A Picture of West Belconnen
Version 2.0
Strategic Implementation
November 2014
Contents
Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................... 4
Data highlights................................................................................................................................ 5
Infrastructure and Services Highlights ........................................................................................... 6
Community Engagement Highlights............................................................................................... 7
What does this mean for the Local Services Network? ................................................................. 9
Background.................................................................................................................................. 10
Map: West Belconnen ................................................................................................................. 11
Chapter 1: Data Profile ....................................................................................................13
Introduction................................................................................................................................. 13
Population size and structure ..................................................................................................... 13
Disability ...................................................................................................................................... 17
Population age ............................................................................................................................ 17
Living arrangements .................................................................................................................... 19
Marital Status .............................................................................................................................. 23
Employment ................................................................................................................................ 25
Eduction and learning ................................................................................................................. 36
Community participation ............................................................................................................ 39
Future data to be collected ......................................................................................................... 42
Chapter 2: Infrastructure and Services .............................................................................44
Introduction................................................................................................................................. 44
Areas for future analysis ............................................................................................................. 44
Planning and Land Release .......................................................................................................... 45
Community Facilities ................................................................................................................... 46
Education Infrastructure ............................................................................................................. 47
Health Infrastructure................................................................................................................... 49
Aged Care Facilities ..................................................................................................................... 50
Infrastructure to support people with disability ......................................................................... 50
Arts Infrastructure ....................................................................................................................... 51
Infrastructure – Territory and Municipal Services ...................................................................... 52
Roads and Public Transport ........................................................................................................ 53
Retail services .............................................................................................................................. 54
Children and Families .................................................................................................................. 56
Young People............................................................................................................................... 61
Adulthood .................................................................................................................................... 65
Retirement .................................................................................................................................. 71
Chapter 3: Community Engagement ................................................................................77
Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 77
Engagement Activities ................................................................................................................. 78
Engagement Outcomes ............................................................................................................... 83
Children’s Engagement Outcomes .............................................................................................. 86
Continued Engagement ............................................................................................................... 89
Consultation Outcomes Table ..................................................................................................... 91
2
School Surveys ages 5-8 Survey .................................................................................................. 99
School Surveys ages 5-8 Survey ................................................................................................ 101
3
Executive Summary
Between July and October 2014, the Community Services Directorate undertook a process to
understand the needs and priorities of the West Belconnen community.
This involved analysis of demographic profile data relating to the nine suburbs that form West
Belconnen; mapping of infrastructure and services available to people in West Belconnen; and
intensive engagement with people who live and/or work in
West Belconnen.
This report brings together the key findings across these pieces of work and will be used to inform
the Local Services Network in developing a Network Plan in early 2015.
Simultaneous work was also undertaken to understand how the Network would operate which
involved a Local Design Team comprising 15 local service provider representatives that assembled
to translate the detailed Blueprint Technical Specifications, into a locally relevant, yet scalable Local
Services Network (Network).
The results of this process are captured in the Local Services Network Operational Model (the
Model), which provides a detailed description on how the Human Services Blueprint (Blueprint) will
be implemented in West Belconnen and has been developed based on advice received from the
Local Design Team. The Model should be read in conjunction with this report.
The Blueprint brings together services provided across health, education, justice and the
community sectors, regardless of provider type or funding source. This means that implementing
the Blueprint is the joint responsibility of government and community partners who will work
together to realise the benefits of a joined up and
person centred service system.
The West Belconnen Local Services Network is an example of government and community working
together as a Network of services committed to improving outcomes for people in West Belconnen.
Ultimately, it will be through the combined efforts of Government Directorates, non-government
service providers, business/philanthropists, and West Belconnen residents that change will occur.
4
Data highlights
In 2013, a total of 37,026 people lived in West Belconnen, with a growth rate of 8.4
per cent over the previous five years. This growth is largely attributed to the development of
Dunlop and Macgregor and is anticipated to expand by approximately 22,000 people with the
establishment of the Riverview development over the next
15 years.
Of the total population in West Belconnen, 584 people identify as Aboriginal or
Torres Strait Islander, with 6,287 people identifying as speaking a language other than English. The
top five languages other than English are Spanish (13%), Arabic (8%),
Greek (6%), Vietnamese (5%) and Mandarin (4.5%).
In 2011, 1,186 residents in the West Belconnen area identified as having a profound or severe
disability needing assistance in one or more core activity
The largest age cohort in West Belconnen is 30-39 year olds, followed by 0-9 year olds, with
females comprising just over half the population.
In 2011, 8,471 West Belconnen residents attended an education institution, with 35.5
per cent in primary school, and 26 per cent in secondary school.
Areas requiring potential supports
In 2011, 25 per cent of all families with children in West Belconnen were lone parent families, with
81 per cent of those households being lone female households.
In 2011, 2,886 people in West Belconnen lived alone, with 34% of those people aged over 65 years.
Furthermore, 1,004 people in West Belconnen were widowed, with
80 per cent of those people being females over the age of 70.
While rent in West Belconnen averaged $35 per week less than the ACT average in 2011, household
weekly income was $115 less than the ACT average. For families with children, household weekly
income was $384 less than the ACT average.
In 2011, there were 702 people in West Belconnen reporting that they were unemployed and
actively seeking employment. Of this group, 40 per cent were aged 15-24 years.
In 2006, six of the nine West Belconnen suburbs received a relative disadvantage ranking higher
than the Belconnen average of 13.7 per cent in the most disadvantaged group (SIEFI data).
In 2012, higher proportions of vulnerability were evident in five of the nine
West Belconnen suburbs on one or more of the below Australian Early Development Census (AEDC)
domains:





Physical health and wellbeing
Social Competence
Emotional Maturity
Language and Cognitive Skills
Communication Skills and General Knowledge
In 2011, 12 per cent of properties in West Belconnen reported having no internet connection at
home, with the highest proportion of those households being in Holt- 335 households.
5
In 2011, four per cent of properties in West Belconnen reported having no motor vehicle
registered. Holt recorded the highest number of households without a
motor vehicle- 138 households.
Infrastructure and Services Highlights
There are two service hubs in West Belconnen, one in Holt which comprises Carers ACT, Anglicare,
Sharing Places, National Brain Injury Foundation, and Sexual Health and Family Planning; and one in
Flynn which currently comprises an early childcare centre. Marymead and Belconnen Community
Service have been allocated space at the Flynn Hub, with an expression of interest process
underway to allocate the remaining spaces.
The Kippax Library is located in Holt and provides free WiFi and computer access. The West
Belconnen Child and Family Centre is also located in Holt.
There are no free swimming pools in West Belconnen, although there is one privately opened pool
available for swimming lessons.
There is only one MyWay recharge agent in West Belconnen at the Charnwood Newsagency.
There are three childcare facilities in West Belconnen, nine preschools, eight primary schools, and
one high school. There are no colleges located within West Belconnen.
There are 53 playgrounds in West Belconnen with two of those playgrounds listed as high priority
for renewal.
There are a range of services for children and families, including those delivered by the Child and
Family Centre, Maternal and Child Health, and Women, Youth and Children’s Community Health
Programs-nutrition service.
Anglicare, Belconnen Community Service, Canberra City Cares, and UnitingCare Kippax all deliver
programs to support children and families in West Belconnen. A range of other government and
community based services are also available for people living in West Belconnen.
There are a range of services available for young people in West Belconnen, including programs for
young carers, the Junction Health Service for young people, and the PCYC operates a program in the
broader Belconnen area. Although there are no youth centres located in West Belconnen, the
Belconnen Community Service operates a youth centre in Belconnen.
As at 31 May 2014, there were 1,104 Housing ACT properties in West Belconnen, including public
housing and properties leased to community services.
There are a range of services available to adults living in West Belconnen, including financial
supports, pharmacy services, and in home supports. Financial and emergency aid is available
through UnitingCare Kippax. A food bank and clothing op-shop is also available at Canberra City
Care in Charnwood.
The National Health Co-op has two locations in West Belconnen, providing bulk billing medical
services to the community. Although not located in West Belconnen, the Belconnen Community
Health Centre was recently opened in Belconnen, including a walk-in centre open seven days a
week. Five health projects have also been funded in West Belconnen through the Health Promotion
Innovation Fund.
There is one aged care facility in West Belconnen. Australian Red Cross provides meals on wheels
and a range of in home supports to help people stay in their home in West Belconnen. Capital
6
Chemist Charnwood also provides a range of services and home help equipment to people living in
West Belconnen.
Cranleigh school for children with disabilities is located in West Belconnen. The school has a school
holiday program operated by Belconnen Community Service.
