Third Quarter Progress Report on Implementation of the Social Justice Charter
The following report represents the completed outputs of the Social Justice Charter over the period of January – March 2014. Future data will
be drawn from PARS and reports from members of the Social Justice Working Group who are responsible for delivering the Social Justice Action
Plan.
Social Justice Principle 1: Participation in decision-making and Council processes
Goal: For as many people, from different backgrounds and situations within the Port Phillip community, to be able to have
a say about political and civic processes
Objectives
Provide clear and open
communication and
engagement that is
valued by the
community (1.1)
Build and facilitate a
network of active and
informed communities
(1.3)
COUNCIL PLAN
Activities
 Continue to improve
community consultation
practices to support open
and inclusive decision
making
 Continue to improve
Council’s engagement
practices to reach diverse
audiences
 Develop and support
community reference
committees in providing
advice to Council
Measure of success
 Maintained or improved
community satisfaction with
Council’s engagement in
decision making on key local
issues
 Maintained or increased
proportion of the population
who agree they feel proud of,
connected to, and enjoy their
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SOCIAL JUSTICE OUTPUTS
 A new Community Relations Plan has been
developed that incorporates the Communications
and Engagement Strategy which will help Council
increase its capacity to engage with the
community.
 Council has completed background work that will
lead to a review of Council's promotional
strategies and tools to better communicate
Council services to the community.
 The standard Terms of Reference for Community
Reference Committees has been amended to
ensure alignment with the adopted Council Plan
2013-17.
Objectives
COUNCIL PLAN
Activities
Measure of success
neighbourhoods
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SOCIAL JUSTICE OUTPUTS
 Completed review of Community Reference
Committees; updated Internet, annual calendar,
and spread sheet with new information on
Committees.
Social Justice Principle 2: Partnership with our Indigenous community
Goal: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents of Port Phillip can achieve equality in all aspects of life
Objectives
Continue to pursue
reconciliation with our
Indigenous community
(2.1, Key Action 5)
COUNCIL PLAN
Activities
 Build effective working
relationships with the area’s
Traditional Owners, the
Yalukit Wilam clan of the
Boon Wurrung
 Recognise the valuable
contribution to the Port
Phillip region made by
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples
 Create opportunities to build
the capacity of the local
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander community to selfdetermine their future.
Measure of success
 Delivery of the Reconciliation
Action Plan 2012-2015
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SOCIAL JUSTICE OUTPUTS
 The 2014 Yalukit Wilum Ngargee was held on 1
February at O'Donnell Gardens. Attendance was
slightly reduced due to weather, however still
estimated at an impressive 8,000 people
throughout the day. Programming was diverse and
showcased both emerging and established artists.
 Council received and endorsed the Reconciliation
Action Plan midterm report which identified that
of the 28 actions, 12 are complete and
operational, 14 are in progress and 2 are noted as
future actions. Different storytelling methods were
used in the reporting process to assist in taking the
story of Reconciliation in Port Phillip to a broader
audience.
 Council's commitment to Aboriginal employment
was featured in a short employment film released
by Reconciliation Australia.
 Council has appointed an Indigenous Project
Officer to work with local partners in assisting in
the development and enhancement of aboriginal
gathering for the southern metro region.
Social Justice Principle 3: Equality of access to information, facilities and services
Goal: To provide equal access to information, services, community spaces, transport and lifelong learning
Objectives
Achieve a reputation
for organisational
and service
excellence (1.5)
COUNCIL PLAN
Activities
 Improve awareness of
Council’s services to ensure
people can access what they
need
Measure of success
 Maintained or improved
community satisfaction with the
service performance of customer
contact services
SOCIAL JUSTICE OUTPUTS
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Foster a community
that values lifelong
learning, strong
connections and
participating in the
life of the City (2.4)
Ensure people can
travel with ease using
a range of
convenient, safe,
accessible and
sustainable travel
choices (4.4)
 Improve access to a diversity
of high quality lifelong
learning opportunities
 Ensure Council’s community
facilities are accessible and
relevant to community needs
 Plan for and respond to the
changing transport needs of
a high density community
 Advocate for improved
public transport accessibility
and connections
 Maintained or increased
proportion of the population who
feel they have opportunities to
participate in affordable local
community events and activities
of their choosing
 Reported community use of
sustainable options as their main
mode of transport
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Service excellence is being aligned with
continuous improvement strategy to ensure
principles underpin process improvement work.
