2014-2016
MT EVELYN COMMUNITY PLAN
DRAFT VERSION 5: 6 May 2014
The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
Empowering individuals
Enhancing economic development and
cultural prosperity
Promoting sustainable development
Fostering learning throughout life
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The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This Community Plan is the fourth since the first Mt Evelyn Township Plan (Mt Evelyn
Community Strategic Plan 2002 – 2005), published in 2001.
This 2014 Community Plan would not have been possible without the passion and
commitment of the Mt Evelyn Township Improvement Committee (METIC), together
with the broader Mt Evelyn community.
Funding for the development of the 2014 Mt Evelyn Community Plan was provided by
Yarra Ranges Council through its Community Development Grants.
The Mt Evelyn Township Improvement Committee (METIC) brought all of the
information together and facilitated the annual planning night.
Yarra Ranges Council provided support to write the Plan and conduct the community
consultation event.
The following community groups participated in, and contributed to, the development
of this Plan:
Bendigo Bank
Discovery Church
Melba Support Services
Morrisons Community Services
Mt Evelyn Chamber of Commerce
Mt Evelyn History Group
Mt Evelyn Primary School
Friends of the Mt Evelyn Aqueduct
Friends of the Water Race and Quinn Reserve
Mt Evelyn Township Improvement Committee
Mt Evelyn Branch RSL
St Mary’s Primary School
Victoria Police (Mt Evelyn Station)
Yarra Hills Secondary College
Yarra Ranges Council
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The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
COUNCILLOR’S MESSAGE
Cr. Maria McCarthy
Ward Councillor for
Billanook Ward
Mt Evelyn is a wonderful community. I am always impressed by the committed and
enthusiastic residents, the thriving businesses and the sense of identity that you feel in
Mt Evelyn.
It’s a place of many delights like: fabulous food, the Aqueduct Walk and community
events like the Market. I am impressed by the inclusiveness of Mt Evelyn – young or
old and people of all abilities belong here.
I know that the partnerships between community organisations, residents, services
and business also thrive here. The social capital in Mt Evelyn will be a source of
resilience, ideas and energy as the community evolves and changes over time.
I congratulate the community and the passionate group who have developed this
community plan which will guide the energy and focus of Mt Evelyn over the coming
years and I wish you well with it.
Include photo and signature
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The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...................................................................................................................................... 3
Councillor’s Message ............................................................................................................................................. 4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................................... 6
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Why Are We Planning? ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Previous Achievements ...................................................................................................................................... 7
The Mt Evelyn Community Plan ........................................................................................................................ 7
MT EVELYN COMMUNITY PROFILE ................................................................................................................. 8
Location and Physical Features ........................................................................................................................ 8
Population............................................................................................................................................................. 8
Cultural Diversity ................................................................................................................................................. 9
Volunteerism ........................................................................................................................................................ 9
Internet Connectivity ........................................................................................................................................... 9
Education .............................................................................................................................................................. 9
Employment and the Local Economy ............................................................................................................... 9
Transport .............................................................................................................................................................. 9
Housing ............................................................................................................................................................... 10
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT – WHAT WE DID ............................................................................................ 10
Community Involvement ................................................................................................................................... 10
The Community Planning Event ..................................................................................................................... 10
The Community Event ...................................................................................................................................... 10
CONSULTATION RESULTS – WHAT WE FOUND ........................................................................................ 11
Our Mission – to be revised or confirmed after Community Event ............................................................ 11
Our Values– to be revised or confirmed after Community Event ............................................................... 11
Our Challenges .................................................................................................................................................. 12
Our Aspirations ......................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS – WHERE TO NEXT? .................................................................................... 15
Appendix A: Previous Achievements ................................................................................................................. 22
Appendix B: Community Profile .......................................................................................................................... 23
Appendix 2: SWOT ............................................................................................................................................... 26
Appendix 3: Previous Achievements ......................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
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The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Mt Evelyn is a diverse, creative and cohesive community. We value our rich history,
vibrant community and commitment to lifelong learning.
We have achieved amazing things since the first Mt Evelyn Community Plan in 2001
and the 2014 Plan will place the Mt Evelyn community in good stead to continue that
work. The Mt Evelyn community understands they can change things through
community action and participation, as evidenced by the range of projects and
activities that have taken place since 2001.