Pegasus Riding for the Disabled is also located in West Belconnen, along with the Branch Out cafe- a
social enterprise for young people with a disability, Anglicare Shaw Possibilities and Disability
Services.
Disability ACT has five disability group homes in the West Belconnen area.
Community Engagement Highlights
Engagement with the community highlighted five key themes that matter most to the people of
West Belconnen. It is noted that further engagement is required to test the key themes with the
broader community in order to determine the Network priorities.
The key themes included:
1. Improved Services- this theme included improving access and promotion of services,
ensuring services such as healthcare and housing are affordable, and providing specific
focus on services for young people, older people, and gender specific services.
2. Community Facilities- this theme focused on new facilities that are desired by the
community (e.g. a public swimming pool, sports centre, dog parks, and adventure
playgroups), making facilities more accessible for people with disabilities, older people, and
ensuring safety for children, and the protection of Indigenous land when planning new
developments.
3. Building a Sense of Community- this theme focused on reducing barriers to community
owned solutions (e.g., allowing community to maintain public spaces, hold community
gatherings-like street parties), creating opportunities for volunteering to help other
members of the community, and ensuring community feedback is used to inform Network
priorities. This also included involving business in the Network and addressing bullying
(including cyber-bullying) as a community issue, especially for people with disabilities and
people from
non-English speaking backgrounds.
7
4. Education and Employment- this theme focused on improving access to information in
schools, creating more education options for high school and college in the area, and
establishing local job networks and employment opportunities.
5. Transport- this theme focused on improving access to public transport
(including creating more MyWay recharge points), improving active transport options by
creating safer foot and bike paths, enhancing community transport options (especially
between service hubs), and ensuring enough free parking is available near vital services.
In addition to the key themes outlined above, this report also assesses the engagement
methodologies used in this initial phase in order to inform further engagement activities. The
following recommendations have been provided based on the findings of this phase:
1. The roving community storyboards should be continued as a consultation method, but it is
recommended that there is someone there to encourage people’s contributions.
2. Mail box drop (postcards) and newspaper advertisement were widely distributed around
the West Belconnen area and provided the community with information of the Local
Services Network and the different method which residents may like to contribute. It is
proposed that this format was not as successful in disseminating information as initially
thought. Of the two formats, the newspaper advertisement was more successful than the
postcards.
3. Social media was used to reach those individuals with Facebook and Twitter accounts. This
engagement format is free of charge, is not difficult to use or time consuming and has the
potential reach thousands of people. It is proposed that this method continue to be used.
4. While neighbourhood forums provide in depth conversation and information gathering, it is
recommended that future forums be limited to mid week forums rather than weekends or
evenings.
5. Targeted focus groups should be conducted throughout the Local Services Network with a
particular focus on disadvantaged groups that may not attend a neighbourhood forum or
engagement activity.
6. Based on successful examples of individual client journey mapping, it is suggested that
training and support be provided to workers in the Local Services Network to build capacity
for engaging hard to reach community members.
7. Online survey should be used to provide an easy means to collect data from the community
however it should not be exclusively relied upon to provide feedback from the community
as a whole.
8. Personalised invitations to West Belconnen residents who are actively engaged and
motivated to improve the outcomes for their community.
9. Previous and new consultations relating to West Belconnen should be collated and made
available for future reference, to avoid over consulting particular groups, and to ensure key
themes are shared across multiple stakeholders.
10. Child specific surveys can be of great assistance in gaining a whole of community view on
service delivery and connectedness. Due to public school policies and clearance
requirements, additional time is required if the surveys are to be extended to public schools.
8
11. Youth specific surveys could be delivered through ACT public high schools, colleges and
youth services. Due to public school policies and clearance requirements, additional time is
required if the surveys are to be extended to public schools.
What does this mean for the Local Services Network?
The initial task for the Network is to form and establish a strong leadership and governance
structure and develop a Network Plan. The Network Plan will compliment the functions outlined in
the Operational Model to provide the strategic direction for the Network, ensuring a common
agenda that leverages and aligns existing effort to achieve Network priorities.
While further engagement with West Belconnen residents is required to develop the Network Plan,
initial consolidation of outcomes arising through this report, suggest the following eight themes as
potential priorities for the Network to consider:
Integrated Service Delivery Themes:
1. Supporting lone parent families- with a focus on gender specific services.
2. Improving early childhood development outcomes- including through universal and early
intervention approaches.
3. Addressing youth unemployment- including through enhancing education and employment
opportunities.
4. Supporting older people experiencing isolation- including through neighbourhood
volunteering and community based activities.
Capacity Development Themes:
1. Improving access to information- including through internet access and community notices
2. Maintaining and improving community facilities- including establishing new facilities and
enabling community action
3. Community Building- including through volunteering and community events
4. Improving transport options- including public, active and community based approaches
These themes have been determined through cross referencing of the data, infrastructure, services,
and community engagement findings to ensure reliability.
For example, 40 per cent of unemployed people in West Belconnen are young people. This theme
was captured in the community engagement and services scans where people indicated that young
people need more opportunities to participate in West Belconnen, including through enhanced
education and employment options.
Involving the community in developing the Network Plan will be an important element in not only
ensuring the Local Services Network responds to community identified needs, but also in building
the capacity of the community to ultimately support itself.
A key role of the Local Services Network is therefore to ‘facilitate the capacity of the community to
drive and sustain its own shared value’.1 This concept draws on the significant achievements of
1
Kent, E. Toward Place Governance, 2014
9
‘Placemaking’ approaches that leverage the capital within a place to enhance the overall wellbeing
of the people that live there, while ensuring sustainability into the future.
Placemaking approaches have shown that 80-90 per cent of community success is based on how
well a place is managed, including by supporting communities to engage in and self-manage
community projects. This includes removing barriers to community driven action, a key theme
emerging from engagement with the West Belconnen community.
Placemaking approaches also align with the co-design and co-production methodologies that have
proven successful in recent ACT initiatives such as the Strengthening Families Initiative.
It is therefore recommended that approaches that develop the capacity of the community to drive
local activities are adopted by the Network through both the development and implementation of
the Network Plan.
10
Background
The Human Services Blueprint (Blueprint) is a whole of system reform agenda enabling community,
health, education and justice systems to work together to support people and families. The
Blueprint provides the systems approach to deliver ACT One Government commitments, including
the Towards Zero Growth Healthy Weight Action Plan, Digital Canberra and Service ACT.
Phase One of the Blueprint implementation in 2013-14 focused on design and development. The
second phase to continue throughout 2014 involves policy work to sequence key activities required
to deliver the Blueprint. This report is part of the policy work to prepare for the commencement of
the Local Service Network at the beginning of 2015.
The third phase (2015-16) will align and test key elements and activities required to deliver the
system, while the fourth and final phase will involve evaluation and embedding of the Blueprint
across the ACT.
Under the banner of Better Services, three Flagship initiatives are supporting a more integrated,
person-centred and cost effective human service system – One Human Services Gateway,
Strengthening Families and the West Belconnen Local Services Network.
The 2014-15 ACT Budget commits $1.335 million over two years (2015-2017) for a Human Services
Blueprint Local Service Network (Network), located in West Belconnen.2
Based on the systems design outlined in the Blueprint, the Network will roll out key elements of the
Blueprint through a place-based approach.
The Network will roll out new ways to better integrate local services, including local governance,
flexible funding arrangements, enhanced service coordination, and data sharing. It will provide the
government and community with an evidence base to better understand which services really do
make a difference in improving people’s lives. Starting the Blueprint in a specific locality with a
co-design approach enables new approaches to be tested and their scalability assessed, before they
are rolled out more broadly in the ACT.
Map: West Belconnen
For the purposes of the Local Services Network, West Belconnen is identified as those suburbs
north west of Kingsford Smith Drive (highlighted section).
2
For the purpose of this needs assessment, West Belconnen is defined as comprising the following nine suburbs:
Charnwood, Dunlop, Flynn, Fraser, Higgins, Holt, Latham, Macgregor and Spence. All suburbs except Spence are west
of Kingsford Smith Drive.
11
12
Chapter 1: Data Profile
Introduction
This report is a collection of demographic data focused on the nine suburbs of
West Belconnen. The following nine suburbs have been identified as forming the
West Belconnen district: Charnwood, Dunlop, Flynn, Fraser, Higgins, Holt, Latham, Macgregor and
Spence.
This data report provides the opportunity to understand the demographic make-up of the West
Belconnen area and the nine suburbs. It also offers the opportunity to identify the different needs
of each suburb and assist to identify the potential services needed to improve the lives of
individuals in the West Belconnen community.
This report has not collected or discussed service usage data. This will be a responsibility of the
West Belconnen Local Service Network.
