and improve government
responsiveness.
Neighbourhood Renewal empowers local communities to shape their own futures. The
initiative builds on the strengths of each community and enhances local skills, capacity and
leadership. Government will be more responsive to shared community goals.
The emphasis is on working together. Government and community resources will be
harnessed and better coordinated to improve housing, infrastructure, employment, education,
safety, and health and wellbeing.
Changes will be made around people and the places they live, work and play, to better
connect government programs to real community needs.
27
Areas with concentrations of public housing have been chosen for Neighbourhood Renewal
because the redevelopment of public housing is a catalyst for broader social and economic
improvement.
It also makes the housing more attractive for potential residents and encourages people to stay
in the area.
Strategic investment in public housing is an incentive for other investment such as local
government improving roads, parkland and streetscapes, for housing developers to develop
land and redevelop run-down housing, and for industry to locate in areas where economic
growth is being stimulated.
The first round Neighbourhood Renewal projects have begun in:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Latrobe Valley (Morwell, Moe, Churchill Heights and Traralgon)
Wendouree West (in Ballarat)
Collingwood Public Housing Estate
Atherton Gardens (in Fitzroy)
East Eaglehawk (in Bendigo)
Long Gully (in Bendigo)
Shepparton (in Parkside)
Seymour
Maidstone and Braybrook (in Melbourne’s West)
Corio and Norlane (in North Geelong).
Further projects are planned to start in other disadvantaged communities in 2003.
The Victorian Government injected $170 million in 2002-03 to revitalise public housing in
Victoria. Nearly $58 million has been earmarked for 2002-03 to improve and upgrade public
housing in neighbourhood renewal areas. Of that amount $9.7 million has been allocated to
the Collingwood public housing estate.
References:
Office of Housing - ISIP Data Base
Neighbourhood Renewal Monthly Update – (10/2002)
Yarra Drug and Health Forum Strategy Plan (2002)
Whole of Government Agreements - Neighbourhood Renewal Project Team (2002)
28
SECTION 2 – ISSUE IDENTIFICATION FOR EACH NR OBJECTIVE
1. Crime and Safety
Crime and Safety involves many things - crimes against the person and property
offences, but also safety in the home: family violence, child protection notifications,
problem gambling, drug strategies and household safety with cooking and electricity.
Crime and Safety will also cover a range of Occupational Health and Safety issues and
may involve Displan processes.
This Action Plan is embryonic and at this time it concentrates heavily of crime relating to
drug trafficking and use. It also looks at the built environment.
It is anticipated that as the plan develops and is accepted by tenants it will become
broader.1.1Data/Analysis:
A Local Safety Survey conducted by Crime Prevention Victoria (CPV) in 2000 for the
City of Yarra indicated:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
26% or respondents felt that the roads were less safe than they were five years ago.
This compared favourably with the State average of 36%;
respondents were more likely (49%) to rate the level of safety in the local area as
being about “the same” as it was five years ago;
household burglary, drugs and car theft were the most commonly mentioned crime
problems;
some 60% of the respondents indicated that crime was a problem to a “moderate” or
“great” extent in their local area;
54% indicated that there were particular locations within their local area where they
felt unsafe;
the most commonly nominated ways of improving safety in these “unsafe” areas
included more police patrols/presence, better lighting and dealing with drugs; and
the overall safety rating in the City of Yarra (8.5) was not significantly different from
the State average of 8.4. (Uses a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being very unsafe)
Also, from work previously done by Northern Region with CPV we know that incidents were
probably under-estimated in crime and safety data. Principal data sources were Police
recorded offences, and Office of Housing security guards’ and tenants’ complaint records.
Research shows:
•
•
•
Crime incidences are NOT higher on public housing estates than in surrounding
residential areas;
Most “incidents” occur because of visitors, not tenants;
“Trouble” peaks at particular times, eg school holidays, weekends, summer;
Public housing properties and tenants are vulnerable to the same range of criminal activity as
the general community.
Criminal behaviours of particular significance were:
29
Property crimes
•
Burglary
! The design of dwellings makes them both vulnerable and attractive to burglars;
! Most tenants cannot afford to supplement existing locks;
! Certain ethnic groups may feel more vulnerable;
! Repeat victimisation is an issue.
•
Significant levels of vehicle theft.
•
Theft and robbery
•
Vandalism and graffiti
- Lack of “ownership” of common spaces by tenants
- Property damage by squatters and (suspected) visitors to estates
•
Crimes against the person: Domestic violence
- Lack of privacy makes disputes more apparent
• Drug related crime
- Drug-related activity in inner city high-rises could be the result of displacement
following increased police activity in street locations
Perceptions of crime
- Antisocial behaviour can increase fear more than actual criminal activity because of
visibility- Lack of clarity about respective roles of security guards, Police and housing
managers leads to perceptions that incidents are not dealt with appropriately.
Environmental issues
Traditionally, environmental aspects of public housing were considered to be the source of
most problems, and the site of potential solutions.
•
Design – public housing estates embody many of the elements that have been identified
by CPTED theorists as contributing to criminal behaviour, eg lack of natural surveillance;
Demarcation of public and private space – to find a balance between a vigorous security
regime and one that is flexible and welcoming;
Location – not a major issue in itself, but is important in terms of proximity to
employment, and the potential to become economically independent;
Property maintenance – should be timely to avoid physical deterioration and the potential
for vandalism, and to minimise the loss of residents’ sense of pride of place As Victorian
public housing stock is aging, there is an increasing need for maintenance.
•
•
•
Social Issues
•
•
•
•
Demographics – public housing populations are frequently characterised by factors
strongly correlated with crime and antisocial behaviour;
Loss of role models – as stable, economically viable households move on (no longer
eligible for public housing), potential role models and informal sources of employment
knowledge and referral are removed from the tenant population;
Isolation and tenant participation – tenants feeling alienated from decision making
processes
Stigma and the cycle of disadvantage – public housing tenants can face discrimination
and stigma
30
•
Fear and anxiety – high proportion of tenants express an increased fear of crimes, eg
older people, women, CLDB groups
Political context – the policy of selling-off inner city public housing estates to private
developers is no longer current.
Client satisfaction
•
•
Client satisfaction surveys report conflicting sentiments – some surveys present clients
as “satisfied’, others report increasing tenant anxiety, especially about the apparent
influence and presence of the drug trade.
Statistics from CPV tend to reinforce the perception of local police, service
providers, tenants and departmental officers that crime, real and perceived, is an
issue in the Collingwood postcode. There appears to have been a recent increase
in the level of crime at Collingwood as evidenced by the following statistics.
Anyone reading the estate’s security patrol reports would have reached the
same conclusions.
31
The number of recorded offences in the postcode of Collingwood (3066), Victoria Police,
1997/98 to 2001/02
% Change
2000/01 to
1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01 2001/02
2001/02
homicide
1
1
0
2
3
50.0%
rape
11
3
5
3
7
133.3%
sex (non-rape)
21
28
42
4
11
175.0%
robbery
28
52
53
42
41
-2.4%
assault
115
112
117
97
123
26.8%
abduction/kidnap
0
1
1
2
5
150.0%
crime against the person
176
197
218
150
190
26.7%
arson
property damage
burglary (aggravated)
burglary (residential)
burglary (other)
deception
handling stolen goods
theft from motor vehicle
theft ( from shop)
theft of motor vehicle
theft of bicycle
theft (other)
crime against property
10
153
12
159
158
382
102
510
36
187
35
341
2,085
10
139
12
128
144
510
215
634
51
184
41
358
2,426
7
120
14
146
176
590
181
624
31
209
43
309
2,450
7
117
33
171
158
430
186
371
50
214
50
258
2,045
9
139
7
186
180
347
242
392
33
236
38
337
2,146
28.6%
18.8%
-78.8%
8.8%
13.9%
-19.3%
30.1%
5.7%
-34.0%
10.3%
-24.0%
30.6%
4.9%
drug (cult., manuf., traff.)
drug (possess, use)
drug offences
195
252
447
183
353
536
129
189
318
32
112
144
33
136
169
3.1%
21.4%
17.4%
going equipped to steal
justice procedures
regulated public order
weapons/explosives
harassment
behaviour in public
other
other crime
10
49
11
32
4
25
36
167
15
78
6
54
8
52
62
275
30
54
5
37
3
35
39
203
10
33
7
33
1
10
39
133
14
51
0
55
3
15
84
222
40.0%
54.5%
-100.0%
66.7%
200.0%
50.0%
115.4%
66.9%
Total
2,875 3,434
Source: Victoria Police Crime Statistics
3,189
2,472
2,727
10.3%
Prepared by Nick Turner, Statistical Analyst
Knowledge Management
Crime Prevention Victoria
32
The rate per 100,000 persons of recorded offences in the postcode of Collingwood (3066),
Victoria Police, 1997/98 to 2001/02
homicide
rape
sex (non-rape)
robbery
assault
abduction/kidnap
crime against the person
1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01 2001/02
18
18
0
35
53
199
54
89
53
123
379
502
747
71
193
506
932
943
743
721
2,077 2,007 2,082 1,715 2,163
0
18
18
35
88
3,179 3,530 3,879 2,653 3,342
% Change 2000/01 to
2001/02
49.2%
132.1%
173.5%
-2.9%
26.1%
148.6%
26.0%
arson
property damage
burglary (aggravated)
burglary (residential)
burglary (other)
deception
handle stolen goods
theft from motor vehicle
theft ( from shop)
theft of motor vehicle
theft of bicycle
theft (other)
crime against property
181
179
125
124
158
2,763 2,491 2,135 2,069 2,445
217
215
249
584
123
2,872 2,293 2,598 3,024 3,271
2,854 2,580 3,132 2,794 3,166
6,899 9,138 10,498 7,604 6,103
1,842 3,852 3,221 3,289 4,256
9,211 11,360 11,103 6,561 6,894
650
914
552
884
580
3,377 3,297 3,719 3,784 4,151
632
735
765
884
668
6,159 6,415 5,498 4,562 5,927
37,656 43,469 43,594 36,163 37,742
27.9%
18.2%
-78.9%
8.2%
13.3%
-19.7%
29.4%
5.1%
-34.4%
9.7%
-24.4%
29.9%
4.4%
drug (cult., manuf., traff.)
drug (possess, use)
drug offences
3,522
4,551
8,073
3,279
6,325
9,604
2,295
3,363
5,658
566
1,981
2,546
580
2,392
2,972
2.6%
20.8%
16.7%
going equipped to steal
justice procedures
regulated public order
weapons/explosives
harassment
behaviour in public
other
other crime
181
885
199
578
72
452
650
3,016
269
1,398
108
968
143
932
1,111
4,927
534
961
89
658
53
623
694
3,612
177
584
124
584
18
177
690
2,352
246
897
0
967
53
264
1,477
3,904
39.2%
53.7%
-100.0%
65.8%
198.4%
49.2%
114.2%
66.0%
Total
51,923 61,530 56,744 43,714 47,960
Source: Victoria Police Crime Statistics
9.7%
Population
5537
5581
5620
5655
5686
0.005481874
Source: Space-Time Research, Population Projections by Postal Area 1996, Australia 1999-2019
Prepared by Nick Turner, Statistical Analyst
Knowledge Management
Crime Prevention Victoria
33
This data is also reinforced by information provided by the Neighbourhood Renewal Team in
October 2002 as outlined below along with a number of other indicators.
Percentage of State Values for Collingwood Area Postcode
3066
State Average Benchmark Value
100
130
Official Unemployment rate
351
Unemployment Benefits Holders
214
Disability Pension Holders
190
Health Care Card Holders
Average Taxable income
96
Crime per 1000 residents
555
86
Emergency Admissions
148
Child Protection Notifications
Persons Completing Yr 12
71
One Parent Families
149
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
Per Cent compared to State Average
1.2 Resident Perceptions:
Each of the three high-rise towers at Collingwood has been individually door knocked
and the following responses are indicative of what tenants think about where they
live. The responses are the result of a public consultation in February 2002. Dight
Street tenants were also consulted in a similar manner.
Workshop Responses
Vietnamese, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Arabic, Somali, Turkish and English
speaking tenants were represented in the consultative workshops.
A range of questions was put to tenants but only those most central to crime and safety are
included in this Action Plan.
Where do you feel safe within the building 240 Wellington Street, Collingwood? Why do
these areas feel safe? Where within the building do you feel particularly unsafe? Why?
!
!
!
!
!
!
Only feel safe inside our own flat.
We do not feel safe in the laundry because drug users and alcoholics congregate there.
There are also syringes thrown around the room.
We do not feel safe in the stairwells either for the same reasons.
Clothes have been stolen from the laundries.
Users in stairwells know when you are going (sic) and where you live.
Lots of shouting and yelling all night in the corridors.
34
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Worried about hygiene in stairwells (people urinate there).
Don’t know/trust these people who come to the building but don’t live here. “They know
me and where I live, but I don’t know them”.
Worried to say anything about or to people who don’t live here.
There is also a language barrier.
We see things but don’t say anything.
They (drug users) inject on seats in front of lifts.
People are drunk in lifts and speak to us rudely – it is unpleasant.
How do they get the keys to have access to the laundries?
Turn a blind eye because too scared to say anything.
Better/safer to go out in pairs/groups.
What are the things that contribute to you being or feeling unsafe?
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Guards play with people’s minds. Guards seem to have an attitude that people here are
cheap.
When guards are around, things are okay, but as soon as they go…
Some users knock on our doors to ask for water (not to drink, but to dilute drugs).
Can’t communicate with guards on the estate because of language difficulties.
The cleaner in this building is very diligent and has been doing a good job.
Most drug users and alcoholics are Caucasian, not Vietnamese, and don’t come from
here.
Drug users come in groups of three to five.
Flats near stairwells are vulnerable to robbery. Has happened to one lady twice.
Bag snatching is a worry – so try not to go out with bags.
Neighbours come and go. They only live here for a few months so we don’t get to know
them and feel safe.
There is no mix – wealthier people move out so only poor people are left her.
We keep to ourselves. Only have long-term friends. Don’t want to get to know new
friends.
In an emergency, we don’t know who to call because we can only speak
Vietnamese.
How do you feel about the security measures proposed for 240 Wellington Street? Do you have
any further ideas or suggestions that you would like to see implemented at your building to
improve security?
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Proposals are marvellous
Need prompt response to security when called
Need balcony doors near the lifts to be well maintained and to keep closed
Toilets on ground floors
Not to let intoxicated people in to building and review after implementation of security
Camera in stairwell door
Checking the current condition of security grill and doors. No visible syringes
Long term vision to feel safe enough to remove security grills.
Guards should be up with the law in relation to law (sic)
Consistency of guards
35
What are the good points about living at 253 Hoddle Street?
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
Heating is good
Views
Very convenient
Close to the city
Past 31 years has been good
Safer than living in a house or unit (stand alone)
Lots of people around
Criminal rate is lower
Pay lower rate of service fees and rent is affordable
Has laundry facilities
Close to the city
Near shopping centres (Richmond and Smith St)
Very good for low income people – rent low and convenient way to pay
Maintenance services very good – OoH fixes things
Heating very good
Comfortable
Washing machines provided.
Separate to the consultations, a series of unidentified emails started to be received on
9 May 2002. These emails highlight the frustration of tenants when things go wrong,
but also their appreciation of good housing management, personalised service and
inclusive information sharing when it is provided.