The Mt Evelyn community recognises the following themes as its focus for the next
three years:
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Arts and Culture
Community Life
Education and Lifelong Learning
Environment
Family
Growing Business
Health and Wellbeing
Planning
Safety and Security
Young People
Priority actions for each of these themes are listed in the section STRATEGIES AND
ACTIONS.
The Mount Evelyn Township Improvement Committee (METIC), made up of
community representatives from each identified theme area, facilitates the creation of
the Community Plan and supports the implementation of the Plan’s priority actions.
We encourage the entire community to get involved, so if you are interested in
participating in any of the projects, or becoming a METIC member, you can contact
METIC through the website, mail or via email:
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http://mountevelyn.vic.au/metic
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P.O. Box 101 Mt Evelyn VIC 3796
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metic@mountevelyn.vic.au
Community members are also welcome to come along to the regular METIC
meetings, held at 7:30 pm on the 1st Thursday of the month (excluding January) at the
Station House, Wray Crescent, Mount Evelyn.
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The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
INTRODUCTION
Why Are We Planning?
Community Planning brings people together to identify the issues that matter to them,
and then work together as a community on agreed projects or actions. It unites
people within the community so that they can better achieve the things they strive for
in partnership, to face challenges and develop opportunities for the future. A
Community Plan helps people take control of the changes they would like to see in
their local community.
This Community Plan can be used as a reference for anyone wishing to understand
the aspirations of the Mt Evelyn community.
Previous Achievements
Since 2001 the Mt Evelyn community has achieved many things through working
together to improve the social, environmental, and physical aspects of their town.
Some of these include:
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Construction of the Outlook Community Park
Blokes and Boys Brekkies
Development of the Mt Evelyn township
Family Violence Education Network
Street Party
Safety audit
RSL Memorial Garden
Please refer to Appendix A for further details.
The Mt Evelyn Community Plan
This Plan revisits and builds on the 2001, 2004 and 2009 Mt Evelyn Community Plans
and acknowledges the previous achievements of the community resulting from those
Plans.
This Plan outlines how our community might achieve its new plans and objectives,
sets priorities for future community action and suggests roles, responsibilities and
opportunities.
Importantly, this Plan increases our influence, strengthens our voice and provides a
common frame of reference when working with local government and other bodies.
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The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
MT EVELYN COMMUNITY PROFILE
This section contains a summary of the community profile.
Please refer to Appendix B for further details.
Location and Physical Features
Mount Evelyn is a residential and rural area located 37km east of Melbourne, in the
foothills of the Dandenong Ranges and bordering the Yarra Valley. We are the fourth
largest town in Yarra Ranges and we are located on the Lilydale to Warburton Rail
Trail, one of Victoria’s most
popular Rail Trails.
Mount Evelyn is bounded by
Nicholson
Crescent,
David
Road, Fortune Avenue, and Old
Gippsland Road in the north; the
locality of Wandin North, Bailey
Road, Forest Road, McKillop
Road and Hunter Road in the
east; the locality of Kalorama,
Inverness Road, the eastern
boundary of Mount Evenly
Christian School and York Road
in the south; and Swansea Road
in the west.
The residential area of Mount
Evelyn is centered around the intersection of four major roads (York, Monbulk,
Hereford and Birmingham) that converge at a roundabout on the hilltop. The Mount
Evelyn Village shopping centre has three sections along Wray Crescent and on both
sides of York Road.
Major features of the area include Dandenong Ranges National Park, Mount Evelyn
Shopping Centre, Graham Colling Reserve, Morrison Reserve, Mount Evelyn
Reserve, Owl Land Reserve, Quinn Nature Reserve, the Lilydale to Warburton Rail
Trail and the Mount Evelyn Aqueduct Reserve.
Population
Census figures for 2011 show a population of 9,365 with almost no population growth
over the past five years. Between 2011 and 2031, the number of residents in Mount
Evelyn is forecast to drop by 2% (190 residents).
Mount Evelyn has a slightly above average household size, however its average
household size has been gradually declining. Most households in Mount Evelyn
consist of couples with or without children, and lone person households have
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The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
increased over the past five years. The number of households is forecast to increase
by 7% (235 houses).