Combining the demographic data and the future collection of service usage data will continue to
build a picture of West Belconnen and the residents which live in the community.
Population size and structure
In 2013, the total population of the West Belconnen district was 37,026 which was
9.7 per cent of the total ACT population. 3
Women in the West Belconnen area form a very slight majority of 50.7 per cent of the total district
population.4
The West Belconnen district has also seen an increase of 8.4 per cent over a five year period from
2008 to 2013. 5 This population increase can be attributed to the continual growth and
development of two suburbs - Dunlop and Macgregor.
3
ABS, Cat no. 3218.0, Regional Population Growth, 2013 Australia.
4
ABS, Basic Community Profile Series, 2011, Australia.
5
ABS, Cat no. 3218.0, Regional Population Growth, 2013 Australia.
13
Figure 1: Population change, West Belconnen, 2008-2013.
Source: ABS, Cat no. 3218.0, Regional Population Growth, 2013 Australia.
West Belconnen is a diverse community, and is home to 11 per cent of the total
ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.6
West Belconnen is also home to a mix of cultural backgrounds, with 23 per cent of the area’s
population identifying as being born overseas. Of those West Belconnen residences that identified
being born overseas, the following five countries had the highest representation; England, New
Zealand, China, India and the Philippines.7
In 2011, 9 per cent of those individuals that resided in the ACT that were born in England lived in
the West Belconnen area.8
6
ABS, Basic Community Profile Series, 2011, Australia.
ABS, Basic Community Profile Series, 2011, Australia.
8
ABS, Basic Community Profile Series, 2011, Australia.
7
14
Table 1: Five common countries of birth, West Belconnen and ACT, 2011.
West
Belconnen
ACT
Percentage residing in
West Belconnen
England
1 211
13 050
9
New Zealand
380
4 387
8.5
China
(excludes SARs and
Taiwan)
322
6 592
5
India
238
5 886
4
Philippines
165
2 424
6.5
Source: ABS, Basic Community Profile Series, 2011, Australia.
In 2011, 17 per cent of West Belconnen residents reported speaking a language other than English. 9
Of those West Belconnen residence that identified speaking a language other than English, the
following five languages had the highest representation; Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Arabic,
Greek.10
In 2011, those individuals that resided in the ACT which spoke Spanish, 13 per cent lived in the
West Belconnen area.11
9
ABS, Basic Community Profile Series, 2011, Australia.
ABS, Basic Community Profile Series, 2011, Australia.
11
ABS, Basic Community Profile Series, 2011, Australia.
10
15
Table 2: Five common language other than English, West Belconnen and ACT, 2011.
West
Belconnen
ACT
Percentage residing in West
Belconnen
Spanish
391
2 924
13
Mandarin
305
6 676
4.5
Vietnamese
200
3 784
5
Arabic
194
2 421
8
Greek
165
2 775
6
Source: ABS, Basic Community Profile Series, 2011, Australia.
Table 3: Selected characteristics, West Belconnen and ACT, 2011.
West Belconnen
ACT
Total
35 427
356 586
Born in Australia
26 981
254 620
Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander
584
5 154
Born Overseas
8 446
86 165
Speaks a language other
than English
6 287
64 572
Source: ABS, Basic Community Profile Series, 2011, Australia.
16
Disability
In 2011, 1,186 residents in the West Belconnen area identified as having a profound or severe
disability needing assistance in one or more core activity.12 Of this identified group, 612 were
females, with 267 of these females aged over 70.
In 2011, 3,182 residents in the West Belconnen area identified that they provide unpaid care to a
person with disability. Of this identified group, 1,937were females 13, with the largest age cohort of
these females being 50-59 years - 434.
Population age
Identifying the age structure of an area can assist in determining short, medium and long term use
of facilities. Different age groups have different needs and usage for facilities, for instance
playgrounds for children, sports ovals for teenagers, walking pathways and seating for seniors.
In 2011, the median age of the ACT population was 34 years which was 3 years below the national
average of 37.14 The median age of the nine suburbs in the
West Belconnen district varied from 38 years (Flynn) to 31 years (Macgregor).15
12
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia
14
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia
15
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia
13
17
Figure 2: West Belconnen suburb population total and median age, 2011
Source: ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia
As a collective area, the largest proportion of the West Belconnen population fell into the 30-39 age
cohort, followed by the 0-9 age cohort in 2011.16 The gender breakdown over the age cohorts are
similar up until the age of 49, where females become the dominate gender from 50 years and over.
16
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
18
Figure 3: Population distribution by age, male and female, West Belconnen.
Source: ABS, Census of Population and Housing, 2011.
Living arrangements
Families with children
In 2011, 6,180 families in the West Belconnen area identified as having dependent children 15 years
and under.17 Of the families with dependents 15 years and under,
25 per cent were lone parent families, 81 per cent of which were lone female households.18
In 2014, 542 ACT Public Housing properties in the West Belconnen area were home to children,
with 56 per cent of these households comprising of lone parent tenants.19
17
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
19
ACT Government, Unpublished data, 2014.
18
19
Table 4: Families, West Belconnen, 2011.
Families
West Belconnen
Total Families
9 835
Families with children under 15 years
6 180
Couple families with children under 15 years
4 596
One parent families with children under 15 years
1584
Lone-mother families
Lone-father families
81%
19%
Source: ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
Lone person households
There are various situations in which a person will live by themselves. These include people not
forming live-in partnerships, relationship breakdowns, or as a result of becoming widowed.
In 2011, there were 2,886 people aged 15 years and over living alone in the
West Belconnen area. Of those who reported living alone 56.5 per cent were females, with 34 per
cent aged 65 years and over.20 Holt had the highest proportion of those people who reported living
alone – 22.5 per cent.21
Group households
Group households are generally transient in nature as their formation is often associated with a
period of transition for young adults from living with parents to forming their preferred living
arrangements. In 2011, 1,227 group households were recorded in the West Belconnen area.22
Of those who reported living in a group household 57 per cent were males, with
46 per cent aged between 20 to 29 years.23 Macgregor had the highest proportion of those people
who reported living in group housing – 16 per cent.24
Table 5: Living alone and group households, West Belconnen, 2011.
Persons
West Belconnen
Living in lone person households 15 years and over
2 886
Female living alone %
56.5
Male living alone %
43.5
Living in group households 15 years and over
1 227
20
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
22 ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
23 ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
24
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
21
20
Female living in group housing %
43
Men living in group housing %
57
Source: ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
Mortgage - median monthly repayment
The ACT median monthly mortgage repayment in 2011 was $2167, which was $367 higher than the
national amount of $1800.25
In 2011, the median monthly mortgage repayment for a private dwelling in the
West Belconnen area was $2037, which was $130 less than the ACT median - $2167.26
The median monthly mortgage repayment in each of the nine West Belconnen suburbs also varied
against the ACT median, with Dunlop ($2,200), Fraser ($2167) and Macgregor ($2167) recording
monthly mortgage payment higher than the
ACT median.27
While the other six suburbs were below the ACT median, Spence ($2102) was the only suburb that
was above the West Belconnen median amount.28
Renting – median weekly payment
The ACT median weekly rent payment in 2011 was $380, which was $95 higher than the national
median of $285.29
In 2011, the median weekly rent payment for a private dwelling in the West Belconnen area was
$345, which was $35 less than the ACT median of $380.30
The median weekly rent payment in each of the nine West Belconnen suburbs also varied against
the ACT median, with Flynn ($390) and Dunlop ($390) recording weekly rent payment higher than
the ACT median. 31
While the other seven suburbs were below the ACT median, suburbs such as Macgregor ($380),
Fraser ($380), Latham ($351) and Holt ($350) were above the West Belconnen median amount.32
25
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
27
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
28
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
29
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
30
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
31
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
32
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
26
21
Figure 4: Median weekly rent payment and monthly mortgage repayment, West Belconnen suburbs, 2011.
Source: ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia
22
Marital Status
Marriage and de factor relationships
In 2011, the total number of people in registered marriages in the West Belconnen district was
12,952. Of the total number of persons in a registered marriage, 21 per cent resided in Dunlop. 33
In 2011, the total number of people that identified as being in de facto relationships in the West
Belconnen area was 2,936. This relationship status is most common amongst younger people, with
36 per cent of those who reported being in this style of relationship were aged between 20 to 29
years.34 De facto relationships also include those living in a same-sex relationship.
Widow
The passing of a significant other can be a difficult time in a person’s life, which can require
additional support from family, friends and the community.