Hi there mates!
ULTIMATUM! REOPEN THE LIFT AT … HODDLE STREET FOR POOR PEOPLE,
U CAN'T CLOSE IT FOR MONTHS, YEARS. WE'LL BURN IT DOWN.
And on 16 May 2002:
To Department of Human Services (Office of Housing) I have received so much complaint
from people living in … Hoddle Street, Collingwood Vic 3066 about the lift. As I have been
informed it has been closed for nearly two months for nothing. This caused a tremendous
hazard and difficulties for people living over there especially disabled people.
I am so dissappointed (sic) with this kind of irresponsibility and laziness of Department of
Human Services, if you close it for nothing you must reopen it for the benefit of poor people
living in … Hoddle Street. If you want to maitain (sic) and fix it up you must do it as quickly
as possible. They pay rental and service fees to you so you cannot do such things to your
tenants. If this building were an office or a luxury apartment for wealthy people, it would
have fixed up within an hour or so not 1,000 hours instead.
As a Prime Minister of Australia I order you to resolve this problem immediately, if I receive
any further complaint you all will definitely be sacked and a new completely more competent
staff will replace you all. This is not a joke, I would allow people living there to burn it down
as it is not used anymore.
Fix it up or I give you all a sack. Ultimatum!
36
And finally on 21 May 2002:
Dear Sir,
On behalf of the residents living in… Hoddle Street we would like to say many thanks and
appreciation to the quick response from your office. This is a sort of human services not
treated worse than animals a few weeks ago. In the future we expect if the maintenance for
the lift is carried out, it should be within scheduled period not too long far behind what you
notice to us. We will not do any (sic) harmful to the lift as we were too angry and lost our
temper at that time we thought we were ignored and treated worse than animal here.
Once again we would like to say thank you and express our appreciation to the office, staff,
security people who have made an excellent effort and cooperation in helping poor people in
this building back to their normal daily life.
Yours sincerely
It is interesting to note that this tower block was very well represented, and
contributed positively at consultations around the establishment of a Neighbourhood
Advisory Board and implementation of Tower Management Teams.
The media can play a major role in forming perceptions about living in public
housing.
The Age 21 June 2002:
Yesterday was moving in day at the flats. Steering a silver trolley loaded with assorted bags,
his face scrunched up against any icy wind PC was shifting his worldly goods into a high-rise
flat in Collingwood, which he hopes will be his home for the rest of his life.
To his left, children in bright parkas made high-pitched demands as they played on swings
and slides… a friend, PW, has lived in these flats for about six years, and generally
speaking, he says he’s “…as snug as a bug in a rug’
More recently public consultations have confirmed that whilst much has improved on
Collingwood public housing estate more work needs to be done with police, security and
tenants to make the estate truly a place to be proud to call home.
At the same time those consultations have demonstrated overwhelming support for the
controlled access systems and security measures taken by the Office of Housing. Tenants are
looking forward to working with a Neighbourhood Advisory Board and the deployment of
Tower Management Teams comprising a Concierge, a Cleaner Handyperson and a Housing
Services Officer. It is not uncommon for staff to report that tenants are more open with each
other, that they feel the Office of Housing is finally putting something back into the estate and
that the tenants themselves feel valued. They have a voice and they count for something. They
say their dignity is being restored.
Like Fitzroy the changed security environment at Collingwood is profound. So positive has
been the change that tenants will now move around the buildings to visit friends and
neighbours without asking for a security escort. Cleaning contractors report they can now
work without fear of assault and tower based security guards are reporting a significant
37
decrease in attendances by the maintenance contractor. Major upgrade contracts are running
smoothly for the first time in many years.
Interim controlled access systems were introduced over the four towers in August 2002. The
interim system required visitors sign in a register to indicate whom they were visiting. This
approach will continue to be used until swipe cards are introduced in 2003.
.
1.3
Stakeholder Perceptions:
'Urban Ghettos' by Jodie Haythorne Melbourne Yarra Leader, 8 July 1996
Poverty-stricken migrants were turning inner-city suburbs into urban ghettos,
a Monash University researcher said last week.
Ernest Healy said increasing numbers of ethnic people were settling in
enclaves - namely the Collingwood, Fitzroy and Richmond public housing
estates - and surviving on welfare benefits.
He said the culture was synonymous with racial tensions and crime - a recipe
for violent slums. The allegation last week sparked an angry reaction from
public housing workers and police. Dight Abbotsford Collingwood Clifton
Hill Tenants' Association worker Denis Evans said it was already difficult for
people to overcome the stigma of living in public housing. Being accused of
turning the area into a ghetto made things worse.” There are many different
ethnic groups who come here, but that is not their fault” he said.” They have
no choice. The majority lead productive lives. They have got jobs.” "A lot of
them use this as a first stage of getting into the community. In the meantime,
it is decent and affordable housing."
Mr Evans said there were benefits to living in public housing, including
security, free maintenance and the best views of Melbourne.
Mr Healy said his research, which he insisted was not racially motivated,
proved ghettos stemmed from thousands of migrants forming enclaves and
living in poverty on welfare benefits.
"Normally, a concentration of poverty is associated with crime," he said.
"When it is combined with ethnic and cultural isolation, it makes these
problems normally associated with concentrated poverty particularly difficult
to deal with."
Mr Healy's comments followed the discovery of a body in the Napier St public
housing estate, Fitzroy, on Monday. The pensioner, who had lived there for
eight years, died of multiple stab wounds.
Sen Sgt Geoff Adams, of Fitzroy police, said the murder was not a true
indication of public-housing lifestyle. He said crime rates seemed higher in
commission areas due to the dense concentration of people living there.
"If you spread those crime figures across the same population in somewhere
like Templestowe, you would have similar crime rates," he said.
38
"Wherever you put cheap housing, it is going to attract that (criminal)
element, but if anything it has changed for the better."
Sgt Eda Whiting, of Collingwood police, said it was outrageous to blame
innocent public housing tenants for creating a ghetto. She said it was naive to
think people could live in a public housing block without the occasional
problem.
Collingwood College:
The local college in Collingwood is distressed at the community
disintegration they have witnessed over the last few years. They are
concerned that the problem is closely tied to the segmented waiting list
policy, which risks destroying a sustainable mix of coping and high needs or
dysfunctional families. As they observe, ‘Our school has no dads’. The
college is responding to the issues with a broad range of strategies. These
include alternative schooling models, after school study programs, youth
workers to run activities, teaming children up with supportive role models,
and so on. (Guinness 2000).
Tenancy and Support Service:
Collingwood Estate is an example of the way things are headed if directions
are not changed. There is a high demand for transfers – often the reason is
that due to drug problems this is not a suitable place to raise families. Many
parents or mothers are unable to provide a safe home for their children due
to drug or alcohol addition, psychiatric illness or other causes. (Ibid)
Herald Sun 4 February 2002:
A former security guard feared for her life while working at a high-rise
estate. SM said daily patrols at the Collingwood commission flats had
become so dangerous she had to quit. She was once confronted by machete –
armed gang members about to brawl with a rival group.
Herald Sun 5 February 2002:
Pregnant mother AS said she had turned down an offer for a high rise flat
because she did not want her two teenage sons living next to drug dealers
and junkies.
North Yarra Community Health Centre 2002:
In a healthy community we know who our neighbours are and how to get help
when we need it.
39
The following comments are extracts from a letter written by tenants who attended
Neighbourhood Renewal Consultations on 26 November 2002.
How to achieve Neighbourhood Renewal
Health and Wellbeing:
1. A good healthy environment:
First impression for residents is important, whether the area is a good or bad environment.
Good environment can contribute to good health. Residents would feel happy when
neighbours are talking together. This would decrease the criminal activities on the estate.
A.:
On the estate, the street, park, garden beds, ground, gazebo, fences, roof and the walls need
to be fixed.
B. Improve the lawn area of 229 Hoddle Street (garden) and the area beside 240 Wellington
St. If the areas upgrade into children play ground, and an area for elderly to sit around. In
the garden, it should have flowers, trees, and lawn areas and there should be table/bench and
stools, gazebo for people to utilise/enjoy. If it is possible, we should make the garden look
perfect, have fountain, rocks and rose garden.
C. Organise a youth group (build a Youth Centre), encourage youth to participate. Build a
Middle/Old age activities room (including a reading room). Build a Child Care Centre for the
residents.
2. Security
Increase the security for the neighbourhood. The biggest concern for the residents would be
improving the security for individual, reduces criminal activities on the estate. If security is
good, the contribution for the neighbourhood is enormous.
Apart from having the concierge system, increase security guard patrolling on the estate;, we
need to set up a security rule, something that would work, and individuals would need to obey
the law for it to work.
3. Education and training
Education is an important part for planning and achieving the main goal. The residents need
to be educated and shown how to protect and improve the environment. Involve residents to
look after the public properties and the utilities. No one should smoke in the non-smoking
area; don’t leave rubbish, cigarette butts, empty drinks bottles behind. Need to have the class
often for the resident to learn how to obey the security and cleaning rules.
In order for this education campaign, it can be done by showing film clips, picture etc on the
open area. Improve and educate residents and lift up the living standard.
Improvement training and employment can be adopted the way Centre-link is dealing with the
unemployed. Offer study and training. It can be also working with the Department agencies,
involving all the youth unemployed (they are receiving allowances from Centre-link), get
them to do some activities that is benefit to the environment and themselves.
4. Involvements from the residents
The way to get residents’ involvement is to have the plan for Neighbourhood Renewal,
direction, upgrade, etc., open for the public, advertise it and set up group meeting to discuss
and seek their opinion.
40
Let the residents know that Neighbourhood Renewal in not only the task from the Government
but it is also the contribution from the tenants. This way it can improve the responsibility for
the residents, lift up their community spirits and be proud of them selves.
In summary: when the residents are involved, any plan and activities can be achieved.
.
1.4 Summary of Issues:
It may be useful to summarise the issues by drawing on a quote from Lawrence Vale in his
observation of public housing in Boston:
It is not enough for conditions in redeveloped public housing to look better; the goal
must be to improve the quality of life of residents in as many dimensions as possible.
Put simply, all those who participate in turnaround efforts must view the
developments as communities first, buildings second. This is not at all to denigrate
the crucial importance of physical reconstruction and design improvements. It is only
to underline that such improvements, in themselves, are not enough to address the
broad and deeper causes of resident distress.
Some General Observations:
Community participation has very positive outcomes. Both tenants and service providers
identify community participation as leading to a sense of safety, cohesion and trust – the
ingredients for a socially healthy community. Participation overcomes isolation, fear and the
tensions associated with high-density living. The diversity of ethnic groups contributes to
both cohesion within these groups and segmentation across the community. It can be used
positively to enrich community life and needs to be taken into account.
Obviously tenants require information about activities and services as a basis for
participating. Improvement needs to be made across a range of areas to achieve not only
tenants’ knowledge but also their understanding of services available.
There is no question that the standard of building and facilities on the estate is unacceptable.
Experience in Australia and overseas has shown that the result of redevelopment can be short
lived if tenants do not develop a sense of ownership and pride and responsibility that go with
it.
Tenants also have practical suggestions about buildings and facilities from their long
experience of living in public housing. The planning for public housing needs to take into
account economic and environmental sustainability.
By far the most common concern is the lack of personal safety related particularly to
problematic drug use. Up until recently an apparent lack of action on this issue has lead to a
sense of powerlessness. As a first step in restoring community confidence it is necessary to
respond in a significant and visible way to this concern, using a broad range of strategies.
There have been several initiatives in the City of Yarra aimed at increased police-community
co-operation. The value of these should be maximised by spreading awareness of these
initiatives and carrying out the recommendations arising.
Tenants and service providers see an important role for recreation services in improving
people’s health and social connectedness. Social networks also make tenants feel safer. They
are an important element in building community.
41
All services can improve their accessibility to migrants. In addition, the particular needs faced
by many refugees need to be acknowledged and supported.
Tenants are alienated and demeaned by the deteriorating physical amenity of some sections of
the estate. If this is not addressed, they are rendered powerless to improve their housing
conditions and their self-esteem and their will to contribute is seriously undermined. The
integrity of the estate as private property has been compromised by a failure to restrict drug
dealers from abusing the estate grounds and buildings, and indeed the tenants themselves.
The question needs to be asked, is it sustainable to maintain Victoria’s public housing cost
rating as the second lowest in Australia, if this approach causes expensive social dysfunction
including intergenerational poverty, drug addiction, crime, family violence and the like? The
social cost and their economic consequences need to be added into the equation.
Service providers are concerned that the social mix on the estate is leading to unsustainable
communities. Unsustainable in this context relates to the evaluation of the social systems on
estates in terms of their long term viability – whether they will demand increasing levels of
resources rather than finding some ‘steady state’ solutions; whether the social mix will
provide the human resources to meet many of the community’s own needs.
The changes that have brought this situation into existence are complex. However, the policy
settings of the Office of Housing over the last decade have contributed to this frustrating
reality. They include the apparently deliberate run down of certain properties and the way
units are allocated.
Four key issues emerge:
1. Replace the worst aspects of the existing environment through a master planning
approach using CPTED principals and drawing on the following resources:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Safe by Design – Planning and Design Guidelines for New and Existing Public Car
Parks issued by the City of Melbourne;
Draft Safer Design Guidelines for Local Government. - Planning to reduce crime and
improve perceptions of safety in streets and public places;
Victorian Managed Insurance Authority Site Risk Survey Reports;
Strategic Options for Safety and Security on Public Housing Estates SGS Economics
and Planning Pty Ltd (2002);
High Rise Strategy – Office of Housing (2002) and
Safety Audits – Victoria Police
2. Correct chronic management and operational deficiencies through swift and decisive
action. Whilst some of this is internal to the Office of Housing a greater
connectedness to other parts of the Department of Human Services and the Whole-of–
Government Agreements negotiated by the Neighbourhood Renewal Project Team in
2002 will facilitate better outcomes for tenants.
3. Infuse public housing with positive incentives that support and reward responsible
tenants.
4. Introduce tougher expectations that hold public housing tenants accountable for their
actions and do not tolerate those who engender fear, intimidation and abuse and
threaten other tenants’ rights.
42
1.5
Summary of Opportunities for Future Development:
People want change. They want it to be sustainable and they want to be involved in
evaluating it.
Considerable opportunities can be found in localising housing management, including
contracts, community policing and other services, if they are introduced in a coherent
and concerted fashion.
Resident involvement needs to be recognised as an essential prerequisite for success.
Tenants can only succeed if their efforts are linked to the wider community and if
they receive sustained, consistent and sensitive support.
Opportunities exist to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
develop a Neighbourhood Advisory Board comprising tenants, agencies and
the Office of Housing;
design and implement an innovative approach to community policing,
perhaps drawing on the Fitzroy experience;
introduce Tower Management Teams to provide high levels of service to
tenants and visitors;
upgrade the physical conditions, for rehousing a broader mix of people and
reducing the concentration of extreme dependence and disarray;
increase community stability and reduce the exodus of committed tenants by
increasing the attractions of the area;
involve police and the community in local security programs;
offer special support for the integration of CALD groups;
maximise the bridges between the area and the outside world, both
physically, such as transport, and organisationally though locally based
workers, external training, visits to other projects, representation, etc.;
encourage a range of services, such as shops, churches, voluntary agencies,
credit unions, in order to create ‘social buffers with the wider community’….