Whilst the area has a high number of babies and children aged 0-17, and adults aged
35-59, its population is ageing, with most of its population growth over the past five
years occurring amongst 60-84 year olds.
Cultural Diversity
The area has limited cultural diversity, with most residents born in Australia and
speaking English only at home. The level of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
residents is slightly above average with an increase of 69% over the past five years,
from 35 to 59 persons.
Volunteerism
The area has a well above average proportion of volunteers and people providing
unpaid child care to children who are not their own.
Internet Connectivity
Mount Evelyn has a high and rapidly rising level of households with an internet
connection.
Education
Whilst there are relatively low levels of education, the levels are improving in terms of
completion of Year 12 and acquisition of a post-school qualification.
Employment and the Local Economy
Mount Evelyn has low unemployment and incomes similar to the Melbourne average.
The income spread has not shifted much since 2006.
Construction, manufacturing and retail trade are the main industries of employment,
but the level employed in retail trade and manufacturing is falling. The level employed
in health care and social assistance, and in construction, is increasing.
Transport
Most residents drive to work, with most owning two or more vehicles. The level of
multi-vehicle ownership is increasing.
Mount Evelyn lies on two bus routes; Chirnside Park to Ringwood and Lilydale to
Belgrave, transporting people to Belgrave, Lilydale, Chirnside Park, Croydon,
Ringwood and further afield through connecting services.
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The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
Housing
Most dwellings are separate houses. Mortgage payments are considerably below the
Melbourne average. However, there is a high level of households where mortgage
payments are 30% or more of household income, indicating that there is a significant
mismatch between mortgage commitments and income levels.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT – WHAT WE DID
Community Involvement
The 2001, 2004 and 2009 Mt Evelyn Community Plans involved a range of
engagement activities, facilitated by METIC, to include the broader community in
communicating their aspirations for Mt Evelyn. Activities included interviews, surveys,
forums, focus groups and planning events.
For this Plan, engagement activities included the Community Planning Night held on
12 February 2014, a facilitated community meeting held by METIC on 3 April 2014,
followed by a community event on 24 May 2014 to include the broader community.
The development of the priority actions was developed from the SWOT analysis topics
conducted at the Community Planning Night and confirmed through the broader
community consultation process.
The broader consultation process is being implemented to enable METIC to garner
support for the implementation of the priority actions from interested community
members.
The Community Planning Event
The Community Planning Event brought together approximately 80 people
representing a range of community groups who participated in the following activities:
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Identified priority areas for the next three years.
Discussed project ideas and identified actions for the priority areas.
The Community Event
The Community Event will be held on 24 May 2014, providing an opportunity for the
broader community to participate in the planning process through a series of
interactive activities. It was decided to host a range of activities such as circus, food
stalls, information stalls and music to attract the broader community and seek their
input into the planning process.
The Mount Evelyn Township Improvement Committee will lead the event with the
support of Yarra Ranges Council. The day will be an opportunity to check in with the
community about the Community Plan’s Mission and Values, garner support for the
projects and raise METIC’s profile in the community.
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The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
CONSULTATION RESULTS – WHAT WE FOUND
The Mission and Values were first developed in 2001 when the inaugural Mt Evelyn
Community Plan was developed. It was decided to review them at the community
event to ensure they still reflected the community’s aspirations.
Results from Community Event to be inserted.
Our Mission – to be revised or confirmed after Community Event
To improve the economic, environmental and social wellbeing of Mount Evelyn
through:
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promoting community connectedness
promoting cooperation and support between groups to ensure the best use of
resources and skills
encouraging partnerships for mutual benefit
responding to issues of community concern
improving the physical environs in Mount Evelyn
encouraging local solutions to local problems
providing a link between the community and government
addressing social inequalities and issues
Our Values– to be revised or confirmed after Community Event
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A connected community
Community spirit
Sharing of benefits
Democratic decision making structures and processes
Partnerships
Participation and inclusion
Communication and consultation
Application of access and equity principles
Acceptance and tolerance of difference
Developing community leadership
Teamwork
Accountability for resources and support provided
Use of evaluation to learn how to do things better and for accountability
Minimising duplication of services provided elsewhere
Sustainability (social, economic and environmental), passing it on for future
generations
The concept of a Learning Town
A sense of place
Ethical behaviour
Sustainability
Neutrality
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The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
Our Challenges and Aspirations
The opportunities and challenges facing Mt Evelyn result from its position as a fringesuburban but semi-rural (interface) community. It has the fourth largest township population
in Yarra Ranges. The natural environment (indigenous as opposed to merely green) and the
small-town atmosphere give the town a distinctive character. Coupled with low real estate
prices until recently, these features have made it attractive to new residents. The growing
population has increased pressure on infrastructure and is changing the character of the
town, both visually and socially.