In 2011, the total number of people that reported being a widow was 1,004. Of the total number
55.5 per cent were aged 70 and over, with 80 per cent being females aged 70 and over. Holt was
also identified as being the home suburb to 27 per cent of the total number of widows. 35
Divorce
Divorce can also be a difficult time in a person’s life that may also require addition support from
family, friend and the wider community.
In 2011, total number of people in the West Belconnen area that reported being divorced was
2,415. Of this total number 28 per cent were aged between 50 to 59 years, with 64.5 per cent of
this age cohort being females.36
33
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
35
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
36
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
34
23
Table 6: Relationship status, West Belconnen, males and females, 2011.
Total
Male
(%)
Female
(%)
De facto Relationships
2 936
49
51
Widows
1 004
22
78
Divorced
2 415
39
61
24
EMPLOYMENT
Accessing paid employment is the foundation to economic and social independence.
Paid employment provides individuals with alternative options regarding their career aspirations
and their overall living and family arrangements.
Unpaid work is also important to the local community and economy. This form of work includes
activities such as raising children, maintaining a household, caring for elderly and sick people or a
person with disability, which are more commonly carried out by women than men.
Exploring and analysing the work force trends and economic situation of the
West Belconnen district may inform future economic opportunities for the area.
Participation in employment affects many aspects of an individual’s life, including health, housing
and education. It is also related to an individual’s ability to participate in social activities and enjoy a
sense of belonging in their community.
In 2011, 19,076 West Belconnen residents aged 15 years and over identified as being employed
either in a full-time or part-time capacity. Of the total number, males comprised 51.5 per cent of
the paid work force in the West Belconnen area.37
Full-time employment refers to a person employed in full-time work who usually works 35 hours
or more a week (in all jobs) and those who, although usually working fewer than 35 hours a week,
worked 35 hours or more during the reference week.
In 2011, 12,905 West Belconnen residents 15 years and over were employed in a
full-time capacity. Of the total number, males made up 59 per cent of the full-time workforce in the
West Belconnen district.38 Of the full-time work force in the
West Belconnen district, 19 per cent were couple families with both partners employed full-time.
The highest proportion of West Belconnen residents employed full-time were those aged between
30 to 39 years – 29 per cent. Of the nine West Belconnen suburbs, Dunlop recorded the highest
proportion residents over the age of 15 were employed full-time – 69 per cent.39
Part-time employment refers to a person employed in part-time work usually works fewer than 35
hours a week (in all jobs) and either did so during the reference week or were not at work during
the reference week.
In 2011, 4,882 West Belconnen residents 15 years and over were employed in a
part-time capacity. Of the total number, females made up 69 per cent of the part-time workforce in
the West Belconnen district.40
The highest proportion of West Belconnen residents employed part-time were those aged between
15 to 24 years – 26 per cent. Of the nine West Belconnen suburbs, Fraser recorded the highest
proportion residents over the age of 15 were employed part-time – 30 per cent
Unemployment refers to those people who were activley seeking work – either full-time or parttime and are available to start immediately.
37
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
39
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
40
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
38
25
In 2011, 702 West Belconnen residents 15 years and over identified as being unemployed and
actively seeking employment.
The highest proportion of West Belconnen residents unemployed were those aged between 15 to
24 years – 40 per cent. Of the nine West Belconnen suburbs, Higgins and Charnwood recorded the
highest proportion residents over the age of 15 were unemployed and actively seeking
employment– 4 per cent.41
Absent from the labour force refers to a person not participating in the labour force during the
reference week. This absence may be due to a particular life stage of a person, such as maternity
leave or retirement.
In 2011, 6,927 West Belconnen residents 15 years and over were absent from the labour force. Of
the total number, females made up 60 per cent of those not in the labour force in the West
Belconnen district.42 The highest proportion of West Belconnen residents absent from the labour
force are those aged between 60 to 69 years –
28 per cent.43
41
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
43
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
42
26
Figure 5: Employment rates, West Belconnen suburbs, 2011.
Source: ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia
27
Method of travel to work
In 2011, 15,296 West Belconnen residents reported the two main methods of travel to work was by car as
either a driver or passenger – 93 per cent, or public transport – 7 per cent.
The highest proportion of West Belconnen employed residents that travel by car to work was
Dunlop – 79 per cent, while 7 per cent of employed Charnwood residents reported using public transport as
their main method of travel to work.44
Five most popular occupations
In 2011, 164,761 ACT residents aged 15 years and over identified as being in one of the following
top five occupations; professionals, clerical and administrative workers, technicians and trades
workers, community and personal service workers, and managers.45 West Belconnen residents
formed 8 per cent of this total number.
Table 7: Occupation representation, West Belconnen and ACT, 2011.
Occupation
West Belconnen
ACT
Percentage of
West Belconnen
residents
Professionals
4 609
58 082
8
Clerical and administrative
workers
4 079
37 512
11
Technicians and trades
workers
2 575
19 908
13
Community and personal
service workers
2 434
18 229
13
Managers
1 950
31 030
6
Total
13 213
164 761
8
Source: ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
44
45
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
28
Median Weekly Income: when calculating median weekly income individuals over the age of 15 are
asked to identify their total wages and salaries, and to include government benefits, pensions, allowances
and any other income they usually receive, before deductions for tax, superannuation contributions, health
insurance, amounts salary sacrificed, or any other automatic deductions.
Personal weekly income
In 2011, the median personal weekly income for West Belconnen residents aged 15 years and over was
$856, which was $61 less than the ACT median of $917.46
The personal weekly income in each of the nine West Belconnen suburbs also varied against the
ACT median, with suburbs such as Dunlop ($981) and Macgregor ($935) recording personal incomes
higher than the ACT median.47
While the other seven suburbs were below the ACT median, suburbs such as Flynn ($901), Fraser
($907) and Latham ($859) were above the West Belconnen median amount.48
Household weekly income
In 2011, the median weekly household income for West Belconnen for all household members aged
15 years and over was $1805, which was $115 less than the ACT median of $1920. 49
The household weekly income in each of the nine West Belconnen suburbs also varied against the
ACT median, with suburbs such as Flynn ($2163), Fraser ($2179) and Dunlop ($2076) recording
household incomes higher than the ACT median.50
While the other six suburbs were below the ACT median, suburbs such as Macgregor ($1901) and
Spence ($1844) were above the West Belconnen median amount.
46
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
48
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
49
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
50
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
47
29
Family weekly income with children for couple families with two incomes and that have children
living in the home.
In 2011, the median weekly income for couple families with two incomes, who have children living
in the home in West Belconnen was $2676, which was $384 less than the ACT median of $3060.51
All nine suburbs within the West Belconnen district were below the ACT median. While Flynn
($3031), Spence ($3017) and Fraser ($2962) were above the West Belconnen median amount.52
Family weekly income without children for couple families with two incomes and that have no
children living in the home.
In 2011, the median family weekly income with children for West Belconnen residents was $2435,
which was $227 less than the ACT median of $2662.53
The family weekly income with no children in each of the nine West Belconnen suburbs also varied
against the ACT median, with Fraser ($2681) recording a family income with no children higher than
the ACT median.54
While the other eight suburbs were below the ACT median, suburbs such as Flynn ($2646), Latham
($2555), Dunlop ($2466) and Spence ($2447) were above the
West Belconnen median amount. 55
51
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
53
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
54
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
55
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
52
30
Figure 6: Median Weekly Personal, Household and Families with Children Income,
West Belconnen suburbs, 2011.
Source: ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
31
Indexes of relative disadvantage
In 2006, six of the nine West Belconnen suburbs received a relative disadvantage ranking higher
than the overall Belconnen average of 13.7 per cent in the most disadvantaged group.
It shows that even in suburbs with a SEIFA IRSD decile of 10 (indicating very little disadvantage),
such as Macgregor, Flynn and Fraser, there are still significant proportions of disadvantage. 56
Table 8: Area and individual disadvantage, West Belconnen, 2006 and 2011.
Suburb
SEIFI 2006
Group 1 (%)
SEIFA 2011 IRSD
Decile
Charnwood
25
:
4
Dunlop
12
:
9
Flynn
10
:
10
Fraser
10
:
10
Higgins
17
:
7
Holt
19
:
7
Latham
17
:
8
Macgregor
15
:
10
Spence
16
:
9
Source: ABS, Census of Population and Housing: Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas, 2011, Australia
Note: Table 8 lists the percentage of individuals in each suburb in the most disadvantaged group (Group 1) from Socio-Economic
Indexes for Individuals (SEIFI) 2006 and the Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage (IRSD) Decile rating of each suburb from
Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) 2011. Group 1 refers to anyone in the most disadvantaged 20 per cent of 15-64 year olds in
Australia.