The Promotions Strategy has been developed
and implementation has commenced.
An information stand at the Pride March
distributed brochures and staff answered
questions on home support services.
A partnership project with Medicare Local has
been formed to disseminate community support
information to Doctors and practice nurses in
Port Phillip, Stonnington and Glen Eira.
An article published in Divercity promoted the in
home exercise program for over 80 year olds. A
working party meets monthly to implement the
promotions strategy.
The Draft Building Connected Neighbourhoods
Strategic Plan has been finalised and will be
submitted to Council for adoption this year.
A number of capital works projects linked to
Sustainable Transport Precinct Plans have either
been completed.
Construction of the raised pavement zebra
crossings at the roundabout of Cecil
Street/Dorcas Street is completed.
Social Justice Principle 4: Respect - Valuing diversity
Goal: A respectful community where difference is understood, sought after and celebrated, and where people are valued
for their individuality and free to be themselves
COUNCIL PLAN
Objectives
Ensure our City
is a welcoming
and safe place
for all (2.1)
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Activities
Enable an inclusive
community that welcomes
diversity and works to
eliminate discrimination
Pursue social justice for all
people in our community
Promote and celebrate
equal rights and
opportunities for people
who identify as gay,
lesbian, bisexual,
transgender and intersex
Seek to make the City a
more welcoming,
accessible and safe place
for older people
Foster a community where
people from diverse
cultural and linguistic
backgrounds feel
supported and safe
Foster a city where people
living with disability can
participate in community
life without barriers
Measure of success
 Maintained or increased proportion of the
population who believe that Port Phillip is
a welcoming and supportive community
for everyone
 Maintained or improved community
perception of safety and security
5
SOCIAL JUSTICE OUTPUTS
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The quarterly reporting process has been
consolidated with all responsible officers
having met to ensure that Council's broad
commitment to Social Justice is clearly
captured in reporting. Over this period the
major focus of the Social Justice Action Plan
has been the development of an assessment
tool capable of guiding charter principles in
policies, programs and local laws. This tool is
now at design stage. The Social Justice working
group has formed and meets monthly.
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The Access and Ageing Department undertook
activities to meet the needs of GLBTI
residents: commenced self-assessment
process with the first standard submitted for
preliminary feedback; staff awareness training
complete; Work practices, documentation and
policies have been reviewed; and staff have
been familiarised with updates.
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Community consultation and a report on
creating the Age Friendly City were completed
in February 2014. The report has been
reviewed by key internal stakeholders and
Older Person's Consultative Committee. Staff
will continue to work closely with the Older
Person's Consultative Committee and invite
members to meetings to scope and inform the
COUNCIL PLAN
Objectives
Activities
SOCIAL JUSTICE OUTPUTS
Measure of success
development of an Aged Friendly City Action
Plan.
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The City of Port Phillip marked Harmony Day
2014 by hosting a special screening of the
Australian-made documentary, 'I am a Girl'
with guest speaker Mariam Issa. The event
was also held as part of Council's pledge of
commitment to the Anti-Racism Campaign.
The City of Port Phillip Access Network was
promoted by staff internally through the
implementation of the Access Plan reporting
process. The City of Port Phillip Access
Network continues to be featured on the City
of Port Phillip website.
Design has been finalised for a Disability
Discrimination Act upgrade at Port Melbourne
Bowling Club.
Social Justice Principle 5: Addressing the rising cost of living - Reducing disadvantage
Goal: People from all walks of life have access to affordable housing and homelessness support
Objectives
Support the delivery
of affordable
housing to meet
community needs
(2.1, Key Action 4)
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COUNCIL PLAN
Activities
Promote a range of affordable housing models
and projects applicable to public, community
and private housing that address the housing
needs of low to moderate income residents
(Housing Strategy 2007-2017, Objective 6)
To expand the supply, distribution and type of
social (public and community) housing
available for the benefit of current and future
residents of Port Phillip
(HS 2007-2017, Objective 7)
Enhance community understanding of
homelessness (Homelessness Action Strategy
2008-2013, Objective 1)
Actively advocate and support the
Homelessness Service system (HAS 2008-2013,
Objective 2)
Facilitate integrated planning in the provision
of supportive housing
(HAS 2008-2013, Objective 3)
Coordinate planning and facilitate research
(HAS 2008-2013, Objective 4)
Integrate Council’s own responses to
homelessness (HAS Objective 5)
Prepare a five year Homelessness Action
Strategy (2014-2019)
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Measure of success
Delivery of CoPP Housing
Strategy (2007-2017)
Delivery of the
Homelessness Action
Strategy 2008-2013
Homelessness Action
Strategy (2014-2019) is
developed, endorsed by
Council and made
available to the public
Delivery of Year 1 and 2
of Homelessness Action
Strategy (2014-2019)
SOCIAL JUSTICE OUTPUTS
 An Action Plan for the final draft
Homelessness Action Strategy has been
developed as well as indicators of success
to align with the Health and Wellbeing
Plan.