Mount Evelyn’s relative closeness to the CBD makes it more likely to have a large share of
residents using it as a dormitory suburb and not becoming involved in township life.
Mt Evelyn is proud of our higher than average level of volunteerism and involvement in
community life. Part of this has been linked to Morrison House, our Special Developmental
School and Disability Service providers, and the large Discovery Church organisation. We
strive to preserve this ethic of caring and volunteerism in the town.
Business The loss of Morrisons to the local economy at the beginning of 2014 has been a
severe blow. Morrisons/Morrison House was one of the major employers in the town, with
over 100 equivalent full-time staff, and provided educational opportunities for many to return
to mainstream study and obtain qualifications. The not-for-profit Morrisons Café for example,
due to its support from other parts of the enterprise, was able to open seven days a week. It
employed a significant number of staff, purchased supplies in the town and encouraged a
good food culture which attracted visitors. This in turn encouraged other cafes such as Billy
Goat Hill, Heart & Soul and Penny Olive.
One challenge for business is lack of balance. There are numerous take-away food outlets,
cafes and bakeries but an overall lack of variety in the retail area. The Mt Evelyn community
has carried out successful action in the face of challenges to commerce in the town. The Mt
Evelyn & Districts Financial Services Limited (MEDFSL) was established after two of Mt
Evelyn’s original three banks closed and it was feared the third would be lost. What could
have been a challenge for Mt Evelyn’s business community was turned around by community
action and resulted in MEDFSL becoming only the third inductee into the Bendigo and
Adelaide Bank Limited’s Community Bank Hall of Fame.
The Mt Evelyn Chamber of Commerce has grown and faded over the past 15 years. The
current Chamber of Commerce has been more active and seemingly is set to be longer lived
than its predecessors.
There is a thriving sector of home businesses and workshops, assisted by the large block sizes
in some areas. Many of these businesses are involved in design or other creative activities.
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The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
Education Mt Evelyn students’ choices in secondary and higher education are limited. The
closure of the Lilydale Campus of Swinburne in 2013 removed the only accessible tertiary
education provider. TAFE students must now travel at least to Croydon, Wantirna or Box Hill.
The closest universities are Monash (Clayton), Deakin (Burwood) and Swinburne (Hawthorn).
The restructure of the education facilities offered at the Morrisons site means that the future
of VCAL and workplace training is in doubt.
The original Technical School became a Years 7-12 Secondary College, which was later forced
to amalgamate and restructure. Now part of Yarra Hills Secondary College, Mt Evelyn Campus
is Years 7-10 only and caters largely for students from outside the Mt Evelyn area. If our
students do attend Yarra Hills, they must go out of the town to complete their final two years
of secondary schooling and it is hard to link them back to the town.
Mt Evelyn Christian School covers Prep to Year 12. We have four primary schools (two state,
one Roman Catholic and one non-denominational Christian), a thriving Special Developmental
School and two disability service providers, as well as education services offered by the
Discovery Church such as workplace training. Mt Evelyn has a rich tradition of community
education, notably at the former Morrison House/Morrisons. 1st Mt Evelyn Scouts is the
largest non-formal educational provider in the town and the second largest Scout group in
Victoria.
Environment and Development The pressure to cater for our large population while
retaining our attractive bush and rural features has been obvious since the seventies and is
still with us. Mt Evelyn is served by a number of dedicated environmental groups. Since about
2010, the biggest threat has been a continuing attempt by a mountain biking group wanting
to create bike paths in the fragile remnant bushland of the Mt Evelyn Aqueduct Reserve,
currently protected by the Friends of the Mt Evelyn Aqueduct.