SEIFI 2006 shows that 25 per cent of Charnwood’s residents were in Group 1 - most disadvantaged, while the
Belconnen district as a whole had a Group 1 result of 13.7 per cent.57
Apart from Dunlop, Flynn and Fraser, all West Belconnen suburbs have a Group 1 result exceeding the
Belconnen average.58
Time spent in unpaid domestic labour
Unpaid domestic labour consists of the time people spent in the previous week doing domestic
work without pay for themselves and their household, whether in their own home or in other
places. Unpaid domestic work can include: meal preparation, service and clean-up; washing, ironing
and managing clothes; other housework; gardening, mowing and yard work; home, car and bike
maintenance; or household shopping and managing household financial affairs.
56
ABS, Census of Population and Housing: Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas, 2006, Australia.
ABS, Census of Population and Housing: Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas, 2006, Australia.
58
ABS, Census of Population and Housing: Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas, 2011, Australia.
57
32
In 2011, 21,855 West Belconnen residents aged 15 years and over participated in unpaid domestic
labour, of this total number 54 per cent were females.59
Of those females who reported participating in unpaid domestic labour,
the predominate age cohort was 30 to 39 years – 26.5 per cent.60
59
60
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
33
Figure 7: Weekly participation in unpaid domestic labour, West Belconnen, females and males, 2011.
Source: ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
Time spent caring for children
Unpaid child care consists of time spent in the previous two weeks caring for a child or children
aged less than 15 years without being paid. This includes people caring for their own children,
whether they usually live with them or not. It also includes people looking after other children, such
as grandchildren, the children of other relatives, or the children of friends or neighbours. Care for a
child given through an organisation or club is excluded.
In 2011, 8,967 West Belconnen residents reported caring for their own child(ren) and/or other
child(ren), with 56.5 per cent being females.61
In 2011, the predominate age cohort of West Belconnen females that reported caring for their own
child(ren) in an unpaid role was 30 to 39 years – 52 per cent. Of the total number in this age cohort,
26.5 per cent resided in Dunlop.62
The predominate age cohort for West Belconnen women that reported caring for other child(ren) in
an unpaid role was 60 to 69 years – 39 per cent. Of the total number in this age cohort, 16 per cent
resided in Macgregor.63
61
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
63
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
62
34
Figure 8: Unpaid childcare, West Belconnen, females and males, 2011.
Source: ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
35
EDUCATION AND LEARNING
Education is a means of ensuring that all people have increased opportunities in life. Participation
and achievement in education are related to higher levels of social stability, opportunities to
participate in work, and improved health and wellbeing for individuals and the community.
Attending an education institution
An education provides a person with the tools to become confident, productive contributors to
society and the skills to fulfil one’s potential.
In 2011, 8,471 West Belconnen residents were attending an education institution either full-time or
part-time.64 An education institution inculdes the following: Pre-school, Primary school
(government, catholic and non-government) Secondary school (government, catholic and nongovernment), Technical or further education instituion and university ot tertiary institution.
Of the total number, 35.5 per cent individuals were enroled in Primary school and
26 per cent in secondary school.65
64
65
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
36
Figure 9: Attending an education institution, West Belconnen suburbs, 2011.
Source: ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
Completion rates, year 12 or equivalent
In 2011, 16,770 West Belconnen residents reported meeting the requirements of a
year 12 certificate or equivalent. Of the nine West Belconnen suburbs, 19 per cent of those
residents who met the year 12 or equivalent resided in Dunlop.66
66
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
37
Figure 10: Year 12 certificate or equivalent, West Belconnen, males and females, 2011.
Source: ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
Higher education qualification
Obtaining higher education qualifications can be linked to the entry and success of individuals in
today’s modern workforce. Higher educational attainment leads to, greater opportunities and
choices which can impact on an individual’s life, their local community and national economy.
In 2011, 14,630 West Belconnen residents reported having a qualification higher than a year 12
certificate or equivalent.67 Higher education qualifications can be the following: Certificate Level,
Advanced Diploma and Diploma Level, Bachelor Degree Level, Graduate Diploma and Graduate
Certificate Level and Postgraduate Degree Level.
Of the nine West Belconnen suburbs, 19 per cent of those residents who reported having a
qualification higher than a year 12 certificate or equivalent resided in Dunlop.
67
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
38
Table 9: Higher education qualification, West Belconnen, males and females, 2011.
Male
Female
Total %
Certificate Level
3 079
1 933
34
Advanced Diploma and
Diploma Level
1 186
1 572
19
Bachelor Degree Level
1 979
2 560
31
Graduate Diploma and
Graduate Certificate Level
341
519
6
Postgraduate Degree Level
829
632
10
TOTAL
7 414
7 216
100
Source: ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
Australian Early Development Census
In 2012, the West Belconnen suburbs with the highest percentage of children developmentally
vulnerable on one or more domains were Charnwood (37.5%) Macgregor (32.6%) and Higgins
(31.7%).68
The West Belconnen suburbs with the highest percentage of children developmentally vulnerable
on two or more domains were Macgregor (17.0%), Charnwood (15%) and Dunlop (13.3%).69
Higher percentages of developmental vulnerability were evident in the following
West Belconnen suburbs on the five AEDC domains: Physical health and wellbeing (Charnwood,
Macgregor, Higgins); Social competence (Macgregor, Charnwood); Emotional maturity (Spence,
Macgregor); Language and cognitive skills (Charnwood, Higgins, Macgregor) and Communication
skills and general knowledge (Charnwood, Dunlop, Macgregor).70
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
When people engage and participate in their community, a sense of ownership and connectedness
is developed. This sense of ownership and connectedness can lead to a reduction in social exclusion
and isolation, particularly for people from minority groups.
Many people in the ACT have strong and individual networks and engage in community activities.
However, there are some minority groups in the ACT that repeatedly experience social exclusion
and isolation due to discrimination, or barriers arising from their sex, age, economic status, race or
culture, disability, or sexual orientation.
There are different ways that individuals can participate and contribute to their communities and
experience inclusion and connectedness in the ACT and
West Belconnen community.
68
AEDC, Belconnen Result, 2011, Australia.
AEDC, Belconnen Result, 2011, Australia.
70
AEDC, Belconnen Result, 2011, Australia.
69
39
Volunteering
Participation in voluntary work indicates a strong sense of community and civic responsibility within
society. Volunteering is not only important for community building and resilience, it also provides
substantial personal benefits through opportunities to cultivate social networks and ‘stay
connected’, develop skills and grow personally, and find satisfaction in contributing.
Volunteers provide an important contribution to the organisations they work for and help build
more resilient and supportive communities. It is increasingly being recognised that such work
contributes to the social economy, creating conditions for improved economic growth and social
cohesion.
In 2011, 5,341 West Belconnen residents aged 15 years and over reported participating in voluntary
work in the previous 12 months, of this total number 55 per cent were women. 71
The highest proportion of West Belconnen residents that reported volunteering were those aged
between 30 to 39 years – 21 per cent. Of the nine suburbs, 26.5 per cent of Dunlop residents
reported volunteering.72
71
72
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
40
Figure 11: Volunteering aged 15 years and over, ACT, females, 2011.
Source: ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
Internet connection
In 2011, 10,929 homes in West Belconnen reported an internet connection, with over
90 per cent of households connected with broadband.73
While a large proportion of households in West Belconnen are connected to the internet, 12 per
cent of properties reported not having internet connection. Of the nine West Belconnen suburbs,
Holt recorded the highest proportion that reported not having internet connection – 335
households.74
Motor vehicles
In 2011, 12,463 registered motor vehicles were recorded as either being parked or garaged at
homes in West Belconnen area.75 Of the total number of properties with registered motor vehicles
in West Belconnen, 43 per cent of properties reported having two registered motor vehicles.76
In 2011, four per cent of West Belconnen residences reported not having a registered motor vehicle
parked or garage at their property. Of the nine West Belconnen suburbs, Holt recorded the highest
proportion of properties that reported not housing a registered vehicle - 138.77
73
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
75
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
76
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
77
ABS, Basic Community Profile, 2011, Australia.
74
41
FUTURE DATA TO BE COLLECTED
The following data requests have been placed with the appropriate ACT Government Directorate to
receive current and up to date data, as part of reporting on the Strengthening Families Outcomes
Frameworks.