These organisations could help develop skills and commitment to the area by
linkages with people with talents, potential and experience;
engage schools, adult education and vocational training because of their
potential to reach households with children and young people and thereby to
transform the community’s self image. Education can be the central vehicle
for reconnecting disadvantaged areas into the social and economic system;
create as many different channels for change and support.
Key features of any strategy need to include the lessons gained from past mistakes
and:
•
•
•
•
•
invest in people, not just buildings;
involve communities, not parachuting in solutions;
develop integrated approaches with clear leadership;
ensure mainstream policies really work for the poorest neighbourhoods;
make a long-term commitment with sustained political priority.
43
References:
Glennen Consultancy Services Pty Ltd 1999, Drug & Security Issues Report – Atherton Gardens and
Collingwood High Rise Estates, Office of Housing Department of Human Services
Ecumenical Housing 2001, Creating better futures for residents of high-rise public housing in
Melbourne
Stegman, M 1998, National Urban Renewal Seminar, Adelaide.
Power, A 1996, Area Based Poverty and Resident Empowerment.
Social Exclusion Unit 1998, Bringing Britain Together: a national strategy for neighbourhood renewal
City of Yarra 1998 Community Safety Plan
Interdepartmental Committee: Improving Safety on Public Housing Estates Progress Report June –
August 2002
Government of Victoria (2002) Women’s Safety Strategy:
Whole of Government Agreements 2002-2003 Neighbourhood Renewal Project Team
Guinness C 2000, Assessment of the Service Needs of Low Income Families: Collingwood and Fitzroy
Housing Estates, Jesuit Social Services, Melbourne
44
2. Health and Wellbeing
2.1 Data Analysis
Health and wellbeing encapsulates not only the physical health of an individual, but also more
broadly the promotion of healthy lifestyles and eating habits, the capacity (both physical and
psychologically) of individuals to participate in community life, the connectedness of
individuals to their local community (be that cultural or locational) and to local and
appropriate services, and unproblematic access to services. Health and wellbeing can also be
measured according to the absence or prevalence of illicit substances: tobacco, alcohol,
particular food items, disease and serious illness, mental illness, support, and adequate
information to enable informed decision making in terms of physical welfare. Health is a state
of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing – not merely the absence of disease and
infirmity.
The health of the population of the Collingwood Public Housing Estate is difficult to measure
as most statistical evidence is gathered at municipal level, and only a small amount at
postcode level. Evidence pertaining specifically to the estate population can be sourced only
from particular research projects, and then only where such findings are published and/or
available. Research methodology aside, the reliability of such data can be called into question
and is at best accurate for only a short period from the date of primary research, given the
transient nature of the estate population. Over forty percent of the community has lived on the
estate for less than four years; twenty percent for less than one year. A literature review
relating to current community health and wellbeing is hindered also by a lack of adequate
reporting and evaluation of periodic and fixed term projects. The Health Promotion in Public
Housing Project is one such example; it produced many positive outcomes that were not
measured quantitatively. This could have been prevented through better funding agreements.
Information in relation to wellbeing is available anecdotally and can be gathered via survey,
analysis of participation rates and observation of social connections. In addition to the direct
effects of housing and neighbourhood conditions, a variety of extraneous factors including
social, economic, cultural, environmental, and familial are intrinsically linked to health
statuses of individuals, households and communities. Limited or absent opportunities to
access education, jobs, services, etc. may indirectly cause a range of ill health responses
(Wilkinson, 1999, p.2). The transient and linguistically and culturally diverse population of
the Collingwood Public Housing Estate places particular demands on local health services,
and the capacity of those services to respond appropriately is mixed, as identified in priority
planning by North Central Metro Primary Care Partnership (NCMPCP Community Profile,
May 2001).
In Tony Vinson’s 1999 report, the suburb of Collingwood was assessed against an overall
index of disadvantage as 44th from 622 postcodes across Victoria. The suburb’s ranking on an
index measuring child abuse was significantly worse at twenty-five. The suburb received
rankings of sixth and twenty-third out of 622 for emergency assistance recipience and
psychiatric hospital admission rates respectively.
The 1996 Burden of Disease Report is a significant document in terms of analysis of health
data for communities in this region. However its relevance to the population of the
Collingwood Public Housing Estate is tenuous given that it is now seven years old, and
municipally based. Although Yarra’s public housing population is approximately 15 per cent
of the whole, the population of the Collingwood estate accounts for approximately only 2.5
per cent of the City of Yarra’s total populace, and less than 38 per cent of that 2.5 per cent
have lived on the estate for more than six years. Burden of Disease statistics, consequently,
can be used only to give a picture of the broader health environment within which the estate is
located.
45
In 1996, at 71.71 years, males in Yarra had the lowest life expectancy for any Local
Government area in Victoria. The female rate was little better as the sixth worst in the state at
80.14 years (NMR Public Health Division, 2001, p. 8). Males in Yarra have the worst overall
health status across the state, and women the ninth worst (NMR Public Health Division, 2001,
p. 16). In addition, men in this municipality have the worst cancer DALY rate, the third worst
Cardiovascular disease DALY rate, the second worst mental disorders DALY rate compared
with any other LGA in the state. Under the category of mental disorders, alcohol
abuse/dependence and the like for heroin are the higher DALY rates (NMR Public Health
Division, 2001, p. 42 and 44). Suicide rates and the incidence of HIV/Aids for men and
women in the area are also higher than the Victorian average (NMR Public Health Division,
2001, p. 43 and 45).
It is commonly accepted that a correlation exists between poor housing and ill health,
although attempts to prove that housing can contribute to poor health have in the past been
relatively futile. However, there is some evidence that the physical attributes of housing and
its location do impact upon health. Living in high-rise flats has also been associated in many
reports with psychological symptoms including depression (Wilkinson, 1999, p.1).
Drugs are hidden in cabinets accessible from public areas and used needles are left around the
estate. Children and others moving about the common areas are potentially exposed to needle
stick injuries through discarded drug paraphernalia. Residents are fearful to confront or report
incidences of drug use and will even refrain from reporting witnessed crimes due to fears of
retribution. Health risks associated with crime range from direct injury to being victims
during burglaries, shock and subsequent depression, and fear - particularly among vulnerable
elements of the community including women, elderly and single persons. A Scottish report
identifies these issues as some of the leading hazards in housing, and highlights that such
issues are often easily mitigated by design and infrastructure improvements (Wilkinson, 1999,
p.8).
In June 2001, the Yarra City Council initiated the Our City 2010 City Vision plan. Health,
wellbeing and safety are clustered to comprise one of eight key commitment areas identified
in the project, each of these now incorporated into annual plans and budgets produced by
Council (City of Yarra, Draft Community Profile, 2002). A recent profile of housing needs in
the Yarra region noted that the high concentrations of public housing in the LGA are
associated with lower socio-economic status, which is in turn associated with poorer health
outcomes. “It is highly likely that the distribution of health outcomes is closely related to
housing issues.” (City of Yarra, Draft Community Profile, 2002). Statistics have identified
that approximately one third of Yarra’s residents hold health care cards or pensioner
concession cards.
The breastfeeding rate for Yarra is above the state average, with more than 80 per cent of
babies breast fed on discharge from hospital; and over 50 per cent still being beat fed at six
months of age (Municipal Public Health Plan). The City of Yarra has recently reopened an
on-site Maternal and Child Health Service on the estate. Data collected from its operations
may provide a better insight into the rates of breastfeeding of residents on the estate.
The City of Yarra’s Municipal Public Health Plan supports a model of service provision
founded upon principles of community involvement in decision making processes and greater
focus on health promotion and early intervention (MPHP & COY Best Start Proposal, p. 16).
The City of Yarra Municipal Health Plan 2002-2004 identifies the following health issues as
affecting the Yarra community: food insecurity; tobacco; physical inactivity; alcohol; obesity;
insufficient intake of fruit and vegetable; high blood cholesterol; disability; unmet need;
mental health and wellbeing; indigenous people; communicable disease; immunisation;
46
healthy growth and development; oral health; injuries; alcohol and substance abuse; and illicit
drugs.
The Northern Metropolitan Region Health Promotion Action Plan identifies five strategic
priorities for health promotion action. These include: reducing the use of tobacco and
exposure to tobacco smoke, improving diet and nutrition, increasing physical activity,
reducing alcohol and drug use, improving connectedness and social support (La Trobe
University, 2001, p. 62).
Ageing populations are an important component in health issues analysis. The population of
the Collingwood Public Housing Estate comprises almost 25 per cent elderly persons, many
of whom live in a complex of older persons units and flats in the walk up estate. The Home
and Community Care program supports many of these persons in their homes, and a well
established network of neighbourhood support also exists with several more active residents
keeping an eye on neighbours, meeting and directing ambulance services when required,
visiting others in hospital, and fitting very audible doorbells for those whose hearing capacity
may have diminished. The community reports however, that there has been a large decline in
their social interactions outside of the home, principally attributable to public space including communal back yards - being utilised by youth for illicit substance abuse and as a
“rabbit run” for escaping police pursuits.
The suburb of Collingwood has over twice the state average of Disability Support Pension
recipients and health care cardholders.
The Collingwood Public Housing Estate’s indigenous population comprises 2 per cent of the
total. Health data relating to indigenous populations is particularly limited due to the small
size of the Koori community in Victoria. Burden of Disease statistics are available at State
level only. It is known that Koori life expectancy is dramatically lower than that of other
Victorians.
North Yarra Community Health Centre at 365 Hoddle Street, Collingwood, is located in close
proximity to the estate. The Centre recently acted as the auspice for a Food Insecurity and
Vulnerability Information and Mapping System undertaken by a research student and
supported by the Centre’s Health Promotion in Public Housing Project Officer. The report
classified food insecurity according to occupation, spatial setting (for example. Public
housing), environment, culture (for example Koori), demographics (new emerging
communities or children), and social conditions (Renzaho, 2002, p.1). The Collingwood estate
as a high-density estate housing persons from over fifty-five different countries of birth, with
approximately 25 per cent children and youth, and experiencing high levels of anti-social
behaviours, is clearly at high risk of food insecurity according to these classifications.
Unfortunately the report sampled only a small proportion of the estate community, so its
findings may not be entirely representative. It did reveal however, that only a low percentage
of households kept foods from healthy food groups (Renzaho, 2002, p.22).
Table #Average % households that had the following food groups
Food Items
Richmond
Fitzroy
Collingwood
Total
Dairy products
Cereal products
Meat and alternatives
46.19
46.73
48.74
27.25
29.54
29.03
28.84
23.74
22.24
28.68
32.42
36.10
Vegetables, legumes
Fruits
51.85
47.15
26.48
39.74
22.60
20.68
33.14
33.86
Snacks, nuts and sweeties (a)
46.51
27.37
26.13
31.86
47
Take-away (b)
Non-alcoholic beverages (excluding fruit
juice and dairy) ©
Spreads, sugar, oil (d)
32.84
63.03
19.23
10.70
34.00
50.88
33.55
14.93
32.50
42.26
32.20
34.29
Alcohol (e)
44.22
51.17
24.35
6.62
Cigarettes
33.30
40.00
26.70
22.10
Source: Renzaho, 2002, p.22
In Collingwood, the proportional
amount spent on take away foods averaged 11.23%
(Renzaho, 2002, p.23). The study confirmed that tenants in high-rise estates have limited
economic resources to be able to enjoy a healthy diet (Renzaho, 2002, p.31). Nearly 50 per
cent of households at Collingwood are in receipt of incomes under $300.00 per fortnight.
Residents were found to purchase tinned fruit and vegetables as opposed to fresh food
(Renzaho, 2002, p.1). Of significance for a population with limited access to personal
transport is that supermarkets in the region refuse to home deliver to the high-rise estates
(Renzaho, 2002, p.2). One fifth of households surveyed reported having run out of food,
many for as long as one week. Such food shortages are attributable to a shortage of
income/money, too many bills, schooling expenses, illness in the household contributing to
financial stress, and forfeiting money to support family overseas. As residents reported
running out of food on a regular basis, there is a demonstrated need for food or meals to be
integrated into community programs (Renzaho, 2002, p.2) this approach has in fact been
adopted by a variety of agencies, including the OoH, during the past twelve months.
Collingwood Neighbourhood House provides fortnightly bus trips to the Queen Victoria
market for a small fee. The House also holds community luncheons twice a week: one is free
and the other for a gold coin.
Community gardens have significant health benefits, not only through the provision of
sustenance for wellbeing, but also in contributing to the social and emotional well being of
public housing tenants (OoH Cultivating Communities web page). In a high-rise environment,
gardens and participation in gardening activities may assist in the alleviation of depressive
and other mental disorders. There are 3 community gardens located on the Collingwood
estate. One of these gardens is located behind the older persons flats at Dight and Emerald
streets. This garden is full of colour and life and is worked by a group of approx 25 gardeners
from Vietnam, Turkey and China. All plots are allocated and the garden is well known for the
variety of Asian plants grown there. This garden has been visited by horticultural staff from
the Melbourne Zoo and Botanic Gardens who have a particular interest in the Asian herbs and
vegetables.
At the rear of the 229 and 253 high-rise towers in Hoddle St are two more community
gardens. These gardens offer an additional 100 plots many of which have been tended by
gardeners from Vietnam, Turkey, Greece, the Horn of Africa, China, the Middle East and a
few other countries. At least 50 of these plots are being worked by gardeners and Cultivating
Community is actively encouraging new tenants to become involved. A range of challenging
social issues on the Collingwood estate resulted in many tenants not wishing to sign up for
plots in these gardens over recent years. Since Cultivating Community's involvement in July
2002 however this trend is changing and new plots are being allocated each week. Cultivating
Community is also actively involving children from the neighbouring Collingwood College in
these community gardens which have also featured in the Collingwood Harvest festival and
now provide a home for some colourful mosaic/arts projects developed by tenants and
gardeners.
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2.2 Activities, Sport and Recreation
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
2.3.
During the last financial year a partnership project (NYCH, HomeGround, RDNS
Homeless Persons Program) was honoured with the “Award for Innovation in Public
Health Delivery” for its weekly outreach activity to an indigenous group who meet
regularly in the vicinity of the estate. The weekly meetings incorporate a range of onsite service deliveries, welfare and health promotion.
The Link Newsletter is a well-established communication device on the estate,
providing bimonthly information to residents about local services and forthcoming
projects and events. The newsletter is also well utilised as a good news promotional
device.
A variety of art projects over the past two years have provided significant opportunity
for social participation and art therapy for persons suffering loneliness and
depression. The estate has a well-established Community Arts Committee comprising
local artists, residents and service providers. The group is committed to a vision of the
estate as a Centre for Excellence in Art.
To foster improved health amongst residents and provide opportunity for social
recreation the Yarra Multicultural Sports Program was initiated in July 2001.
North Yarra Community Health has re-established a low cost gym ($2 admission) on
the estate. The gym is currently open between 5 and 7 pm weeknights. There is a
groundswell of pressure for its hours to be extended to better serve the community.
Kildonan Child and Family Services run periodic “Time out for Mums” sessions.
With childcare provide, these sessions provide a supportive group for mothers to
socialise and learn about healthy eating.