Safety Our police station, threatened with closure in the past, is inadequately resourced. We
have an active Neighbourhood Watch group which works with local police as much as they
are able. The recent changes in the Neighbourhood Watch structure and their new
relationship with the police have seen a step backwards in service provision.
Mt Evelyn is a high risk bushfire area. Morrisons Reserve has been designated as a
Neighbourhood Safer Place and residents are encouraged to be fire ready but the difficulty of
evacuating the township in an emergency has not been adequately addressed. Most people
who live here accept the risk posed by the treed environment and reject the concrete of
suburbia.
Transport Public transport has only recently improved after years of neglect but problems
remain. Bus routes and timetables are not ideal and there is no obligation for buses to
connect with trains. Designated bike lanes on roads are non-existent. The walking and bike
trails that are a feature of the town could be developed further, for example, completion of
the ‘missing link’ in the Olinda Creek Trail and creation of a visitor node on the Lilydale to
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The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
Warburton Rail Trail. A path beside York Road would connect all four trails: the Rail Trail,
Aqueduct, Water Race and Olinda Creek.
Aging Community Older people in Mt Evelyn want to continue living here but there is limited
scope for well-planned smaller housing on flat land. There is one well designed retirement
community in Clegg Road but it is not within walking distance of the town, necessitating the
use of a car. Compact housing in areas closer to the town centre like Snowball Avenue would
be highly desirable. Older people need to travel outside the town to access many of the
services they require. The safety issues of accommodating frail elderly people in a fire-prone
area must be addressed in any future development.
At the very time Mt Evelyn’s older population is growing, their social outlets, such as churches
and the Senior Citizens group, have declined or are no longer based in the town. The Men’s
Shed made a substantial contribution to the welfare of men of around retirement age but,
having been set up under Morrisons, must now establish a new structure. We are fortunate to
have a large and active RSL branch that engages with the community and supports veterans.
Mt Evelyn Township Improvement Committee METIC restructured in 2001 to meet the
challenges of creating a sustainable group, one which would not collapse as soon as the
original founders burnt out. This was successful. Fifteen years later, with the loss of the
considerable support we enjoyed from Morrisons, we plan a further restructure to see us into
the future.
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The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS – WHERE TO NEXT?
Action
Next Steps
When
Contact
Arts and Culture: to provide opportunities for participation, enjoyment, appreciation and creation of the arts and cultural diversity in
line with the unique characteristics of Mt Evelyn.
Creation of Winged Lion
(Gryphon) seat sub-committee
of the Mount Evelyn History
Group (MEHG)
Formed in November 2013.
Has met in March and May
2014.
Ongoing
Paula Herlihy
Research the history behind
the seat (underway)
Gather information and contact
interested schools
Ongoing
Paula Herlihy
Move seat to new location
Determine site, seek
permissions, organise
transport and installation.
Identify budget and seek
funds.
Ongoing
Paula Herlihy
Produce replicas of the seat to
be located at key points
around the town
Develop project idea and
establish community
interest/project driver.
TBC
TBC
Establish a Gryphon seat ‘trail’
e.g. seats are numbered,
treasure hunt concept
Develop project idea and
establish community
interest/project driver.
TBC
TBC
Create a story connected to
the lion seat’s history
TBC
TBC
Cathy Sanders
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The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
Action
Next Steps
When
Contact
Community Life: Strengthening communication networks within Mt Evelyn and increasing participation in community life.
Promote and facilitate
community opportunities,
events and discussions on
Mount Evelyn’s community
Facebook page.
Mount Evelyn Community Life
Facebook page (established)
Ongoing
Peter Stekelenburg
Education and Lifelong Learning: To create a learning environment that nurtures human potential.
Support the transition to the
new Community House
(Station House) management
through local knowledge and
networks.
Ongoing
Mount Evelyn Township
Improvement Committee
Environment: Valuing and protecting Mt Evelyn’s natural environment while developing the local area economically and socially.
Protecting and promoting our
reserves and trails.
Support Mount Evelyn
businesses through valuing
and promoting the Warburton,
Aqueduct, Water Race and
Olinda Creek Trails
Ongoing
Chamber of Commerce
Friends of the Warburton Rail
Trail
MEEPPA
Establish a small Indigenous
garden to provide an
educational opportunity in the
centre of town.