Healthy Lives
Proportion of children who are fully immunised
Proportion of people who are overweight of obese
Proportion of people aged 14 and over who use alcohol, tobacco and other drugs
Leading causes of hospitalisation (including psychiatric hospitalisation)
Proportion of ACT resident women aged 15-19 who gave birth in the ACT
Safe Community
Family income spent on housing
Substantiated child abuse
Children and young people in out of home care
Children and young people on care and protection orders
Young people entering youth justice facilities
Crime rate by type of offence
Inclusive Community
Unemployment rate
Household income
Proportion of public school year 12 graduates who are employed or studying six months after
completing year 12
Proportion of people (surveyed) who feel they are able to have their say about things that are
important to them
Educated Community
Children with basic skills for life and learning (AEDI)
Children enrolled in preschool
Students achieving at or above the national minimum standard in literacy and numeracy
Year 10-12 apparent retention
School attendance rate of students in years 1-10
Proportion of year 12 Students show receive a year 12 certificate
While this data report specifically focuses on the demographic data of West Belconnen, collection
of service usage data will be the responsibility of the West Belconnen Local Services Network.
Combining the demographic data and the future collection of service usage data will continue to
build a picture of West Belconnen and the residents that live in the area.
42
LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES
Table 1: Five common countries of birth, West Belconnen and ACT, 2011.
Table 2: Five common language other than English, West Belconnen and ACT, 2011.
Table 3: Selected characteristics, West Belconnen and ACT, 2011.
Table 4: Families, West Belconnen, 2011.
Table 5: Living alone and group households, West Belconnen, 2011.
Table 6: Relationship status, West Belconnen, males and females, 2011.
Table 7: Occupation representation, West Belconnen and ACT, 2011.
Table 8: Area and individual disadvantage, West Belconnen, 2006 and 2011.
Table 9: Higher education qualification, West Belconnen, males and females, 2011.
Figure 1: Population change, West Belconnen, 2008-2013.
Figure 2: West Belconnen suburb population total and median age, 2011
Figure 3: Population distribution by age, male and female, West Belconnen.
Figure 4: Median weekly rent payment and monthly mortgage repayment, West Belconnen
2011.
suburbs,
Figure 5: Employment rates, West Belconnen suburbs, 2011.
Figure 6: Median Personal, Household and Families with Children Income, West Belconnen
2011.
suburbs,
Figure 7: Participation in unpaid domestic labour, West Belconnen, females and males,
2011.
Figure 8: Unpaid childcare, West Belconnen, females and males, 2011.
Figure 9: Attending an education institution, West Belconnen suburbs, 2011.
Figure 10: Year 12 certificate or equivalent, West Belconnen, males and females, 2011.
Figure 11: Volunteering aged 15 years and over, ACT, females, 2011.
43
Chapter 2: Infrastructure and Services
Introduction
This report provides a snapshot of the infrastructure that is available in West Belconnen. It provides
an overview for an additional examination of needs, opportunities and constraints, to support
further policy development. The report has been produced by the Community Services Directorate
with input from other ACT Government Directorates and non-government service providers.
It is designed to support the high level of cooperation and commitment required across
Government and community sectors that will be required to implement the
West Belconnen Local Service Network as part of the Blueprint reforms.
It is envisaged that the assessment may be useful for service providers, executive staff,
policy officers and front line workers in government and community sector organisations in
developing new arrangements for local governance, service coordination, data sharing, and
outcomes tracking and evaluation.
A number of major educational, health, retail and recreational facilities are located outside the
West Belconnen area, although still in the Belconnen district. These include the University of
Canberra, Canberra Institute of Technology (Bruce), Calvary Hospital, Westfield Belconnen,
Belconnen Town Centre and the Canberra International Sports and Aquatic Centre.
West Belconnen features a range of infrastructure, facilities and services, related to education and
health. A number of community sector organisations also provide services and programs to the
local community. In this context, there are significant opportunities for the alignment of services
and the reform of the service system to the West Belconnen community.
Areas for future analysis
In the next few years the Riverview Group housing development is planned for the western edge of
Belconnen (website: http://talkwestbelconnen.com.au/). The Riverview Group, a subsidiary
company of Corkhill Bros Pty Ltd, is a property development company along the east coast of
Australia. The development will cross the ACT and NSW borders, posing particular governance
challenges for both jurisdictions, including changes to the planning controls that currently apply to
the site, on both sides of the border. The Evolving Draft Master Plan for West Belconnen is available
at http://talkwestbelconnen.com.au/planning/evolving-draft-master-plan/
It is anticipated that this expansion will add five suburbs; 8,000 dwellings and approximately 22,000
people to West Belconnen by 2040, increasing demand for a range of community services.
These include long day care centres, before and after school care, preschool services,
a Government primary school, ovals, community centres, community gardens, and
an aged day care centre.
Subject to rezoning and other approvals, the West Belconnen project will initially deliver about
4,500 new homes in the ACT for about 10,000 people. As homes are built in a number of stages
over the next 10 to 15 years, the project will contribute to meeting housing demand in the ACT and
region. It is estimated that by 2040 the development will bring to West Belconnen an additional:
 660 babies (0-4 years)
 1,540 primary aged children (5-11 years)
44
 2,420 high school children (12-15 years)
 1,320 college students (16-18 years)
 2,200 seniors (60 years plus)
Ongoing collaboration with the Riverview Group will be required to ensure future development
takes into account the service demand and supply available in the
West Belconnen area.
This report is primarily a scan of infrastructure and services which suggests a number of areas for
further analysis relevant to service system reform. A Community Data profile and Community
Engagement Report have also been prepared and should be read in conjunction with this report.
Planning and Land Release
The ACT Government has undertaken a series of Master Plans in Belconnen. These include two in
West Belconnen: Macgregor Local Centre (2001) and Macgregor Local Centre Amendment (2002)
and four in the wider Belconnen area: Belconnen Lakeshore (1998), Belconnen Town Centre (2001),
Jamison Group Centre (2002) and Lawson Concept Planning Study (2009). The Master Plans do not
identify capital works expenditure for future budget consideration and do not provide an indication
of cost or likely timing of capital works.
The ACT Government plans for the supply and release of land, taking account of factors such as
forecast population changes, household changes, demand for land and the capacity to cost
effectively deliver key infrastructure and services.
The four year Indicative Land Release Program is an enabler of the Government’s economic and
social strategies for the community. The 2014-18 Draft Land Release Program as indicated in the
2014-15 Budget has foreshadowed land release of 48,815 m2 of commercial land; 48,300 m2 of
community land and 3,061 residential dwellings. Much of this development is earmarked for the
new suburb of Lawson.
Like all land releases in the ACT, West Belconnen land releases are determined according to the
land release principles, which include promoting the economic and social development of the
Territory and meeting the demand for residential land in the Territory.
The 2014-15 ACT Budget includes capital works funding (land release program) for feasibility
studies for West Belconnen for roads and traffic; and for Stormwater, Hydraulic and Utility Services.
The Budget also includes planning for a new sub-acute public hospital at the University of Canberra.
Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate
Higgins
The Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate conducted community
engagement activities with the Higgins and wider Canberra community in late 2013 on the
development of the former Higgins School site (Block 2 Section 11) and the adjoining
decommissioned oval (Block 19 Section 10). Development options include housing and a
community park.
Lawson
Lawson is a new suburb with approximately 1850 dwellings being developed by the Land
Development Agency (LDA). Construction of the first stage commenced in September 2013, the first
45
single residential blocks and medium density sites were released in December 2013 and
construction works are anticipated to be completed by the end of 2016.
Belconnen
Section 48 Belconnen is located in the Belconnen Town Centre adjacent to the Canberra Labor Club.
The Land Development Agency (LDA) proposes to redevelop the site for high density residential
development and ground floor commercial space. Under the Indicative Land Release Program the
LDA is committed to release 350 dwellings and 1000m2 commercial gross floor area in Section 48
Belconnen from 2013-14 to 2016-17.
2012 ACT Government Election Commitments
The ACT Government made eight election commitments to Belconnen, although none are
specifically for West Belconnen. These include: expansion of services at enhanced Belconnen Health
Centre, walk-in centre at Belconnen Health Centre, replacement of Kese (Kaleen) disability respite
property, upgrades to Belconnen High School, restoration of Weetangera Oval, oval irrigation and
surface improvements at Hawker District Playing Field, Sports Hub at University of Canberra,
investment in Calvary Hospital and a new Emergency Service Authority station at Aranda.
Social Infrastructure - Public and community housing
As at 31 May 2014, Housing ACT’s total stock holdings in West Belconnen was 1,104 which includes
public housing, Housing Asset Assistance Program (HAAP) managed properties head leased to
community organisations and HAAP managed properties head leased to Disability ACT.
Community Facilities
Flynn Community Centre
The Flynn Early Childhood Education Centre commenced operations on 16 January 2012 and
provides 115 childcare placements. The remainder of the building has been upgraded to provide
accommodation for community organisations, community service providers and locally based
community organisations to deliver services to the local and broader Canberra community.