The Kitchen Garden at Collingwood College is an innovative gardening and cooking
program fostering increased understanding of cultural and culinary difference. The
program provides practical experience in gardening and cooking with fresh, seasonal
produce, and actively incorporating the cultural traditions of the larger school
community.
Collingwood Neighbourhood House receives a weekly food donation of fresh bread
and organic vegetables which it then distributes free of charge to interested residents.
Collingwood Neighbourhood House conducts fortnightly bus trips to the Victoria
Market.
Breast Screen Victoria has presented to several existing groups on the estate.
The Collingwood Community Information and Drop In Centre has recently opened at
the base of one of the towers, providing connection to local services. A number of
residents have been trained to provide volunteer services and are involved in the
active promotion of the centre.
Resident Perceptions
When discussing health and wellbeing in the context of Neighbourhood Renewal, residents of
the Collingwood Public Housing Estate have demonstrated considerable insight into the
determinants of health and wellbeing for individuals and communities, and the relationship of
this issue to other indicators of disadvantage. Through a variety of public workshops and
forums held with resident members of the estate’s Neighbourhood Advisory Team, the
importance of a broad and positive social and physical environment has been espoused.
A “good healthy environment” is achievable through community participation. First
impressions for residents are significant in contributing to a sense of home and peacefulness.
“Residents would feel happy when neighbours are talking together. This would decrease the
criminal activities on the estate” (Anonymous, November 2002).
49
Residents are concerned at the influence of daily exposure to drug related activities, and the
potential influence such contact may have on their children. Parents are concerned at the
serious health hazards presented by the discarded waste products of these activities. There is
strong acknowledgement of the impact of recently introduced security measures in the high
rise buildings, and many have commented that their children are benefiting from social
interactions brought about through a reclamation of corridors and balcony areas previously
considered dangerous due to the presence of illicit drug users, rubbish and soiling. Cleaners
now are able to maintain a much more hygienic environment in the buildings. Residents now
however are keen to see the concepts of “ownership” and “pride of place” translates into
taking responsibility for cleaning (not just tidying) common areas and shared equipment such
as the washing machines. It was felt that some education around hygiene issues would be
beneficial. In order to bring about a change in attitude, it was suggested that a series of
working bees be arranged, the idea being that having once or twice participated in bringing an
area up to standard, residents may think twice before soiling the area again, or walking past
refuse left by others.
Residents are also quite concerned at the numbers of persons on the estate who smoke. They
have also expressed concern that this habit is not prohibited in the lifts.
A range of physical improvements for the buildings and surrounds were suggested to bring
about a change in perceptions about these public areas, to create an attractive and inviting
environment which residents may feel more willing to use for social activities. Streetscapes,
fences, roofs and building facades were identified as needing improvement. Gardens were a
central theme across a number of consultations. One group had a very particular vision for an
ideal garden: “If possible, it should look perfect – have a fountain, Chinese rock garden,
roses, lawn areas and a gazebo for people to enjoy”. An outdoor area for elderly persons from
the high rise to sit in was also suggested.
Residents considered activities and spaces necessary for a range of age groups to enjoy. It was
suggested that a youth centre be established on the estate, to encourage youth to participate.
Reading and activity space for middle aged and older persons was recommended, as was a
childcare facility on the estate. The low cost community gym at 253 Hoddle Street is
positively acclaimed, however there is some discontent that it’s hours of operation are
restricted to two hours at around dinner time, thereby preventing mothers and many others
from accessing the service.
Language was named as a sizeable barrier to participation, and to understanding. Many on the
estate are involved in English language classes, however further opportunities for this
learning need to be offered, although this is not considered the only barrier to awareness of
activities on the estate. Whilst acknowledging that many people discard pamphlets and
unaddressed mail, improved advertising was considered essential. Activities on the estate
should be promoted by doorknocking, utilising interpreters where necessary. The need for a
common information point - a notice board - on each floor of the high-rise was also
emphasised.
Many felt that the estate could benefit from a low cost weight loss program, as there is a
perception that obesity is an issue for many residents. A running club was also touted. Other
health problems identified anecdotally include isolation, loneliness, diabetes, depression,
malnutrition, stress, physical disability and mental disorders. Neighbourhood Advisory Team
members believe that there is inadequate support for many of these issues, particularly in the
area of mental health. The group questioned the “community” component of the North Yarra
Community Health Centre, and suggested that the Centre needs to enhance or better target its
health promotion activities.
50
Residents expressed their appreciation of opportunities for participation that are offered on the
estate, including the Harvest Festival, bus trips, and excursions and activities at the
Neighbourhood House.
One group succinctly summarised their vision for the estate, championing resident
contribution, fostering self-determination and understanding that the task of improving the
community’s wellbeing sits not only with State and Local Government, but with the residents
themselves: “This way it can improve the responsibility for the residents, lift up their
community spirits and be proud of themselves. When residents are involved, any plan or
activity can be achieved.” (Anonymous, November 2002).
2.4 Stakeholder Perceptions
At a recent forum on health and wellbeing, convened by Collingwood and Fitzroy Office of
Housing personnel, local agency representatives identified access, sustainability and
connectedness as key areas for consideration in local service planning
Pilot and short-term projects have found considerable success in terms of reaching and
involving a diverse population from the estate in a variety of allied events and activities. The
flow-on effects of this and other projects is significant with participation rates across a range
of other on-site programs burgeoning as a result of newly found confidence, and newly
formed social liaisons. It is recognised that getting to know your neighbours has significant
health benefits. . Issues arise, though, when the funded project ceases and residents lose
contact through the lack of a formal site for social interaction, and further, because they
usually have little knowledge of other networks or programs through which they can utilise or
develop recently acquired skills. There is an explicit need to link tenants in with programs and
services off the estate before activities cease to run on the estate. Practice has been to operate
short-term projects on the estate with the aim of facilitating access to off site services by the
conclusion of the project term. Anecdotally the success of these models of service promotion
and engagement appears haphazard. An opportunity exists for further analysis on this issue,
and consideration may need to be given to a process that formalises and ensures this
transition.
Resident access and connection to services is widely accepted as a current problem, but
causes are suggested anecdotally rather than empirically identified.
“The estate does not use the health services surrounding the estate as it did in the
past…use of the health centre dropped subsequent to the needle exchange program
co-locating at the centre…tenants may have felt unsafe at the centre”.
(Office of Housing, 11 November 2002)
“We know that Yarra has a well developed infrastructure of services for children and
families; we are uncertain about community access and about how responsive they
are to resident, families and children’s needs”.
(COY Best Start Proposal, p.1).
“There are serious deficiencies in the information getting through to tenants.
Workers sight [sic] previous strategies that are no longer affordable, such as
translating information into various languages…Language is the most important
issue for new arrivals. They must hear about services in their own language”.
(Guinness, 2000)
Local health agencies acknowledge that they are limited in their capacity to cater to the health
needs of the estate. Services and program delivery models have attempted to respond to
51
burgeoning numbers of residents with complex needs, but this has often been to the detriment
of more capable (but nonetheless disadvantaged) potential clients.
The importance of families and modelling of appropriate parenting was recognised with a
suggestion for the creation of additional opportunities for parents and children to come
together and funded playgroups for the estate.
It was recognised that a single opportunity for engagement of residents by services or
agencies is often vastly inadequate: many and varied opportunities through which people can
seek or be provided with assistance must be offered. It was felt also that the need for
culturally specific activities is overt, and inadequately addressed by local services, programs
and facilities for particular cultural groups.
Although the estate incorporates large amounts of outdoor space, public space is an issue in
that particular groups tend to dominate certain areas and their behaviours often intimidate
others discouraging them from co- utilising spaces. Agencies are keen to see public spaces on
the estate enhanced, taking into consideration the views and ideas of residents. Foyer
modifications will go a considerable way towards addressing this issue, however
consideration needs also to be given to upgrading sporting facilities.
New tenants as a group face particular difficulty due to the absence of adequate induction
programs. Tenants arriving require information regarding local services, culturally specific
shops and services, and activities on the estate. This information is currently not provided, a
fact compounded by the reluctance of many existing residents to participate in neighbourly
interactions due to feelings of vulnerability and fear of crime.
Agency staff share the perception that the estates house large numbers of persons with
undiagnosed mental illnesses. It is felt that this group may experience significant isolation
amongst a myriad of other social issues; issues exacerbated by both the physical and social
environment of a high-density high-rise environment. “Poor housing conditions will have an
effect on mental wellbeing; the home provides more that shelter and the ‘meaning of home’,
for example as a haven of security, is an accepted psychological and social construct”
(Wilkinson, 1999, p. 9). Often persons experiencing mental illness do not access health
services. Outreach agencies that may have come into contact with persons in this category
often lament the lack of linkages between health programs - an issue identified by Primary
Care Partnerships and planning.
“Isolation and loneliness are experienced by a range of different groups on the
estate. Women and children who have escaped from domestic violence situations,
have moved away from the neighbourhood that was previously known to them and
now feel very isolated in their new environment; the frail elderly living on their own;
single parents”.
(Guinness, 2000: 21)
Isolation is consistently identified as one of the most significant health problems experienced
by estate communities. . Mental illness, single parenting, drug and alcohol dependence,
transience and perceptions of crime contribute appreciably to this problem. It is a difficult
issue to address, requiring a personal and labour/resource intensive response such as personal
connections via doorknocks.
52
.
2.5 Summary of Issues
The health needs of these communities are not clearly identifiable due to the dearth of
information specific to these small communities. Research at neighbourhood level is
infrequently and inconsistently conducted. Information gathering around these issues has
traditionally been poorly integrated into shorter term or indefinite projects that were perhaps
ideally placed to gather such information. Where such information has been recorded there
exists capacity for improved sharing of data.
Little is known about participation rates of physical activity undertaken by residents of this
estate.
Health burdens across the City of Yarra are not shared equitably.
“Local government areas are large units for population health planning and strategy
development including as they do many smaller communities and neighbourhoods
and pockets of affluence and pockets of extreme disadvantage”.
(NCMPCP Community Health Plan 2003)
Planning needs to better reflect the diversity of the population.
Service linkages require enhancement.
Short-term initiatives at a local level need to more effectively link persons to similar programs
and opportunities when project funding ends or the project moves from the estate.
Improved resident awareness of the range of supports and services available to them needs to
be facilitated.
Mental illness in the community is largely unmapped and need inadequately met.
Some individuals are able to relate to the community though many need to belong to a smaller
group first before they can have a sense of the whole community.
Young mothers are currently poorly supported.
53
Elderly persons residing on the estate report feeling vulnerable and unsafe. This has resulted
in a decrease in social engagement, and contributed to ill health amongst this community.
Several different cultural groups (including the Horn of Africa community) could benefit
from facilitated linking to the broader community of the estate.
Gambling is another problem area that is largely unexplored.
Inter-generational disadvantage contributes to an environment of poor role modelling.
Access to, and education around healthy diet is considerably deficient.
Cultural factors contribute significantly to issues of poor access and awareness. Residents
desire to have better insight into the cultures represented in the estate community.
Drug and Alcohol dependence are enormous issues on the estate for those suffering addiction
and those exposed to negligently discarded waste.
There is need for additional recreational and physical activities for young people on the estate.
2.6 Summary of Opportunities for Future Development
Suggested Programmatic Improvements
Health Services
• Increase Health service outreach to estates, for example, men’s health
checks, dietitian.
•
Develop an ongoing series of health promotion activities on the estate
linked into a health education process.
•
Home and Community Care (HACC) services are delivered to residents
throughout Victoria, with one component the provision of meals to
eligible people. In high-rise estates in Yarra where isolation is a
significant social health issue, consideration needs to be given to the
provision of HACC meals in communal settings.
•
Encourage the development of innovative and flexible childcare
opportunities to provide respite for parents.
•
Engage community leaders off the estates in the COY Beyondblue
project.
Recreation
•
Establish an Adventure Playground at Collingwood subject to further consultation
and discussion with the residents.
•
Extend Gym hours on the estate and develop programs aimed at different target
groups.
•
Establish more extensive youth recreation programs.
54
Arts and Culture
•
Build on the community arts programs currently being run at Collingwood and
Atherton Gardens, seeking funded service agreements.
•
Fund bi-monthly Café Nights.
Community Programs
•
Further explore the viability of a low cost café on the estate.
•
Offer surplus Community facility space to providers who will bring
their services onto the estate.
•
Develop Elderly residents social activities.
•
Develop activity-based programs for primary school aged children
outside school hours.
•
Blue light discos.
•
Develop more support/social groups. These groups can then link into the
broader community.
•
Explore the development of a local market or food cooperative supplied
through the community gardens.
•
Seek extra funding for Community Empowerment Project to ensure
appropriate and ongoing engagement with ethnic groups.
•
Develop Tenancy Advocacy Capacity.
Leadership
Suggested Structural Changes
Performance Monitoring
•
Formal assessment of the well being of the community of the estate to be undertaken.
•
Evaluate existing health and well-being programs on the estates to assist in program
development and planning, paying particular attention to CALD accessibility.
•
Build on existing partnerships with NYCH and Health Promotion DHS to ensure that
Neighbourhood Renewal processes are fully appreciative of health and well-being
implications across the range of initiatives
Communication
•
Good news and best practice (even positive neighbourly acts) to be actively role
modelled and promoted through communication networks (as suggested by
residents/NAT)
55
•
Improve linkages between community stakeholders to provide better resource
utilisation.
•
Advocate for the PCP project to focus on the Collingwood and Atherton Gardens
high-rise estates, targeting the facilitation of improved coordination, planning and
enhancement of service delivery models.
•
Redevelop the Yarraweb intranet site to encourage better information sharing and
coordination.
Partnerships and Entrepreneurial Opportunities
A partnership between Neighbourhood Renewal and Collingwood Football Club is in its
infancy. The weight that this could lend to the project on the estate is not to be
underestimated, particularly in the areas of health promotion. It is understood that the club has
expressed an interest in the Manchester United Football Club’s model of community service.
United invests in communities addressing a range of key issues centred upon the health and
education (both sporting and academic) of children and young adults (www.manutd.com).
There is also an opportunity for engaging in-kind support from the club for such services as
the community gym, through the donation of old equipment, and the lending of their logo to
advertising for services (eg. Collingwood Football Club, proud supporter of…). The
Department of Tourism, Sport and the Commonwealth Games industry development model
and grants program could value-add to the development of plans for the Collingwood Football
Club and Collingwood Public Housing Estate/Neighbourhood Renewal partnership.
Primary Care Partnerships has a key role to play in the coordination of services and health
promotion, but more pressingly, PCP needs to facilitate the identification of the health needs
of this community, and the careful distribution of this information.
The recently established Collingwood Community Information and Drop in Centre on the
estate is an extremely valuable resource in terms of information sharing and promotion.
Residents who have been trained to run the centre in a volunteer capacity and the paid
coordinator are enthusiastic about arousing community interest and awareness, and have a
number of proposals (such as the establishment of a structured outdoor exercise area) which
could support and be supported (in kind and financially) by Neighbourhood Renewal. The
centre could also be used as a possible location for induction programs for new residents.
A social enterprise opportunity in need of exploration is presented by the findings of the Food
Insecurity Project. The estate could benefit from improved access to healthy foods. Local
business also has a role to play in this respect. The Neighbourhood Advisory Team could
benefit from strategically sought membership commitments from local businesses.