Establish site – possibly
Outlook Park
TBC
Robyn Johnson
Paula Herlihy
Ongoing
Sue Colverson
Family: Strengthening the family.
Continue to convene the
Family Violence Network
Meet quarterly
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The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
Growing Business: Developing a vibrant and resilient Mt Evelyn economy by actively fostering communication between business
and community to benefit all township people.
Build on the current promotion
of trails
Collect information to create
Trail brochures
Develop a way of easily
accessing information online
Identify opportunities to attract
tourism from targeted
audiences
Ongoing
Kathy Freeman
Chamber of Commerce
Ongoing
Mary Wiking
Chamber of Commerce
Run a long table dinner at the
Twilight Markets
Robyn Johnson
Health and Wellbeing: To improve health and wellbeing in the community
Promote current gathering
places to increase crossgenerational connectedness
Community interest to be
identified
TBC
Use the Station House as a
meeting place for all
community members
Pending reopening of the
Pending reopening of the
Sue Colverson
venue under new management venue under new management
Transport people to and from
King’s Kitchen dinners
Ongoing
Ongoing
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Sue Colverson
Sue Colverson
The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
Planning: complete the description
Run a forum to explore the
ideas raised at the Planning
table at the community
planning night
Steve Kaylock
Daniel Meadth
Research community building
activities and structures
suitable for Mt Evelyn
Daniel Meadth
Undertake community
feedback to refine suitable
options
Daniel Meadth
Refine development
requirements and costings
Daniel Meadth
Present options for meeting
adoption
Daniel Meadth
Canvas business support and
sponsorship for proposed
works/activities
Daniel Meadth
Liaise with other organisations
based in Birmingham Rd
including businesses.
Steve Kaylock
Undertake ground truthing of
existing land structure (tree
locations, services, existing
council works)
Steve Kaylock
Compile information and
consider design options from
feedback
Steve Kaylock
Undertake preliminary costings
Steve Kaylock
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The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
of works
Refine design options with
community and key groups
Steve Kaylock
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The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
Action
Next Steps
When
Contact
Safety and Security: Creating an environment that makes people feel safe living in their community.
Explore opportunities to
address traffic flow and safety:
- Birmingham Rd
- York Rd
- Wray Crescent
Steve Kaylock
Lisa Brooks
Tim Herlihy
Daniel Meadth
Meet with relevant
stakeholders to discus safety
issues relating Grandview Rd
exits, visibility to exit driveways
on Hereford Rd and traffic flow.
Steve Kaylock
Daniel Meadth
Increase pedestrian linkages
throughout the town
Steve Kaylock
Daniel Meadth
Explore opportunities to
improve parking at the sports
centre and Marshall Arts
Centre on Hereford Road
Steve Kaylock
Daniel Meadth
Explore lighting improvements
on the south side street to
improve visibility for older
people
Steve Kaylock
Daniel Meadth
Identify solutions to addressing
issues in and at identified ‘hot
spots’
Lisa Brooks
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The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
Action
Next Steps
When
Contact
Young people work with
Council and young people to
address infrastructure at the
skate park:
- Cracks in bowl
- Shade
- More art
TBC
Simon Williams
Yarra Hills Secondary College
Recreation Services
Run a forum for young people
with a focus on youth
enterprise
TBC
Simon Williams
Robyn Dew
Young People:
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The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
Appendix A: Previous Achievements
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Construction of the Outlook Community Park
Blokes and Boys Brekkies
Development of the Mt Evelyn township
Family Violence Education Network which spawned:
- Badges of Respect program
- White Ribbon Day activities
- Jigsaw resilience program
- Information kits
- Baby Makes 3 program
- Art exhibitions from family violence survivors
Mount Evelyn Street Parties
Safety audit
RSL Memorial Garden
Building of the Youth Shed (YES)
Community Link
Morrisons on the Park Café and Exhibition Space
Implementation of the Township trails and History Timelines
The EYLG which attracted funding for:
- Flying Home book
- Book boxes
- Puppet Festival
Better Business Forums
Small Business Awards
Township Marketing Plan
Annual Planning Days
Small business awards nights
Urban Design Framework and planning decision input
Township Plans
Partnerships
Funding applications
Safety audit of Mt Evelyn
Creation of the Boardwalk
Creation of the Timeline Fence
Support of the Family Violence Education Network and the Early Years Literacy
programs.