Currently Marymead and Belconnen Community Service have been allocated tenancies within the
Centre. Further Expressions of Interest have been received and are being assessed from community
organisations seeking to occupy space at the Flynn Community Centre.
Holt Regional Hub
Regional hubs provide tenancy for community organisations, enabling them to deliver accessible
services to local communities. There are four hubs in Canberra: Chifley, Cook, Holt and Weston.
Organisations in the Holt Regional Hub include Carers ACT, Anglicare, Sharing Places, National Brain
Injury Foundation, and Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT. The Holt Neighbourhood Hall is also
available to hire and is managed by Anglicare.
West Belconnen Child and Family Centre
The West Belconnen Child and Family Centre (WBCFC) assists parents and families with a range of
information, support and services. It provides services based on the needs of children and their
families, with a strong emphasis on providing services in homes, schools and the community.
46
Education Infrastructure
Child care
While the ACT Government does not provide child care services it is responsible for licensing centre
based care services and family day care schemes under the Children and Young People Act 2008.
The following child care facilities are owned and/or maintained by the Education and Training
Directorate (ETD): Cooinda Cottage (Charnwood), Baringa Child Care Centre (Spence) and Spence
Children’s Cottage (Spence). Baringa is owned by Territory and Municipal Services Directorate
(TAMSD) but maintenance is carried out by ETD.
Communities@Work coordinates a range of family day care and after school care programs in West
Belconnen and adjacent suburbs.
Pre-schools
All ACT Government preschool education programs are part of an ACT Government Primary School.
Pre-schools tend to be small in scale and distributed across the suburbs. The ACT Government
provides seven pre-school sites within West Belconnen to children four years of age on or before 30
April. These sites are: Charnwood-Dunlop School (Dunlop), Cranleigh School (Holt), Fraser Primary
School, Kingsford Smith School (Holt), Latham Primary School, Macgregor Primary School and
Mount Rogers Primary School (Spence pre-school). Cranleigh School caters for children aged 3-12
with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities.
Of the four preschools in Belconnen with the highest attendance, three are in West Belconnen
(Macgregor, Charnwood-Dunlop and Kingsford Smith).
Capital works funding is provided in the 2014-15 Budget for the Community Services Directorate for
the refurbishment of Holt Preschool.
Adjacent to West Belconnen, the Southern Cross Early Childhood School in Scullin caters for
children from birth to eight years, and offers integrating services including child care, Preschool to
Year 2 education and a range of community programs. Anglicare run the Early Learning Program at
Southern Cross, for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, as well as an Out of School Hours Care
program.
Two non-government pre-school operates in West Belconnen. St. Thomas Aquinas Primary School
established an Early Learning Centre (ELC) in 2011 and is situated on the Primary School campus on
Lhotsky St, Charnwood. Brindabella Christian College established an ELC in 2012 as well as a
primary (Kindergarten) class. The ELC is situated inside the Canberra Christian Life Centre, 46
Lhotsky St, Charnwood.
Primary and secondary Schools
There are eight schools in West Belconnen, with the ACT Government providing six of these. The
majority of ACT Government schools are primary schools, which tend to be distributed evenly
across the suburbs.
West Belconnen contains the following schools:
ACT Government Schools: Charnwood-Dunlop School, Fraser Primary School, Kingsford Smith
School (Pre-school to Year 10), Latham Primary School, Macgregor Primary School, and Cranleigh
School- Special Needs School (is not specifically for
West Belconnen residents).
47
Catholic Primary St Thomas Aquinas Primary School, Charnwood
Independent Primary: Brindabella Christian College
ACT Government High School: Kingsford Smith School (Holt)
Table 4: Breakdown of ACT Government and Private Schools in West Belconnen
K-2
K–6
K -10
7- 10
K-12
7-12
10 -12
Government
0
6
1
0
0
0
0
Non-Government
(Catholic)
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
Non-Government
(independent)
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Note: Cranleigh School includes a mainstream preschool but is counted as one school. Kingsford
Smith School is a K-10 school and includes a Koori preschool, but is counted as one school.
In addition, in the wider Belconnen area there are the following schools, 12 Government primary
schools, five Catholic systemic primary schools, four Government high schools, one Catholic
systemic high school/college, three Government colleges, and
one independent school.
School Networks
The Belconnen School Network is one of four ACT Government School Networks, designed to
facilitate a more comprehensive approach to school accountability and improvement. Schools are
organised into networks based on geographical location.
School Network Leaders work with principals to ensure each ACT public school has a clear focus on
improving the learning opportunities and performance of their students, and that each school has
the support required to do it. Network Leaders develop partnerships within and across the four
school networks and discuss with principals the performance of their schools and ways to enhance
collaborative learning cultures that maximise student learning.
Non-school education
It is recognised that there are alternative educational pathways for students to undertake school
level courses other than by attending an ACT public or non-government school. For students
residing in the ACT as at February 2014, 177 were home educated. In addition, a further 309
students, who were of school age, undertook school equivalent courses at the Canberra Institute of
Technology.
Canberra Institute of Technology
The nearest Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) campus to West Belconnen is located at Haydon
Drive, Bruce. It is one of six CIT campuses in the ACT. The 2014-15 ACT Budget included funding for
capital works and services upgrades at Bruce CIT.
48
Health Infrastructure
West Belconnen residents have access to a number of medical practices, pharmacies, dental
services, and allied health services such as pathology and psychological counselling.
The National Health Co-op, formerly the West Belconnen Health Cooperative, has five locations in
the ACT, two of which are in West Belconnen (Charnwood and Kippax) and two are in the greater
Belconnen region (Belconnen and Evatt). Co-op services include bulk-billed general practice and a
range of other allied health services.
A range of other community based organisations are funded to provide services to the ACT wide
population, including those in West Belconnen, but are neither located in West Belconnen nor
designed specifically to meet the needs of this population.
The Belconnen Community Health Centre (BCHC) is a recently completed capital project on the
north side of Canberra, which commenced operations on 11 November 2013. The centre functions
as part of the community health services network across the Territory. It is a “hub” service
delivering high level or specialised community health services (including dental, Aged Care
Assessment Team, community nursing and allied health) to the whole of the north side population.
It also has a role in providing generalist community health services to its local catchment for the
Belconnen statistical district including the West Belconnen suburbs. The centre also hosts the new
Walk-In Centre, which operates seven days a week, 7:30am-10:00pm.
Nursing and Allied Health Services are available in the home to eligible clients in
West Belconnen.
49
Through the Health Promotion Innovation Fund, the following have been funded relating
specifically to the West Belconnen area:
 Fraser Primary School – Paddock to Plate @ Fraser will enable students to learn about
seasonal produce from the school garden and how it can be used to create healthy meals.
Students and families will learn how to prepare, cook and enjoy value-for-money meals.
 Koomarri – The Fit for Life program will provide employees of the Koomarri Belconnen
based business enterprises with regular health and fitness activity, each working day
including growing and preparing healthy food and participating in inclusive and fun exercise
program.
 West Belconnen Child and Family Centre – The Koori Kids: Health messages project will
encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children between the ages of 4 and 15 to
tend to a garden at the Centre and create healthy meals with Nutrition Australia. Children
will also participate in several sessions promoting physical activity.
 West Belconnen Child and Family Centre – This project aims to improve the health and
wellbeing of the local South Sudanese community through healthy cooking and education
activities with Sudanese women and children.
 North Belconnen Day Centre – The See and Do for a Healthier You project focuses on
improving the eating habits and physical fitness of both members of the North Belconnen
Day Centre and members of the wider community. It will incorporate tai-chi, Heartmoves
and dancing into separate monthly programs before expanding on the fitness programs
enjoyed most.
Aged Care Facilities
While the ACT Government does not provide aged care services it facilitates their development
through land release and planning decisions.
There is one aged care facility in West Belconnen, the Royal Freemasons Benevolent Institution
Masonic Village at Holt. It offers residential High Care and Low Care, independent living and
community services.
Infrastructure to support people with disability
The bulk of Disability ACT funded services in West Belconnen are not location-specific, but provide
support across the ACT.
Localised supports in West Belconnen include a school holiday program operating at Cranleigh and
supported by Belconnen Community Services.
Pegasus Riding for the Disabled is located in Holt and while available to all Canberrans, is more
convenient to West Belconnen residents.
Branch Out Cafe operated by Carers ACT, funded by Disability ACT and located in the Holt Hub, is a
social enterprise providing catering which builds skills for young people with disability.