Social Justice Principle 6: Enjoying the City - Being connected
Goal: All members of the community are able to take part in opportunities to enjoy and feel connected to the City
Objectives
Support our
community to achieve
improved health and
wellbeing (2.2)
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Promote an improved
range of cultural and
leisure opportunities
that foster a connected
and engaged
community (2.5)
COUNCIL PLAN
Activities
Promote a healthy and
active lifestyle for our
community
Enhance recreation and
sporting activities that
support people of all
ages
Advocate to, and
partner with, others to
address factors
impacting on people's
health and wellbeing
Ensure our parks, open
spaces and the built
environment encourage
activity for all ages
 Promote and deliver a
diverse program of
festivals and events
across the City
Measure of success
 Number of community
clubs, organisations and
groups engaged in health
and wellbeing activities
supported by, and
delivered in partnership
with Council
 Local Health and
Wellbeing Index
 Reduction in the number
of health and wellbeing
concerns raised by
members of the
community
 Maintained or increased
the proportion of the
population who agree Port
Phillip has a culture of
creativity, learning and
physical activity
 Number of people
participating in the Leisure
and Lifestyle Program
 Number of grants
provided to arts and
cultural programs
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SOCIAL JUSTICE OUTPUTS
 A Municipal Public health and Wellbeing Action Plan
(including a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework) has been
developed and was endorsed by Council in March 2014. This
depicts how the overall Health and Wellbeing Plan will be
evaluated and will enable relevant data to be collected from
the outset. The Health and Wellbeing Plan and Action Plan
will be launched in May 2014.
 Draft principles have been developed and internal
consultation to determine key actions for the Sport and
Recreation Strategy was completed in the third quarter.
 A rework of the premise of the Events Strategy was
undertaken, with the Strategy to now encompass all events in
Port Phillip, including the St Kilda Festival.
 In Suai East Timor the is evidence of increased local staff
leadership in responding to community priorities through
programs at Covalima Community Centre (CCC).
 Completed a constitution and committee of management
with nine volunteer community members at CCC.
 CCC is now registered as a non-government organisation with
the Ministry of Justice and as a vocational training provider,
seeking accreditation in IT and Agriculture.
 Friends of Suai/Covalima are also supporting 24 young people
Objectives
COUNCIL PLAN
Activities
SOCIAL JUSTICE OUTPUTS
Measure of success
through further education in 2014.
Support and increase
community action for a
resilient city (3.2)
Ensure growth is well
planned and managed
for the future (4.2)
 Encourage, grow and
support community and
individual leadership,
capacity and action
 Support programs and
partner with others to
build connections and a
sense of community in
high density living
 Number of community
sustainability events
 Community participation
in opportunities to care
for the natural
environment
 The `Tomorrow's Leaders for Sustainability' program is being
delivered to one secondary, two primary and two secondary
specialist schools committed to the program for 2013/14.
 Increased number of
planning permit applicants
participating in the
Sustainable Design
Assessment in the
Planning Process (SDAPP )
program within Port
Phillip
 The Draft Building Connected Neighbourhoods Strategic Plan
has been finalised and will be submitted to Council for
adoption this year. The Plan aims to ensure that key
community places and spaces across Port Phillip are able to
support, engage and nurture the communities around them,
providing the best opportunity for building strong, healthy,
inclusive and connected neighbourhoods.
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Two schools have commenced the program in the 2014
school year.
 Two Teacher's Environment Network meetings were held in
Term 1, on the topic of combining ecology curriculum with
fun and free play. A 'Green My School' workshop was also
held for one school on Biodiversity.