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The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
Appendix B: Community Profile
Demographics
The population was 9,365 in 2011, up from 9,195 in 2006, showing minimal growth of
2%, or 170 persons. Mount Evelyn had 3,369 dwellings, with an average household
size of 2.88 persons per dwelling (occupied private dwellings). This is higher than the
Melbourne average of 2.62 persons per dwelling. The average household size in
Mount Evelyn has dropped slightly from 2.93 in 2006.
Mount Evelyn’s population structure is dominated by the patterns that go with a high
level of households with children. It has an above average level of babies and preschoolers aged 0-4 (7.2% compared to 6.5%); primary school children aged 5 to 11
(10.4% compared to 8.4%); and secondary school children aged 12 to 17 (9.8%
compared to 7.3%). It also has an above average level of 35 to 49 year olds (23.6%
compared to 22%) and 50 to 59 year olds (13.1% compared to 12.1%). However, its
main population growth has been amongst older residents aged 60 to 84, up from
9.8% in 2006 to 13.3% in 2011 (although still below the Melbourne average of 16.4%).
Mount Evelyn has 59 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents, 0.6% of the
population compared to 0.5% across Melbourne. This is up from 0.4% in 2006, an
increase of 24 persons. Whilst this is a small increase in numbers, within the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, it represents growth in number of
69% (from 35 persons to 59 persons).
Most residents (83%) were born in Australia, compared to 63% across Melbourne.
This is up considerably from 78.5% in 2006; but the shift is actually due to a drop in
the level who did not state their birthplace (from 8% to 2.9%); the other indicators have
not shifted much.
Ninety-three percent of residents speak English at home, compared to 71% across
Melbourne. The main countries of birth were the United Kingdom, the Netherlands,
New Zealand and Germany.
Mount Evelyn had a low level of residents who had completed Year 12, at 42%
compared to 55% across Melbourne. However, the level had improved from 36% in
2006. Forty-five percent of residents had no qualifications, compared to 42% across
Melbourne. This is down slightly from 46% in 2006. Residents were most likely to
have a vocational qualification, at 27% compared to 15% across Melbourne; this is up
from 23% in 2006. Twelve percent of residents have a Bachelor or Higher degree,
compared to 24% across Melbourne. The level with a degree has risen from 10% in
2006. The level with a diploma also rose, from 8% to 10%.
In 2011, 2.9% of residents needed assistance with core activities of daily living,
considerably below the 4.5% Melbourne average. This level is up from 2.1% in 2006.
Mount Evelyn has a low unemployment rate, at 3.8% (compared to 4% in 2006). The
Melbourne average was 5.5%. The main industries employing Mount Evelyn
residents were:
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The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
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construction (16%, up from 15%);
manufacturing (13%, down from 15%);
health care and social assistance (12%, up from 10%); and
retail trade (11%, down from 12%).
Mount Evelyn has a higher level than Melbourne of residents employed in
manufacturing (the Melbourne average was 11%) and construction (the average was
8%). It has a much lower level employed in professional, scientific and technical
services (5.6% compared to 8.9%); and finance and insurance services (1.9%
compared to 4.8%).
Most residents drove to work in 2011, at 71% compared to 61% across Melbourne.
This level has increased from 68% in 2006. Mount Evelyn has a high level of multivehicle ownership, at 70% compared to 51% for Melbourne. The level of households
with two or more vehicles has risen from 66% in 2006.
Mount Evelyn has a well above average level of volunteers, at 21% compared to 16%
for Melbourne. The area also has a well above average level of people providing
unpaid child care, at 35% compared to 27%. This is mostly due to people caring for
their own children, at 25% compared to 20% across Melbourne.
Mount Evelyn’s income profile is very similar to the Melbourne average, with a slightly
below average level of high income households. Twenty-four percent of households
are in the lowest quartile, compared to 25% across Melbourne; 52% are in the
medium lowest and medium highest groups, compared to 48% across Melbourne; and
24.5% are in the highest group, compared to 24.5% across Melbourne. There have
been no noticeable shifts since 2006. Fifteen percent of households had incomes of
less than $600 per week, compared to 19% across Melbourne; 14% of households in
Mt Evelyn had high incomes of $2,500 or more per week, compared to 19.5% across
Melbourne.