Future employment opportunities (such as the Community Jobs Program) created on the
estate could be framed to assist in the identification of barriers to accessing health services.
NYCH is a key partner in the steering and implementation of Neighbourhood Renewal
activities and processes at the Collingwood Public Housing Estate. The establishment of
improved cross agency understanding; particularly in the area of health promotion is desirable
and could be facilitated at the local level with significant involvement from the estate
community, complementing PCP planning.
The newly formed Neighbourhood Advisory Team has identified a range of health
opportunities, and is keen also to address issues of well being through the provision of
opportunities for resident interaction, art as therapy projects, and therapeutic garden
environments. A health and well-being action group is likely to be established in the near
56
future to develop the community’s emergent proposals. This group may seek to engage a
range of local and State health care providers and planners for advice, and periodic or ongoing
membership including the HACC program, City of Yarra Children’s and Family Services,
health planners from local and State Government Departments, Primary Care Partnerships,
Psychiatric Support Services and relevant university or TAFE programs.
Agencies across the estate are committed to improved partnerships and coordination of
service, program, event and activity based processes. An estate-planning day will be held on
December 18 2002 to develop a strategic framework for improved cooperation and
understanding between all stakeholders on the estate. Opportunity exists through this and the
recently formed Neighbourhood Advisory Team to consider health issues and appropriate
responses for this community.
The City of Yarra has submitted a proposal for a Best Start program to target the Collingwood
and Fitzroy Public Housing Estates. Neighbourhood Renewal processes on the estate will
connect with this initiative, if successful, to deliver more effective children’s services.
The City of Yarra has recently re-opened a Maternal and Child Health Centre on the estate.
The centre’s engagement thus far in Neighbourhood Renewal processes has been limited, and
there is scope for significant information sharing and community contribution to its service
delivery model, and potential outreach delivery. Opportunity could also exist to use the
facility as a base for a number of related health services and health promotional activities.
The Victoria Women's Health & Well-being Strategy Implementation Plan and Action Plan
has significance for Collingwood as a Neighbourhood Renewal site in terms of developing
leadership in the resident group, and fostering improved mental and emotional health.
References:
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2002, 2001 Census Basics: Basic Community Profile, Release One
City of Yarra 2002, Draft Community Profile: Housing Needs and Trends, Community Wellbeing
Branch City of Yarra 2002, Draft Municipal Public Health Plan 2002-2004: Community Profile
City of Yarra 2002, Draft Municipal Public Health Plan 2002-2004: Specific Health Issues
affecting the Yarra Community City of Yarra 2000, Our Community: A Report on the Community
57
Profile and Health Status of the City of Yarra, Contributions from Jesuit Social Services worker
from the estate.
Dalton, T., and Rowe, J 2002 A Wasting Resource: Public Housing and Drug Use in Inner City
Melbourne, AHURI RMIT Research Centre. Paper presented at the Housing, Crime and Stronger
Communities Conference convened by the Australian Institute of Criminology and the AHURI,
May 2002
Department of Human Services, Northern Metropolitan Region 2000, Northern Region at a Glance
Department of Human Services, Northern Metropolitan Region 2000, Health Promotion Action Plan,
Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development 2002, Hard Hit Communities in
Victoria, Guinness, C. 2000, Assessment of the Service Needs of Low Income Families:
Collingwood and Collingwood Housing Estates, Jesuit Social Services Melbourne La Trobe
University2001, Final Report North Central Metropolitan Primary Care Partnership Community
Profile and Health Priorities Community Profile and Health Priorities Report, Australian Institute
for Primary Care Public Health Division 2001, Media Briefing Burden of Disease Estimates 1996
in Northern Metropolitan Region of Victoria Collingwood Office of Housing 2002, Minutes 11
November 2002, Health and Wellbeing Forum with local community representatives
North Central Metro Primary Care Partnership, Community Health Plan 2002-2003
North Yarra Community Health Centre 2002, 9th Annual Report & Financial Statement 2001-02 Office
of Housing 2002, Public Housing: Estates in the NMR, Access Housing Database Renzaho, A.
2002, Draft Report, Household access to healthy food basket in Melbourne metropolitan high-rise
estates: a cross-sectional study, North Yarra Community Health Centre Wilkinson, Diana 1999,
Poor Housing and Ill Health: A Summary of Research Evidence, The Scottish Office, Central
Research Unit, Housing Research Branch
www.nych.org.au, www.housingandhealth.ca, www.beyondblue.org.au, www.dhs.vic.gov.au
www.health.vic.gov.au
58
3. Employment, Learning and Economic Development (ELED)
This section of the report will be divided into 2 parts;
1. Environmental scan
2. Community perceptions and opportunities
ELED is not a single cohesive theme. It is necessary to break it up into manageable and
meaningful chunks. In part 2 of this section the report looks at age specific groups and the
issues of ELED.
SECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN
1.1 Employment and Industry Data and Analysis
1.1.1 Industry Characteristics
1.1.2 Industry Characteristics Analysis
1.1.3 Yarra Job Market Characteristics
1.1.4 Identifying Opportunities
1.1.5 Employment and Economic Context at Collingwood
1.1.6 The Local Economy
1.2 Community Enterprise Development Opportunities
1.3 Education Data
1.3.1 Educational Data Analysis
1.4 Economic Development Plans
1.4.1 City of Yarra Economic Development Plans
1.4.2 Opportunities
1.4.3 Neighbourhood Renewal Opportunities
SECTION 2: COMMUNITY IDENTIFICATION OF ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES
2.1 Early Years
2.1.1 Context
2.1.2 Resident Perceptions
2.1.3 Stakeholder Perceptions
2.1.4 Opportunities
2.2 Youth Education, Employment and Training
2.2.1 Context
2.2.2 Resident Perceptions
2.2.3 Stakeholder Perceptions
2.2.4 Opportunities
2.3 Adults
2.3.1 Context
2.3.2 Resident Perceptions
2.3.3 Stakeholder Perceptions
2.3.4 Opportunities
2.4 Critical Opportunities
2.5 References
59
SECTION 1: ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN
1.1 Employment and Industry Data and Analysis
The following section provides information on occupations and industries in the City of Yarra
and emerging patterns.
1.1.1 Industry Characteristics
BUSINESS BY SIZE AND INDUSTRY SECTOR Yarra (C) LGA VIC
Sector
Number of employees
N <5
5-9
10-19 20-49 50-99 100+ Total
A
locations
Agriculture
0 9
1
0
0
0
0
10
Mining
0 1
0
1
0
0
0
2
Manufacturing
0 353
195
127
80
27
14
796
Elect. Gas & Water
0 0
0
0
1
3
1
5
Construction
0 270
34
29
23
7
1
364
Wholesale Trade
0 595
259
136
61
10
7
1068
Retail Trade
0 826
231
83
33
12
6
1191
Acc, Café, Rest
0 206
146
70
33
3
2
460
Transport and Storage
0 129
21
12
6
3
2
173
Comm. Services
0 30
7
3
2
3
2
47
Finance and Insurance
0 199
41
19
8
3
2
272
Property and Bus Services
0 1390
260
97
54
18
16
1835
Gov. Admin. Defence
0 5
1
3
5
6
4
24
Education
0 75
15
23
18
6
2
139
Health & Comm. Services
0 692
97
60
30
14
13
906
Culture & Rec. Services.
0 216
45
16
16
3
3
299
Personal & Other Services.
0 311
72
27
18
11
3
442
TOTAL
5,307 1,621 706
349
129
78
8,033
Source: ABS Business Register Counts by Employment by ANZIC letter Code, 1998
Table 1
Comparison of 1994 and 1998 Establishments by Industry
City of Yarra
MELBOURNE REGIONS
ANZSIC
1994
1998
Change
No.
%
Commercial Services
Finance
73
103
102
-1
-0.6
Insurance
74
7
16
9
138.1
Services to Finance & Insurance
75
75
154
79
105.6
Property Services
77
160
237
77
47.9
Business Services
78
781
1,598
817
104.6
Personal Services
95
153
244
91
59.1
Other Services
96
106
197
91
85.2
Private Households Employing Staff
97
1
1
0
-10.7
1,386
2,549
1,163
83.9
Total
Hospitality Services
Accommodation Cafes & Restaurants
57
281
460
179
63.8
281
460
179
63.8
Total
Community Services and Government
Government Administration
81
27
22
-5
-19.8
60
Defence
82
1
2
Education
84
105
139
Health Services
86
452
747
Community Services
87
132
159
Film Radio & Television Services
91
84
107
Libraries Museums & the Arts
92
52
97
854
1,273
Total
Retail and Wholesale
Basic Material Wholesaling
45
109
113
Machinery & Motor Vehicle Wholesaling
46
211
238
Personal & Household Goods Wholesaling
47
565
717
Food Retailing
51
191
255
Personal & Household Goods Retailing
52
411
692
Motor Vehicle Retailing & Services
53
207
244
1,694
2,259
Total
Manufacturing
Food Beverage & Tobacco Manufacturing
21
50
45
Textile Clothing & Footwear Manufacturing
22
284
299
Wood & Paper Product Manufacturing
23
24
29
Printing Publishing & Recorded Media
24
137
174
Petroleum & Chemical Product Manufacturing
25
24
20
Non-Metallic Mineral Product Manufacturing
26
9
14
Metal Product Manufacturing
27
78
54
Machinery & Equipment Manufacturing
28
75
75
Other Manufacturing
29
75
86
756
796
Total
Other
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
1,2,3,4
7
10
Mining
11,12,13,14,15
1
2
Electricity & Gas Supply
36
4
5
Water Supply & Sewerage Services
37
1
0
General Construction
41
87
157
Construction Trade Services
42
146
207
Transport
61,67
105
173
Communication Services
71
28
47
Sport & Recreation
93
72
95
453
696
Total
5,424
8,033
GRAND TOTAL
Source: ABS Business Register Counts by Employment by ANZIC letter Code, 1998
Table 2
1
34
295
27
23
45
419
100.0
32.5
65.3
20.2
26.9
86.4
49.1
4
27
152
64
281
37
565
3.9
12.6
27.0
33.2
68.3
18.1
33.3
-5
15
5
37
-4
5
-24
0
11
40
-9.6
5.3
18.7
26.9
-16.4
58.4
-31.0
0.4
14.2
5.2
3
1
1
-1
70
61
68
19
23
243
2,609
35.9
47.1
21.4
-100.0
80.6
41.5
64.4
66.7
31.3
53.7
48.1
1.1.2 Industry Characteristics Analysis
The City of Yarra is well positioned to take advantage of the new urban economic order of
Melbourne. A mixture of convenient inner-city living, strong local amenity and a diversity of
housing stock has allowed the self-perpetuating cycle of high-skills, income and local
employment growth to thrive. An example is highly skilled workers moving into the area with
high levels of income creating spin-off effects for local industry in terms of retail, cafes and
restaurants etc.
Yarra will continue to benefit from the trend that high skilled people prefer to live close to
work and close to lifestyle amenities. According to the National Economics Your Place
61
regional ratings the Yarra household sector was ranked 64th of all LGA’s in Australia in
1991, and this rose to 16th by 1998.
The occupations undertaken by the residents of Yarra require high levels of skill and
educational attainment. High skilled workers, which are those whose occupation requires a
university education, make up 60 per cent of the employed population. This is one of the
highest levels in the state.
A large manufacturing sector is located in Yarra. The food and beverage sector is one of the
largest in the state. CUB brewery, the State’s largest beer manufacturer, is located in Yarra as
well as biscuit manufacturers who account for over 20 per cent of the State’s total production.
Textiles, clothing and footwear manufacturing with output over $600 million (in 1996 dollars)
corresponds to 12 per cent of state production in these industries. Also a cluster of printing
related manufacturers including books & publishing, printing and stationery manufacturing is
located in the area employing approximately 2,000 people. A well-established fabricated
metal products sector which produces one quarter of the State’s nuts & bolts and screws
employs 230 people.
There are several niche-advanced manufacturers in the following sectors: computer and
telecommunications, household appliances and industrial equipment. The business services
sector in Yarra is large, employing over 10,000 people. The main industries covered by these
firms are business consulting, technical services and administrative services. The firms
provide an excellent platform for future growth in Yarra because it is these sectors, which are
forecast to grow strongly over the next decade.
These excellent prospects and rapid conversion from manufacturing to integrated business
services economy saw Yarra’s industry sector move from a ranking of 130th in 1991 to 28th
in 1998.
Industry in Yarra has increasingly required a workforce with a high level of skills. High
skilled workers constitute 65 per cent of the workforce. Global knowledge workers, those
whose occupations are positioned to benefit from increased globalisation and IT represent 24
per cent of the workers. This compares to a state average of 9 per cent. (City of Yarra 2001)
‘The City of Yarra is well-positioned to take advantage of the new urban economic
order of Melbourne.’ (NACC 2001)
1.1.3 Yarra Job Market Characteristics
Yarra Jobs in Dominant Sectors 1996
62
HARTLEY 2002: p28
Table 3
Yarra Jobs in Dominant Sectors 2001
Manufacturing
Health & Comm. services
Education
Retail trade
Property & Business services
ABS 2001
Number
5,389
3,446
2,976
2,805
620
%
18.4
11.8
10.2
9.6
9.0
Table 4
Employment in manufacturing has fallen from approx. 38% of the city’s total employment in
1981 to approx. 11.5% in 1996. This dramatic change is now seeing a minor reversal with
employment in manufacturing rising to approximately 18.4% in 2001. The proportion of
people employed in Property and Business Services has decreased substantially from 16.4%
in 1996 to 9% in 2001.
This unexpected rise bucks the trend of industry movements away from manufacturing to the
tertiary sector.
Employment in commercial, hospitality and community services constituted 28.5% of the
city’s total employment in 1981 and by 1998 this had risen to 54.5%.
(City of Yarra 2001)
The employment market in Yarra is changing dramatically and there is a need to be engaged
with these changes so that they are reflected in Neighbourhood Renewal employment
strategies.
A list of the top 100 employers in the City of Yarra is included in appendix 1. It identifies a
significant number of large employers in the LGA.
Availability of Jobs
HARTLEY 2002: p30
Table 5
...more people work in Yarra than live in Yarra. It is estimated that some
8000 businesses currently employ 70,000 people, making Yarra the largest provider
of employment in the metropolitan economy outside the Central Business District.
(City of Yarra 2001, p.12)
63
Job Seekers Registered for Youth
Allowance
HARTLEY 2002: p44
Table 6
Within the INLLEN area, proportions of young people who are seeking employment (and
who are not in tertiary or secondary education or training) vary within the LGAs, for example,
at the 1996 Census, the unemployment rate for 15–19 year olds on the three City of Yarra
Public Housing Estates was 27.3% and for 20–24 year olds, 18.8%, much higher than the
average for the age group (HARTLEY 2002: p.44).
1.1.4 Identifying Opportunities
Local Learning and Employment Network (LLENs) Environmental Scan
In the consultations, engineering, printing, furniture making and the retail trade were
identified as areas of skill shortages. It was noted that in each of these industries, there are
areas of employment that require training in the basic skills but have career opportunities that
go beyond the early training.
A Group Training Company identified additional current training and employment
opportunities for young people in the local area. They included clerical and administrative
work in all areas, including office administration in schools; waste management – an area
which young people do not normally think of as a career; and integration aide work in
schools. There is also a need for people to do general maintenance work in a range of nondomestic arenas, such as educational institutions, local government facilities and local
organisations. Other identified local area skill shortages are in leisure and recreation.
(HARTLEY 2002: p54)
There are enormous opportunities for employment in the City of Yarra. The greatest
opportunities are in the sectors showing growth as stated above. Many of the work
opportunities require limited training. They present opportunities off the estate for residents
with limited recognised skills to become involved in employment. It is critical for NMR
Neighbourhood Renewal to work with potential employers to determine their needs and
engage them in training programs for high-rise residents, to develop the required level of codependence.
64
1.1.5 Employment and Economic Context at Collingwood
The statistics for the City of Yarra indicate a thriving municipality with high concentrations of
skilled workers in well-paid jobs. However, the statistics gloss over the pockets of
disadvantage in the municipality, such as the Collingwood Public Housing Estate, which is
located in an isolated area of the City of Yarra; and is severed by Hoddle Street and a light
industrial zone. Yet within 300 metres of the estate is a thriving retail and manufacturing
sector.
A snapshot of household income and income streams at Collingwood paints a picture of a
community where income is low and where just 6 per cent of all households have
employment as their primary source of income.
Formal employment participation on the estate is at 36.5 per cent with the national average at
64 per cent.
Average Weekly Income
$
Collingwood 180.98
City of Yarra 521.56
ABS 2001
Table 7
Collingwood Primary Household Income Streams
Income Stream
Aged Pension
Austudy Payment
Disability Support Pension
Imputed
Mature Age/Widows Pension
New Start Allowance
Other
Parenting Payment
Service
Wages/Self Employed
Youth Allowance
Number
171
14
193
2
11
186
45
191
6
52
20
Percentage
19.2
1.6
21.7
0.2
1.2
20.9
5.1
21.4
0.7
5.8
2.2
Total
OOH ISIP data Nov 2002
891
100
Table 8
Given the rich pool of employment opportunities in the area there is a need to identify what
the barriers to employment are for the 21per cent of tenancies that identify Newstart as their
primary source of income.
The statistics on income streams also raise questions as to what the objectives of an ELED
strategy on the estate might be. Sole Parents, DSP recipients and Aged Pensioners make up
over 60 per cent of the estate income streams.
1.1.6 The Local Economy
The DHS Housing Program delivers extensive services to the estate. This year Collingwood
has $10 million in capital works programmed; there are recurring budgets of approximately
$2 million for maintenance, security, gardening and cleaning on the estate. There is an
65
additional annual expenditure of $100,000 annually in the Inner East Broadband for the
purpose of relocations for properties being upgraded. There is likely to be an additional sum
of up to $1 million annually to be used in the Inner East Broadband for minor upgrades.
These funding streams present a significant amount of new and recurring investment in this
community. They provide an opportunity to create jobs for residents and develop community
enterprises.
1.2 Community Enterprise Development Opportunities
There are specific Community Enterprise opportunities on the Collingwood Estate that are
underway or can easily be initiated in 2003. These opportunities all require some support
from DHS to facilitate enterprise outcomes. They are all excellent opportunities with
significant employment opportunities and in some cases, enterprise opportunities.
•
•
•
•
•
Social Contracts
# Cleaning
# Gardening
# Security
# Maintenance
# Major Upgrades
# Minor Upgrades
Concierge Model
Catering Company
Interpreter and Translation business
Recycling Program
Social Contracts
The Department of Human Services is the landlord for the entire Collingwood
Neighbourhood Renewal site. There are significant contracts and payments made in relation
to this estate. The associated works are currently tendered out with no regard to the
achievement of social objectives.
By building social objectives into contracts let out by DHS there will be an opportunity to
create tenant employment.
Collingwood will be introducing social contracts in July 2003. Areas for the implementation
of social contracts include Cleaning, Gardening, Security, Maintenance, Major Upgrades and
Minor Upgrades.
Cleaning
The Cleaning contract will include a requirement for at least 50 per cent of staff employed to
come from the Collingwood and Atherton Gardens Public Housing Estate.
Gardening
The Gardening contractor must include a requirement for at least one staff member to be
employed from Atherton Gardens and / or Collingwood Public Housing Estates. Ideally it
will be one apprentice gardener in the first twelve months of the contract.
The graduates from the Landscape Community Jobs Program will be well placed to link into a
social contract for gardening on the Atherton Gardens and Collingwood Estates in partnership
with a Job Network Provider.
66
Security
The Security contractor must assist in the establishment of community safety initiatives across
the estate and shall provide traineeships for two tenants to obtain their security license.
Consideration should be given to multi-lingual residents. The security contractor must be
proactive in providing guidance to tenants regarding managing challenging behaviours on the
estates.
Maintenance
The Maintenance contract must identify opportunities and employ apprentices every 2 years
from the Collingwood and Atherton Gardens Public Housing Estates, for example, 1
apprentice painter and / or 1 apprentice carpenter.
The Maintenance contractor must consider and utilise CJP graduates from programs that have
been run on the estates, in filling the relevant positions within their organisation.
The Maintenance contractor must consider the utilisation of tenant enterprises developed on
the estate as subcontractors to undertake appropriate work.
Major Upgrades
Up to 120 major flat upgrades per year for the next 4 years have been scheduled for the
Collingwood Estate. These upgrades present opportunities for apprentices and possibly
linking in tenant enterprises as sub-contractors.
Minor Upgrades
The roll out of major upgrades will take in excess of 8 years to get to every property.
Properties that are unlikely to receive major upgrades in the next 5 years are to receive minor
upgrades, which will include minor repairs, painting and floor covering replacement.
Much of this work can be completed by people without trades. There is a need to specifically
develop the skills of tenants across the Collingwood and Atherton Gardens Estates through
traineeships and possibly apprenticeships to develop minor maintenance and specialist
maintenance enterprises.
This work can be undertaken through the development of social contracts with group training
companies to complete this work.
Concierge Model
The Collingwood Estate currently contracts 24-hour foyer security to the estate security
contractor. DHS NMR has employed five Concierges to work in foyers 8 hours per day.
Consideration is being given to the training and employment of long-term unemployed people
to work as Concierges on the Collingwood Estate. These staff would be employed through a
social contract that would ensure appropriate training, targeting and responsiveness to OoH
needs.
Initial consideration has been given to doing this through the Brotherhood of St Laurence
(BSL) Labour Hire Co. BSL has already been involved in a partnership with OoH to train
Concierges through a CJP project.
67
Catering Company
A Commercial Kitchen is being constructed in the Collingwood Neighbourhood House 2002
– 2003; this will allow the existing catering company who have an annual turnover of
approximately $18,000 to expand their operations.
Interpreter/translating service
The Collingwood Neighbourhood House is currently investigating opportunities to develop an
on site program with a minimum requirement for translating and interpreting Year 12 English
or an equivalent Victorian Certificate of Adult Learning. This program could be completed 1
day a week over 6 months, and then a partnership with RMIT could be developed to
undertake a Certificate 4 in Translation. This course could also be completed via the Victorian
Certificate in Education (VCE).
Recycling program
The North Richmond Public Housing Estate has a successful tenant run community-recycling
enterprise that generates significant financial returns to the community. The Collingwood
Estate now has staffing infrastructure to work with the community to develop a similar
program.
1.3 Education Data
Retention Rates
HIGHEST LEVEL OF SCHOOLING COMPLETED (a) BY SEX
Persons aged 15 years and over (excluding overseas visitors)
Males Females Persons
Year 8 or below
Year 9 or equivalent
Year 10 or equivalent
Year 11 or equivalent
Year 12 or equivalent
Still at school
Did not go to school
Not stated
145
86
182
176
1,219
45
56
313
224
83
175
154
1,109
46
100
297
369
169
357
330
2,328
91
156
610
Total
2,222 2,188
4,410
(a) Refers to Primary or Secondary schooling.
AUSTRALIAN BUREAU OF STATISTICS 2001 Census of Population and Housing Victoria,
Postal Area: 3065
Table 9
68
Vocational and Employment Training (VET) Participation Rates
HARTLEY 2002: p 54
Table 10
VET take-up in Yarra is linked to the courses on offer. There is significant scope to increase
VET participation rates in line with stakeholder perceptions, which identify the need for an
increase in the number of vocational training opportunities.
69
Apprenticeship Take-up
HARTLEY 2002: p 40
Table 11
As a result of substantial development in the number and range of training courses and greater
flexibility in the overall training system, apprenticeships cover hundreds of occupations and
there has been a considerable increase in the number of people undertaking training in
Australia over recent years. Other features of the greater flexibility have been an increase in
the number of older people undertaking training, a spread of duration of training and the
emergence of part-time and school-based apprenticeships. (NCVER 2001).
The increase in the overall numbers of apprenticeships shows commencements 1997 to 2000
in the three LGAs for those aged 19 or less and 20–24 year olds. The total number of
commencing trainee’s aged 19 or less in the three LGAs has almost doubled from 1997 to
2000 and the number of 20-24 year olds has more than doubled. The proportion of
commencing female trainees in both age groups has increased over the period; however,
especially in the age group 19 years and less, the figures indicate that apprenticeships are
taken up predominantly by males. In the 20–24 year-old age group, females are approaching
half of commencements. (HARTLEY 2002: p40).
70
University Participation Rates
HARTLEY 2002: p 41
Table 12
An index of participation in higher education, relative to ABS estimates of the
population aged 17–24, indicates the following participation rates for 1998 and
1999. The participation index includes interstate and overseas students and is based
on the given home address of the student. The comparable rates for all Melbourne
metropolitan regions were 29.9% and 29.1%.
• Darebin: 28.0% in 1998 and 27.8% in 1999
• Moreland: 29.4% in 1998 and 30.2% in 1999
• Yarra: 44.2% in 1998 and 42.5% in 1999
(HARTLEY 2002: p42)
1.3.1 Educational Data Analysis
The City of Yarra is a high-performing municipality in terms of University enrolments and
take-up of apprenticeships and traineeships. The proportion of the residents undertaking
further education (post secondary) is 11.8 per cent, which includes TAFE, universities and
other places of higher education. This is very high considering the state average is
approximately 5.5 per cent (NACC 2001). This is positive information but it is not localised
enough for our purpose.
Much of the data for Collingwood educational outcomes and barriers is subsumed in LGA
wide recording via the LLENS and DET records. One of the characteristics that make Yarra a
unique LGA is the concentration of disadvantaged Public Housing Estates in an otherwise
affluent LGA. There are discreet pieces of work that need to be undertaken to identify the
educational issues affecting children and adolescents on the Collingwood Estate. Some of this
will be possible when more census data becomes available, particularly comparable
information and specific collector district information.
71
1.4 Economic Development Plans
1.4.1 City of Yarra Economic Development Plans
The City of Yarra has a vibrant economy, which is likely to have significant growth in the
future. The Economic Development Branch at the City of Yarra received the greatest
customer satisfaction of all City of Yarra Service/Program areas in the Yarra 2010 Visioning
Process.
In 2001 the City of Yarra developed the Yarra Economic Development Strategy to:
•
•
•
•
Provide a clear vision for economic development in the municipality
Outline issues and opportunities
Indicate likely growth opportunities for the local economy
Identify specific initiatives and actions to support Council’s commitment to economic
development.
The City of Yarra identified eight key principles in its Economic Development Strategy:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Communication; To improve communication in the internal and external
environment
Infrastructure; To work collaboratively with business to identify issues and
resource infrastructure improvement
Business Development; To recognise and encourage activity centres that
enhance community wellbeing
Employment Development; To actively assist in the development of
programs to enhance local employment opportunities
Cultural and Community Partnerships; To develop linkages that enhance
community, cultural and lifestyle partnerships
Community Amenity; To facilitate an operating environment that is safe,
clean and an effective use of public resources
Planning; To recognise the economic dimensions in assessment of planning
applications with a significant impact on business development
Performance and Indicator Measurement; To develop and maintain practical
indicators that measure local economic trends and the performance of the business
development unit
Three of these principles and the associated strategies are immediately relevant to
Collingwood and provide excellent opportunities.
1.4.2 Opportunities
Employment Development is an important plank of ELED.
The Inner Northern Local Learning and Employment Network (INLLEN) is funded to enhance
linkages between educational institutions and business and improve delivery of postcompulsory education training.
Business Development provides opportunities to facilitate the development of enterprises.
Business Networks are being supported by Council. The Business Matrix in Fitzroy is a
Women’s Business Incubator being assisted by Council.
Cultural and Community Partnerships present a forum for community engagement with
business.
72
Council partly funds many of the festivals and assists in developing links between the
community and business to support festivals and build community.
The Yarra Economic Development Strategy also identifies the presence of large projects and
businesses in the City of Yarra. The very presence of these organisations presents
opportunities for the development of strategic relationships that would not be possible with
smaller organisations.
1.4.3 Neighbourhood Renewal Opportunities
The City of Yarra has committed significant additional resources to young people in
Collingwood in 2002/2003, funding a youth worker for the estate as well as a community
leadership project. Council has also been very active in supporting Neighbourhood Renewal
at Collingwood. Linking in to Council resources for economic development will be important
for Collingwood’s Neighbourhood Renewal program.
Council’s role will assist in the expansion of business incubators at the Collingwood
Neighbourhood House on the estate. Council has already lent significant support to Arts
projects on the estate and there is also an established festival running on the estate, which is
now engaging and forming partnerships with organisations such as the Collingwood Football
Club.
A particular weakness at Collingwood is a limited relationship with the Job Network
providers and businesses. In 2003 significant efforts will be made to develop and expand
these relationships through partners such as Council.
Particular opportunities include:
•
Establishing links with enterprises employing in the new Victoria Gardens
Development on Victoria Street. This could open up opportunities for residents of the
estate in retail jobs, and would best be facilitated through Council and a Job Network
agency.
•
Council has discussed undertaking social contracts, which could be linked into
residents from the estate.
•
Neighbourhood Renewal in NMR has organised to speak to the City of Yarra
regarding employment opportunities for residents from the estates in the development
of the Abbotsford Convent.
73
SECTION 2: COMMUNITY IDENTIFICATION OF ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES
This section focuses on community perceptions and opportunities. It is broken up into age
group categories to allow for thorough explanation of issues and opportunities.
2.1 Early Years
The Early Years (0-8) have been included in this report to recognise the importance of early
intervention in addressing intergenerational issues.
2.1.1 Context
The City of Yarra has an extensive Early Years service network. The following services are
provided on or within a 15 minute walk of the estate:
Family support, home based family support, broad ranging community health services,
child development programs, parenting programs, preschools, long day care centres,
family day care, occasional childcare, Maternal and Child Health, breakfast club, after
school care, vacation care, supported playgroups, parent run playgroups, children’s
services resourcing, information and referral, neighbourhood house, early intervention,
primary school, early literacy program, district nursing, resources and support for
culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) families in children’s services, parent
education, community development.
2.1.2 Resident Perceptions
. Consultations with tenants have indicated:
•
•
•
There is a need for greater levels of casual childcare on the estate;
Child care is expensive, particularly when working;
The quality of services is adequate.
2.1.3 Stakeholder Perceptions
The Housing Services Manager at Fitzroy Housing Office has been involved in consultations
with the City of Yarra, Family Services and other Early Childhood Services Providers
regarding the development of a Best Start submission focussing on the three Public High Rise
estates in the City of Yarra: Atherton Gardens, Collingwood and Richmond.