Most households in Mount Evelyn are couples with children (43% compared to 34%)
or couples without children (25% compared to 23.5%). It has a low level of lone
person households, at 17% compared to 22%. The level of couples without children
has increased from 21% to 25%, and the level of lone person households has
increased from 15.5% to 17%; the level of couples with children has dropped from
44% to 43% (the main change has actually been a drop in the level of not classifiable
households from 7% to 1%).
The main dwelling type in Mount Evelyn is overwhelmingly separate houses, at 96%
compared to 71% across Melbourne.
57% of households have a mortgage, compared to 35% across Melbourne (up from
55% in 2006). Median monthly mortgage repayments are $1,651, compared to
$1,810 across Melbourne. In 2011, mortgage payments were 30% or more of
household income in 16% of households, compared to 10.1% across Victoria and 11%
across Melbourne.
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The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
Most households are connected to the internet, at 83% compared to 76% for
Melbourne. This level has increased significantly since 2006, rising from 66%.
Forecasts
Between 2011 and 2031, the number of residents in Mount Evelyn is forecast to
decrease by 190 residents, or 2%. The number of households is forecast to increase
by 235, or 7%.
Health indicators
Mount Evelyn’s key health issues relate to population ageing and diabetes. Over the
coming decades, the area will feel the health impacts of an ageing population,
including increased demand for hospital beds and substantial growth in the number of
residents with dementia. It has already shown substantial growth in the number of
residents with diabetes and this growth shows no signs of abating. The key health
issues include:
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A high level of growth in diabetes. In December 2011, 3.5% of Mount Evelyn
residents had diabetes. This level is below average, but the area had experienced
39% growth in numbers since 2008. Mount Evelyn ranks 16th out of the 29 Yarra
Ranges postcodes for its prevalence of diabetes. As of June 2013, 339 Mount
Evelyn residents – 3.6% of the population – had diabetes.
An increasing number of residents with dementia. By 2050, Yarra Ranges is
forecast to be in the top ten Victorian local government areas for its number of
residents with dementia. The largest growth in total numbers within Yarra Ranges
will be in the statistical area of Lilydale (which covers Lilydale, Chirnside Park,
Mount Evelyn, Mooroolbark, Montrose and Kilsyth), with growth of more than
2,500.
A large increase in hospital demand. The Lilydale is one of the key geographic
areas of forecast demand in the East, as identified in the Eastern Health draft
Strategic Clinical Service Plan.
Whilst the Eastern Health catchment area’s
population is forecast to grow at a lower rate than Victoria over the period 2006 to
2021, the population aged 70 years or more is forecast to grow at a higher rate.
The impact of this population ageing is expected to be that the statistical area
statistical area of Lilydale (which covers Lilydale, Chirnside Park, Mount Evelyn,
Mooroolbark, Montrose and Kilsyth), will have bed days of more than 40,000 per
year by 2021/22.
The postcode for Mount Evelyn ranks 17th for family violence amongst the 27
Yarra Ranges postcodes for which this data is available, with 0.75 incidents
reported per 1,000 residents. Whilst this is a relatively low ranking, the number of
incidents ranged from seven in 2009/10, to 28 in 2010/11 and 33 in 2011/12.
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The Mount Evelyn Community Plan
Appendix 2: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT)
Strengths
Weaknesses
Environmental features
Disconnected interest groups
Strong community representation
Urban design
Dynamic, enthusiastic interest groups
Socio-economic disadvantage
Partnerships & grant seeking ability
Lack of tertiary education pathways
Mapped resources
Economic sustainability
Urban design
Opportunities
Threats
Social
Leadership issues
-
Partnerships
Projects that enhance
connectedness
Education
-
Broadening options for learning
Leadership development
Arts
-
Festivals and events
Community art
Gryphon Seat – icon for the
town
Undermining of town character / loss of
identity
Lack of collaboration / communication
between groups
Aging community
Reduction of funding statewide / nationally
New members
Loss of momentum
O/S recognition
Signage
Urban design framework
implementation
Bushfire preparedness
Tourism
Socio-economic disadvantage
Global outlook
Accessing resources / lack of
infrastructure
26