The proposal, which was submitted to the Department of Human Services in September 2002,
acknowledged a range of flaws in the current early years service system in the City of Yarra
and the need for increased information.
What we know of the current service system for children and families:
•
Need and demand have changed since the present system of services was established;
•
Service system is fragmented and provider-driven;
•
High concentration of services in some areas with limited services in other areas;
•
Lack of systematic identification of children with additional needs;
•
Complex referral and intake systems with limited pathways from service to service;
•
Duplication of some services.
CoY Best Start Application. September 2002
2.1.4 Opportunities
The COY proposes to establish a network of families, local services, non-government
agencies and Government funded agencies on each of the estates, to develop a more effective,
responsive and inclusive service system for families and young children.
74
In particular, the Best Start initiative may present an opportunity to examine these issues in
some depth, to ensure that the very services intended to promote the life chances of children
in this community are in fact accessible and relevant to those children and families in highest
need. The model and outcomes could be resident driven as opposed to provider driven and
could be integrated with Neighbourhood Renewal processes on the estates
CoY Best Start Application. September 2002
2.2 Youth Education, Employment and Training
2.2.1 Context
There are a significant number of Youth related and educational and employment services
readily available to the residents of the Collingwood Estate. These include: Youth Services, a
Steiner school stream, alternative schools, schools for those with learning disabilities, youth
specific drug and alcohol agencies, after school programs, adventure playground, music
programs, job networks, TAFEs, Gymnasiums, Legal services, entertainment, and police and
young people activities. Collingwood is particularly fortunate to be located next to
Collingwood College where a large number of youth specific services are located.
2.2.2 Resident Perceptions
There is an impression that there is little available on the estate and surrounds for young
people. Residents have expressed a desire for Personal Computers on site and for the Reach
for the Clouds project to expand to Collingwood.
Intergenerational unemployment is a serious problem in this community. The need for
intensive support and the development of clear pathways into employment were seen as
important solutions to be developed.
2.2.3 Stakeholder Perceptions
The young people on these estates live in concentrated areas of disadvantage and many attend
school with other people who live in concentrated disadvantage. Some of the Yarra schools
also attract young people who have been expelled from schools in other areas. This
concentration of high needs can be beneficial in terms of developing appropriate curriculum,
but it can also be problematic because it can perpetuate problems and diminish learning
opportunities. It also creates a school environment with social similarities to the home
environment; safety for example is an issue on the estate and in the schools, and it may be that
problems come off the estates and into schools.
High-rise public housing has also been shown to have negative effects on self-esteem, in part
due to the stigma of living in public housing, in part due to the built form and in large part due
to limited availability of appropriate role models.
A need for more appropriate schooling models was identified with a specific need for more
vocational training.
The Inner Northern Local Learning Network covers the Cities of Moreland, Darebin and
Yarra. The INLLENS completed an Environmental Scan in June 2002 to provide baseline
information for future planning around developing educational pathways.
The environmental scan raised the following issues:
A review of the needs of young people in the Public Housing Estates revealed that those
who were dropping out of school were doing so because of difficulties caused by
75
language barriers, low family income, family stress and drug issues (HARTLEY 2002:
P48).
Many of the issues identified through consultations with stakeholders are not isolated to
young people living on estates. Boredom, lack of opportunities and alcohol abuse are not
locational specific issues, nor are the frightening and overwhelming employment and
education choices facing young people. It has to be acknowledged however, that living on the
Collinwood estate may exacerbate these issues.
There are a number of excellent services that meet many of the needs of young people at
Collingwood, including recreational programs, youth arts projects, youth workers as well as
the school and all of the associated activities it runs. The issue of access to these services was
raised as a major limitation. There is a need to expand opening times and opportunities for
utilising these programs.
… for the majority, secondary schooling had not prepared them for an apprenticeship.
They cited, in particular, the academic nature of the curriculum and poor quality
technology classes. (HARTLEY 2002: p48).
2.2.4 Opportunities
As a large organisation operating on the estate the Office of Housing and their contractors
were identified as a potential provider of work experience and job opportunities. Changes to
DHS allocation policies were also identified as an opportunity to bring a broader range of role
models onto the estate.
Within schools there was a focus on the need to teach students about cultural issues and basic
life skills. The provision of career information, appropriate presenters who have normal lives
rather than extraordinary lives and the development of vocational training in schools and
appropriate pathways from school to work were key themes.
The development of tutoring programs to support young people and the establishment of an
attractive computer room or centre on the estate where young people felt comfortable and
which they identified as their space would provide opportunities for educational and peer
support/entertainment forums.
The LLENs Environmental Scan also identified issues:
The need for more employment opportunities through such programs as JPET (Job
Placement, Employment and Training); accessible information for families and young
people about the range of assistance available; recreation opportunities for young girls
from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; programs which introduced
young girls to technology; and opportunities for young people to participate in
planning events and activities for their age group which would link them to a wider
community. (HARTLEY 2002: p49).
The LLENS report went on to identify positive educational and vocational tools:
• The majority of those who had taken part in technology classes at school found them
helpful.
• Four out of every five had participated in work experience or ‘taster’ programs and
more than half those who had said the experience had influenced their decisions about
careers in the future.
• Four out of every five who had taken VET electives said they had influenced their
decisions about careers in the future.
76
(HARTLEY 2002: p48)
YOUTH ELED STRATEGIES
Issues
More Vocational Training
Possible strategies
•
Work experience programs
•
P/T and Vacation work programs
•
Increase availability of VET training courses in Yarra schools.
Need for Role Models
•
Realistic role model presenters at schools
•
Change Housing Allocation to attract working/role models
•
Develop homework support programs for teenagers
Career Development
•
Teach students basic everyday life skills
•
Hold regular career expositions
•
Develop innovative programs such as the Stephanie
Alexander cooking program at Collingwood College.
•
Develop school to work pathways with employers and schools
•
Establish a voluntary tutoring program on the estate
Better
Targeted
Jobs •
The Commonwealth (DEWR) funded Community Support
Programs
Program provides service to people aged 15–65 who have special
needs and face major obstacles to employment.
•
Provide more employment opportunities through programs
such as JPET (Job Placement, Employment and Training);
Developing
Family •
Extend family mediation and counselling services
Capacity
•
Develop family support circles
Safety
•
Prevent and manage violence and aggression, both at school
and in the community;
•
Weapons Education Campaign
•
Implement full-restricted access system on the estate.
Boredom
•
Support the development of community leaders
•
Improve access to available services
•
Develop a PC café facility on the estate
Language and Culture
•
Provide language tuition and mentoring to new young
residents as required
Table 13
2.3 Adults
2.3.1 Context
A large number of agencies are running training, education and employment programs at
Collingwood and in the surrounding area. These include: Job Networks, Community Jobs
Programs, English language courses, IT training, Support groups, Leadership training,
Universities, TAFEs, Libraries. See Appendix 3 for other resources.
2.3.2 Resident Perceptions
In relation to employment there was concern about initiatives that offer training but no jobs.
There was also a focus on catering programs to the community. Understanding the skills and
needs on the estate would assist in the development of a stronger local economy.
77
Language was identified as an issue and an opportunity. It restricts communications but
provides employment opportunities for those who are bilingual through interpreting and
translation.
The need for non-vocational training is important given the number of people outside of the
job market. In particular leisure and recreational opportunities need to be explored and
existing programs need to be better advertised.
2.3.3 Stakeholder Perceptions
Employment
There were some perceived systemic issues identified in the consultations held; these issues
included problems with the one size fits all service sector which does not translate well to
high need areas, consequently many people on the estate fall through employment network,
training and agency gaps. Institutional disincentives to employment, such as Centrelink
benefit criteria and OoH rent subsidies, that do not encourage people on benefits to take on
low-paying, entry level jobs, were also identified as a barrier.
CJP was seen as a very positive project that provides hope and sustainability; the importance
of training being linked to employment was a critical issue.
Language, criminal records and recognition of overseas qualifications and skills were
identified as enormous barriers to employment; similarly understanding cultural norms was an
issue impacting on peoples’ ability to behave effectively in an interview or work environment.
The estate environment was again identified as a problematic work environment. At the same
time it was viewed as an environment that people knew and felt comfortable in; where people
could begin their training or employment and then carry those skills from the estate to other
businesses or training institutions.
Training
There was a strong sense that while employment and enterprise are critical Neighbourhood
Renewal planks, there was a need at Collingwood for non-employment based training
acknowledging that the majority of tenants on the estate are unable to work.
Leadership training is underway on the estate but is inappropriately funded to meet the needs
of CALD communities.
The Community Information Centre and the Collingwood Neighbourhood House both
identified limited opening hours as restrictions on their services. They could achieve a lot
more with increased funding which would allow greater access to their services.
2.3.4 Opportunities
Training should link in to developing positive community experiences and community
enhancement. This could be done through festivals and community art, building on the
existing theme of community art excellence at Collingwood. Maintaining a high level of
tenant participation in training is dependent on ensuring good security and a strong sense of
safety on the estate.
There are enormous knowledge gaps identifying needs on the estate. These gaps need to be
acknowledged and research undertaken to obtain knowledge. One method for doing this is to
conduct a capacity inventory of tenants. An initial capacity audit has been undertaken through
the Employment research being undertaken by Jesuit Social Services (see Appendix 2)
78
Developing job opportunities and pathways for people of all ages was seen as critical. English
Language competency presents particular challenges; there is a need to incorporate language
support into all employment programs and to provide ongoing language training on the estate.
An adjunct to language is the need to develop cross-cultural understanding, and language
courses could be expanded to embrace communication more generally.
Residents of these estates often require high levels of support into employment and models
need to reflect this, providing special support to those who require it.
The sustainability of any of these ideas is dependent on community ownership. A critical
success factor will be finding and training community mentors and leaders.
Residents have identified the need to develop furniture recycling programs and a workshop on
the estate. The future utilisation of the Collingwood Underground car park and other
community facilities on the estate present great opportunities. Building on existing programs
were key recommendations from agencies operating on the estate. In particular the
Collingwood Neighbourhood House has received a one-off grant from the City of Yarra to
develop support groups and business enterprises on the estate. Attracting funding to continue
and expand this work would build on existing successful models.
79
ADULT ELED ISSUES AND STRATEGIES
Issue
Strategy
Developing
•
Develop better partnerships with job networks.
Pathways
•
Create more estate jobs.
•
Consider having people from Atherton Gardens work at
Collingwood and vice versa
•
Create social enterprises such as an interpreter service.
•
Establish a Recycling Program on the estates
•
Conduct a Capacity Inventory to determine skills and training
needs
•
Develop links with industry
•
Expand business incubators
•
Enhance/expand existing successful training programs
Special needs
•
Provide one on one support for individuals.
•
Develop programs that fit the community
Access
•
Support CCIC to expand opening times
•
Improve communication between service providers.
Support
•
Develop peer teachers on the estate
Networks
•
Educate tenants that it is good and a positive experience to be
employed.
Community
•
Provide cultural diversity training.
Bridging
•
Provide tenants with opportunities to participate in a wide
variety of activities and training.
•
Develop a supervised Workshop on the estate with a furniture
bank and repair program
Leadership
•
Provide tenancy advice and advocacy training.
Training
•
Nurture leadership.
•
Find funding for multicultural leadership training
Language
•
Provide vocational language training in non-traditional forums
skills
linked into employment
•
Provide communication courses which pick up on traits and
customs
•
Link language training to employment
Structural
•
Provide frozen rent periods to all people starting jobs rather
issues
than just CJP participants.
Table14
14
80
2.4 Critical Opportunities
The themes that resonated strongest through consultations and through the literature and
research.
•
Develop a model of vocational language training linked to employment.
•
Undertake a range of employment research on the estate, particularly to develop a
Capacity Inventory and to establish Estate specific data.
•
Create a school to work pathway strategy with Collingwood College. This would involve
the development of work experience and employment opportunities for tenants in
government and business.
•
Fund community arts activities on the estate to ensure continued community involvement
in programs on the estate.
•
Develop better information flows to new tenants on the estates regarding employment
opportunities and networks. The Concierges based in each tower will be able to carry out
this role.
•
Seek funding for a position to develop strong links with business in order to create
employment opportunities for Collingwood residents. The Prime Minister’s Community
Business Partnership may provide a model for the development of relationships.
•
Build on the Business Incubator model being developed by Collingwood Neighbourhood
House.
•
Provide one on one support for individuals with high needs seeking employment.
•
Adapt allocations policy to attract work ready families
•
Seek funding to establish peer teachers and mentors for the estate. The initial need is to
develop a program that OoH staff can run.
•
Improve access to personal computers at Collingwood Estate.
•
It is critical that thought be given to the development of innovative models for
employment creation and training. The United Kingdom has approached this issue
through the development of Training and Employment Companies (TECs). Funds are
distributed through these organisations, which are recognised as the experts in the field
with greater flexibility than government in running these sorts of programs. The NR unit
should consider opportunities for these sorts of companies in Victoria.
2.5 References
City of Yarra 2001, Yarra Economic Development Strategy 2001
City of Yarra 2002, Best Start Submission
Hartley, R. 2002, – Young people, Work and Education in Darebin, Moreland and Yarra: Patterns
Programs and Networks INLLEN
InfoXchange Australia 2001, Reach for the Clouds: e-ACE
IDEAS 2001, City of Darebin Employment Strategy
NACC 2001, Strategic Regional Plan 2001/2002-2003/2004
Prideaux, J. 2001, Integrated Delivery of Youth Services in the North East Metropolitan Area
Shepherd, C. 2002, The Work Status of Young People in the Context of the Economic Health of
Darebin, Moreland and Yarra, INLLEN
81
Appendix 1
Table D1: CITY OF YARRA: LISTING OF TOP 100 ESTABLISHMENTS BY EMPLOYMENT (2001)
Source: Survey by Ratio Consultants, June 2001
Rank Business Name
1
2
3
Suburb
6
7
8
ST VINCENTS HOSPITAL
Fitzroy
EPWORTH HOSPITAL
Richmond
ANZ CARD SERVICES
Richmond
AUSTRALIAN
CATHOLIC
UNIVERSITY
Fitzroy
CARLTON
&
UNITED
BREWERIES
Abbotsford
ST
VINCENTS
PRIVATE
HOSPITAL
Fitzroy
GE CAPITAL
Richmond
MELBOURNE PATHOLOGY Collingwood
9
COOGI
4
5
10
11
12
CHANNEL 9
NOVARE
CITY OF YARRA
Abbotsford
Richmond
Richmond
Richmond
Employ ANZSIC 2 Digit Division
1,800
1,000
800
Health Services
Health Services
Finance
700
Education
Food
Beverage
Manufacturing
700
600
600
450
250
250
220
220
Machinery & Equipment Manufacturing
220
Government Administration
220
Business Services
200
Business Services
200
200
200
200
Wood & Paper Product Manufacturing
Textile Clothing Footwear & Leather
Manufacturing
Health Services
Road Transport
200
Business Services
450
400
400
390
WESTONS BAKED FOODS
Abbotsford
350
14
NIKE AUSTRALIA
Collingwood
300
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
COUNTRY ROAD
Abbotsford
HONEYWELL
Abbotsford
HUTCHISON TELECOMS
Richmond
NHP
ELECTRICAL
ENGINEERING
Richmond
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN
SERVICES
Fitzroy
PACIFIC ACCESS (YELLOW
PAGES)
Abbotsford
AUSTRALIAN DIRECTORY
SERVICES
Abbotsford
AMCOR
(AUSTRALIAN
PAPER)
Alphington
JUST JEANS
Richmond
MELBOURNE CLINIC
Richmond
NATIONAL BUS COMPANY North Fitzroy
QUADRANT
RESEARCH
SERVICES (VIC)
Richmond
Tobacco
Health Services
Business Services
Health Services
Textile Clothing Footwear
Manufacturing
Motion Picture, Radio &
Services
Business Services
Government Administration
Food
Beverage
and
Manufacturing
Textile Clothing Footwear
Manufacturing
Textile Clothing Footwear
Manufacturing
Business Services
Business Services
13
15
16
17
and
82
& Leather
Television
Tobacco
& Leather
& Leather
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
TELSTRA
MOBILE
COMMUNICATIONS
Collingwood
LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES
Richmond
CITIPOWER
Richmond
COMPUTER SHARE
Abbotsford
COMMUNITIQUE
Fitzroy
MATTEL
Richmond
ALSTOM
Burnley
URS AUSTRALIA
Richmond
SAFEWAY-FITZROY
Fitzroy
200
200
160
150
150
150
150
140
140
36
37
HOUSE OF STITCHES
CASH J&J
Richmond
Richmond
130
130
38
HOLEPROOF
YOUNG
AND
MATTINGLY
AUSTRALIAN
COMPANY
GLOWEAVE
CONSOLIDATED
North Fitzroy
130
Richmond
125
Clifton Hill
120
Fitzroy
120
39
40
41
42
Communications Services
Communications Services
Electricity & Gas Supply
Business Services
Business Services
Business Services
Road Transport
Business Services
Food Retailing
Textile Clothing Footwear & Leather
Manufacturing
Metal Product Manufacturing
Textile Clothing Footwear & Leather
Manufacturing
RUBICAM
DYEING
Business Services
Textile Clothing Footwear & Leather
Manufacturing
Textile Clothing Footwear & Leather
Manufacturing
Textile Clothing Footwear & Leather
Manufacturing
PALMER CORPORATION
Richmond
NORTHERN METROPOLITAN
COLLEGE
OF
TAFE:
COLLINGWOOD CAMPUS
Collingwood
PACIFIC DUNLOP
Richmond
120
110
100
100
Government Administration
100
100
Motion Picture, Radio & Television
Services
Vocational Training and Education
50
BEAVER PLASTICS
Richmond
OFFICEWORKS
Richmond
AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION
UNION
Abbotsford
AUSTRALIAN
RADIOS
NETWORK (TT FM & GOLD
FM)
Richmond
KANGAN BATMAN TAFE
Richmond
COLES MYER - RETAIL
TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS
Collingwood
Vocational Training and Education
Business Services
Petroleum Coal Chemical & Associated
Product Manufacturing
Personal and Household Good Retailing
100
Personal & Household Goods Retailing
51
52
COLES NEW WORLD
RICHMOND PLAZA
DDB
Richmond
Richmond
100
100
53
54
DIALOGUE
DIMMEYS
Fitzroy
Richmond
100
100
55
GIBBS BURGE
Richmond
100
56
57
58
MAYALL AUSTRALIA
Richmond
PORSCHE CARS AUSTRALIA Richmond
SPOTLESS LINEN
Abbotsford
Food Retailing
Business Services
Textile Clothing Footwear & Leather
Manufacturing
Personal & Household Goods Retailing
Textile Clothing Footwear & Leather
Manufacturing
Textile Clothing Footwear & Leather
Manufacturing
Machinery & Motor Vehicle Wholesaling
Personal Services
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
120
120
-
100
100
100
83
59
60
61
62
TURNING POINT
Fitzroy
AMRAD
NATIONAL
PRODUCTS
Richmond
AUSTRALIAN VOLUNTEERS
INTERNATIONAL
Fitzroy
100
100
100
Health Services
Petroleum Coal Chemical & Associated
Product Manufacturing
100
Other Services
Personal
and
Household
Good
Wholesaling
Petroleum Coal Chemical & Associated
Product Manufacturing
100
Business Services
100
65
HARDCORE ENTERPRISES Abbotsford
IN
ESSENCE
AROMATHERAPY
Fitzroy
PROFESSIONAL
INTERPRETING CENTRE
Richmond
BRITISH
AEROSPACE
AUSTRALIA
Abbotsford
66
ISLAND FOODS
Abbotsford
90
67
68
69
70
PORTMANS
Richmond
HEIDELBERG PRINTING
Richmond
HARRY THE HIRER
Richmond
RYDGES RIVERWALK
Richmond
CAMPBELLS
CASH
&
CARRY
Richmond
MEI & PICCHI (AUSTRALIA) Fitzroy
NATIONAL CAN
Clifton Hill
VICTORIAN
DAIRY
INDUSTRY AUTHORITY
Richmond
90
90
85
85
Business Services
Personal
&
Household
Goods
Wholesaling
Textile Clothing Footwear & Leather
Manufacturing
Personal and Household Good Retailing
Business Services
Accommodation, Cafes & Restaurants
80
80
80
Personal & Household Good Wholesaling
Business Services
Metal Product Manufacturing
80
HEIDELBERG AUSTRALIA Richmond
LINGERIE
CO
OF
AUSTRALIA
Collingwood
SALESFORCE
Richmond
OAMPS
INSURANCE
BROKERS
Abbotsford
WOODWARD CLYDE
Richmond
ANGLO ITALIAN CONCRETE Abbotsford
ASSOCIATED
RETAILERS
(ARL)
Richmond
80
Government Administration
Machinery
and
Motor
Vehicle
Wholesaling
Textile Clothing Footwear & Leather
Manufacturing
Business Services
63
64
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
DAVENPORT
Abbotsford
McDONALD'S - VICTORIAN
REGIONAL OFFICE
Collingwood
MOTOROLA
Richmond
VENCORP
Collingwood
PORTA MOULDINGS
Alphington
WSL CONSULTANTS
Richmond
BOND
COLOUR
LABORATORIES
Richmond
CATO PARTNERS
Richmond
COMMUNITY AID ABROAD Fitzroy
MELBOURNEGIRLS
COLLEGE
Richmond
100
80
80
75
75
75
70
70
70
70
70
65
65
Business Services
Business Services
Construction Trade Services
Personal
&
Household
Goods
Wholesaling
Textile Clothing Footwear & Leather
Manufacturing
60
60
60
Food Retailing
Business Services
Government Administration
Wood & Paper Product Manufacturing
Business Services
Petroleum Coal Chemical & Associated
Product Manufacturing
Business Services
Other Services
60
Secondary School Education
84
93
RAYMOND
FOOTWEAR
COMPONENTS
Collingwood
INSTITUTE OF LAND AND
FOOD
RESOURCES
BURLEY CAMPUS
Richmond
94
FD & C WINE
Fitzroy North
60
95
96
97
SAMPFORD AND STAFF
MIETER 3
BASS SOFTWARE
Fitzroy
Richmond
Richmond
60
60
50
98
99
CONTAINERS PACKAGING Abbotsford
ESANDA - FLEET PARTNERS Clifton Hill
50
50
100
NEWMANS CHOCOLATES
50
92
Richmond
60
60
Textile Clothing Footwear & Leather
Manufacturing
Education
Personal
and
Household
Good
Wholesaling
Machinery
and
Motor
Vehicle
Wholesaling
Business Services
Business Services
Petroleum Coal Chemical & Associated
Product Manufacturing
Business Services
Food
Beverage
and
Tobacco
Manufacturing
85
Appendix 2
Self identified Capacities:
David Holdcroft JSS Research “Access to Employment”
14/11/02
Research across three Yarra High-Rise Estates.
The capacities the interviewees identified of themselves were:
• Child care (male and female)
• Business sense
• Managerial /people skills; run volunteer programs /campaign; able to deal with
people particularly in a public situation such as restaurants, etc.
• Building trade; varied skills: concreting, window framing, painting, etc.
• Electrical trade
• General handiwork.
• Industrial and domestic cleaning
• Loading and unloading, including heavy lifting.
• Fork lift driving
• Cleaning, industrial and domestic
• Youth work –sense of having been there, of understanding the problems, etc.
• Food preparation and catering
• Gardening
• Dog grooming
• Truck-driving
• Waiter/waitress
• Nursing
• Television production
• Friendly outgoing manner, easy to talk to
• Access to public transport
• Manual labourer consistent with farming and fishing
• Reliability
• Flexibility –preparedness to do anything
Additional capacities/strengths identified:
• Financial and other management capacities
• General survival and people skills necessary to ‘survive’ on the estate
• Music teaching/youth work
• Child care (male)
Aspirations
Nearly all residents who participated in the consultations demonstrated a well-developed
sense of where they would like to be in a few years time. Most spoke in precise terms of their
hopes and what they think is achievable. An enormous variation was evident. Some residents
clearly aspire to university and professional life, while some see their immediate employment
goal as staying on the books for the cleaning company contracted to the MCG during the
football season (and thus continuing on Newstart with this supplementary income). There was
a very positive response to CJP, which is clearly seen as a step to an improved standard of
living
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Appendix 3
Employment and Educational Resources in the City of Yarra
Employment AMES
Tel: 9429 2422 Suite 1, Level1, 224 Church St
Richmond 3121
MEGT/TESA/JobsInc Tel: 9425 9473
1st Floor, 224 Church St
Richmond 3121
Indo-Chinese Employment Service
Tel: 9429 2744 245 Victoria St
Abbotsford 3067
Sarina Russo Job Access (Australia) Tel: 9419 4994
83 Johnston St
Fitzroy 3065
Job Futures/Brotherhood of St
Laurence Tel: 9201 1401
109 Victoria St
Fitzroy 3065
Tel: 9419 0888
Jobs Plus – Employment and
Training
Richmond. 3121
Tel: 9425 5763
Leonie Green & Associates Pty Ltd
Brunswick St
3056 Fitzroy 3065
Tel: 9415 6577
Suite 1, 1st Floor, Richmond
Corporate Centre
Government Schools
Yarra Collingwood College Collingwood Lynall Hall Community School
Richmond Melbourne Girls College Richmond
Princes Hill Secondary College Carlton North
Adult providers
Princes Hill Evening Centre Carlton North
Catholic Schools
Vaucluse College Richmond
Academy of Mary Immaculate Fitzroy
ACE Providers
Yarra
Acacia Indo Chinese Children’s Centre Richmond
AMES Collingwood
Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association Richmond
87
Belguim Avenue Neighbourhood House Richmond
Burnley Neighbourhood House Richmond
Carlton Adult Reading and Writing Program Carlton North
Carlton Contact Neighbourhood House Carlton North
Carringbush Adult Learning Richmond
Finbar Family House Richmond
Fitzroy Learning Network Fitzroy
Fitzroy Stars Aboriginal Youth Club Gymnasium Fitzroy
Holden Street Neighbourhood House Fitzroy North
North Carlton Railway Station Neighbourhood House Carlton North
North Fitzroy Public Residents Fitzroy North
Open Channel Co-operative Fitzroy
Yarranet Inc Richmond
The nucleus of a catering company.
88
4. Housing and Physical Environment
The Fitzroy and Collingwood projects are unique in that they are developing within both the
NR and HRS frameworks. The Housing Master Plan process for each NR area has
commenced. The first draft is due by the end of November with the final report due the end
of March 2002. The housing master plan assesses each property and block and recommends
minor and major improvements, modifications and development opportunities. The findings
from this process are intertwined with the Neighbourhood Renewal Action Plan development
processes. The Housing Master Plan will outline strategies that may be utilised to address
broader community issues (eg community safety) and visa versa (pathways to recreational
areas).
Currently each tower at Fitzroy and Collingwood has identified and planned maintenance and
upgrades through the capital upgrade program and the foyer upgrades. Other Master Planning
issues such as the level of retention of public housing at each NR site and the ratio of public
/private ownership need to be addressed in the context of broader High Rise redevelopment.
Therefore, it is felt that a Housing Master Plan will not assist in progressing the current tower
asset management processes already underway in Fitzroy and Collingwood.
Rather than proceeding with a Master Planning process at Fitzroy and Collingwood it is
proposed that a "stocktake" or (short) review of where the Region is at with regards to
maintenance and upgrades and other work carried out as part of the High Rise Strategy eg
foyer upgrades. Part of this review would also include the identification of outstanding issues
that could be addressed through the Neighbourhood Renewal Action Planning Process.
Capital Program Current and Planned Improvements
Address
253 Hoddle Street
Current Works 2002/03
Works
Master Plan
Flat Upgrades
Window Replacement
Security Upgrade
Emergency Lighting
Lift Lobby Treatment
Balcony Upgrade
Telephone MATV
Neighbourhood House
kitchen replacement
Civil Works
Plant Rooms
Concierge Station
New Garbage System
2003/04 2004/05 2005/06
Status
Defer pending High
Rise Strategy
On Target 30/6/03
Windows
unavailable till 03/04
Deferred 03/04*
On Target 30/6/03
Held pending DRC
Held pending DRC
On Target 30/6/03
Deferred to be part
of foyer upgrade
03/04
On Target 30/6/03
On Target 30/6/03
Cost
0.03
1.00
0.09
1.50
0.30
0.16
0.24
0.01
1.91
1.91
1.91
0.22
0.22
0.22
0.16
0.24
0.16
0.24
0.16
0.24
0.30
0.33
0.13
1.00
0.13
89
229 Hoddle Street
Current Works 2002/03
Defer pending High
Master Plan
Rise Strategy
Security Upgrade
On Target 30/6/03
Telephone MATV
On Target 30/6/03
Civil Works
On Target 30/6/03
Plant Room
On Target 30/6/03
Open Lifts All Floors
Flat Upgrades
Sprinkler Installation
Window Replacement
Lift Lobby Treatment
Balcony Upgrade
New Garbage System
Defer pending High
Rise Strategy
240 Wellington Street Master Plan
Security Upgrade
Committed by 30/6/03
Emergency Lighting On Target 30/6/03
Telephone MATV
On Target 30/6/03
Civil Works
On Target 30/6/03
Plant Rooms
On Target 30/6/03
Open Lifts All Floors
Concierge Station
Committed by .30/6/03
Sprinkler Installation
Flat Upgrade
Window Replacement
Lift Lobby Treatment
Balcony Upgrade
New Garbage System
Totals
2003/04 2004/05 2005/06
0.03
1.50
0.01
0.33
0.13
0.65
1.91
1.00
0.22
0.16
0.24
1.91
0.22
0.16
0.24
0.13
0.03
1.50
0.30
0.01
0.33
0.13
0.65
1.00
9.39
1.00
1.00
4.83
8.06
Property Services advise that all wiring components of the security upgrade will be
finalised by 30 June 2003 and that the foyer upgrade and concierge station for 240
Wellington Street, Collingwood will be committed by that time.
Property Services indicate the foyer upgrade for 253 Hoddle Street, Collingwood will
be committed in 2003/04.
The balcony and lift lobby upgrades have been put on hold pending a Design Review
Committee meting at Fitzroy on 11 December 2002 to review work already done.
90
2.12
0.24
0.16
0.24
0.13
8.21