Shaw Possibilities is a disability support service governed by Anglicare and funded by Disability ACT
to provide a range of disability support services. These include learning and life skills development,
case management, local coordination and development,
in-home accommodation support, attendant personal care, respite and the management of
individual support packages. It is located at the Frewin Centre in Scullin.
Anglicare Disability Services ACT also provides individual and group support for people aged
between 19 to 65 years at flexible times. The exact nature of the support that an individual requires
50
will be as agreed upon as part of the initial support and service arrangement that is suitable to the
person. This service is delivered via outreach and can be accessed via self-referral.
The Access City Hotline is administered by Contact Canberra and provides assistance on
infrastructure disability access issues in the ACT. This service is delivered via outreach and can be
accessed via self-referral or referral from another service.
ACT Disability Aged and Carer Advocacy Service (ADACAS) is an independent, not-for-profit,
advocacy organisation helping people with disabilities, older people and their carers. These
programs are delivered via outreach and be accessed via self referral.
Disability ACT Group Homes
There are five Disability ACT Group homes in West Belconnen: Kerrigan (Dunlop),
Fraser (Fraser), Ninette (Charnwood), Crawford (Flynn) and Dalley (Latham).
National Disability Insurance Agency
The National Disability Insurance Agency is open at two locations - 212 Northbourne Avenue,
Braddon, and the One Human Services Gateway, 153 Emu Bank, Belconnen.
Co-location with the ACT Government One Human Services Gateway enables the National Disability
Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to link with other social services and engage with people who may not
currently be receiving a disability service.
Therapy ACT
Belconnen residents can access services by Therapy ACT from the Early Childhood North Team at
Level 2 Swanson Court, Swanson Plaza, which caters for children to the age of 12.
Early Childhood North services include:

visits to the West Belconnen “Playing Together” play group once per term

Speech Pathology and Physical Therapy drop in clinics at West Belconnen Child and Family
Centre

attendance at the “Hippy” playgroup Charnwood.
Arts Infrastructure
The ACT Arts Fund and ACT arts facilities are open to all members of the ACT community to access
and participate in a wide range of arts activities.
artsACT has two Arts Facilities in West Belconnen, the Belconnen Arts Centre and Strathnairn, while
CSD also supports community based arts programs and activities delivered from the Belconnen
Community Service at the Belconnen Community Centre.
Strathnairn Arts at Stockdill Drive, Holt, is an arts and crafts hub, supported by the
ACT Government. The hub supports a strong community of artists working in diverse
mediums, and hosts an artist in residence program. The Strathnairn Homestead Gallery features
regular art and craft exhibitions and an adjacent café.
Outside West Belconnen, the Belconnen Arts Centre is located on the shores of
Lake Ginninderra, opposite Westfield Belconnen. The second stage of the Belconnen Arts Centre is
commencing in late 2014.
51
Infrastructure – Territory and Municipal Services
Playgrounds
There are currently 53 playgrounds in the West Belconnen region consisting of:
 48 local neighbourhood playgrounds

4 central community playgrounds

1 District Park level playground.
Suburb
Local Neighbourhood
Community
Charnwood
7
Dunlop
6
Flynn
5
Fraser
2
Higgins
4
Holt
5
Latham
4
Macgregor
12
Spence
3
1
48
4
SUB TOTAL
TOTAL
District
1
1
1
1
1
53
Of the top 20 per cent (122) high priority playgrounds listed for renewal, two playgrounds are
located in the West Belconnen area. The playground at Ginninderra Creek is also a popular
attraction for West Belconnen children and families.
Sports Fields
The following suburbs have sportsgrounds: Charnwood, Flynn, Higgins, Holt, Latham, Macgregor
and Spence, with Holt having multiple grounds.
Canberra Nature Park
West Belconnen borders Dunlop Grasslands Nature Reserve, Ginninderra Falls across the border,
Woodstock Reserve along the Murrumbidgee River Corridor and to the south the Pinnacle and
Mount Painter nature parks with an abundance of serviced walking, horse riding and formed roads
for community use.
52
Public library access and services
The Kippax Library has physical and digital collections available for loan. It also provides free WIFI,
free computer access and free Disability access. The library has community rooms which are used
for community groups (programs such as meet and share – e.g. board games, bridge club), early
years literacy programs (such as Giggle and Wiggle, and Story time) and learning programs for
adults in partnership with others in the community and government sectors.
The 2014-15 ACT Budget included funding for upgrade of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras
and computer stations at all public libraries including Belconnen and Kippax.
Swimming Pools
There is one swimming pool in West Belconnen, KingsSwim at Macgregor, which focuses on learn to
swim programs for children and is not a public swimming pool.
Roads and Public Transport
In 2013-14, some path maintenance was conducted and some community paths were designed and
completed. Road infrastructure projects in the 2014-15 Budget include energy efficient lighting,
residential street improvements, investigation of bus stop upgrades and a feasibility of an arterial
road network. Future capital works include signalisation, feasibility studies of road duplication and
upgrades, and consideration of community paths. Investigations are also underway for some onroad cycling.
The upgrade of various existing bus stops to Disability Discrimination Act standards compliance will
continue in 2014-15.
ACTION services

ACTION provides a total of 586 weekday services. This includes 516 regular services, 26
Xpresso services and 44 School services (the suburban section of the Rapid Network is
included in the count as services go into these suburbs)

ACTION provides 82 services on a Saturday and 52 services on a Sunday

there are 331 active bus stops in the West Belconnen area

there is one MyWay recharge agent located in West Belconnen – at the Charnwood
Newsagency – for card sales and recharge of stored value. There are four agents in the
wider Belconnen area at: Jamison Centre Newsagency, News Xpress Westfield Belconnen,
Nextra Westfield Belconnen and Hawker Newsagency
 Park and Ride Facilities for West Belconnen are provided at Kippax, Charnwood, Belconnen
Town Centre and the University of Canberra. These are designed for commuters to shift part
of their journey to an ACTION Bus.
Canberra Connect
Canberra Connect has a Belconnen Shopfront located at: Swanson Plaza, Swanson Court, Belconnen
ACT 2616. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.
Other infrastructure and services
The 2014-15 Budget included funding for an upgrade of the West Belconnen Resource
Management Centre at Parkwood Road in Macgregor, particularly in the rehabilitation of landfill
cells.
53
Key capital works projects for the ACTEW Corporation announced in the 2014-15 Budget include
rehabilitation of sewer mains and a significant investment at the Lower Molonglo Water Quality
Control Centre, Holt.
Retail services
Kippax Fair Shopping Centre is locally owned and has been West Belconnen's local community
shopping centre since 1977. It has a Woolworths Supermarket, Aldi and over two dozen specialty
stores. Medical services include the National Health Cooperative, pathology and a pharmacy;
professional services include a bank, post office and accounting; and other stores include cafes, a
hairdresser and a bookshop.
Kippax is a precinct defined by the Shopping Centre, rather than a suburb. However, the precinct
functions as a hub, comprising a shopping centre, library, UnitingCare Kippax, West Belconnen Child
and Family Centre, tavern, service station, veterinary surgeon and sports clubs such as Belconnen
Magpies and Raiders Belconnen.
The next largest shopping centre in West Belconnen is at Charnwood, with shops including a
supermarket, dentist, butcher and video rental.
Religious organisations
Religious affiliation across the nine West Belconnen suburbs, according to the 2011 Census, is
comparable to ACT statistics. The five main responses for the ACT were: No Religion, Catholic,
Anglican, Uniting and Other Christian (not further defined). However, in Macgregor and Dunlop the
fifth main religion was Islam.
There are nine churches operating in West Belconnen, consisting of three Anglican, two Catholic,
two charismatic/Pentecostal, one Uniting and one Independent Baptist.
Community events
Major community events include the Charny Carny, a festival celebration held in March each year
at the Canberra Christian Life Centre - Community Oval, corner of Lhotsky and Cartwright Streets,
Charnwood. Activities include market stalls and rides and there is food and drink available.
The carnival has received ongoing support from the following three organisations: CharnwoodDunlop Primary School P&C Association Inc, St Thomas Aquinas Primary School P&F Association Inc,
and Mount Rogers Scout Group.
Other community events occur sporadically. In 2013 a ‘Party at the shops’ was held at the Higgins
Shops, although there was insufficient interest for a repeat party in 2014.
Community Safety
ACT Policing is responsible for policing services in the area which, in addition to first response,
crime management and community policing, also includes providing referral services to other ACT
Government agencies and NGOs (via Supportlink) as well as its own referral services to its strategic
partners such as PCYC, Neighbourhood Watch, etc.
ACT Policing maintains strong community links with the local community especially at risk groups
such as youth, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, seniors, culturally and
linguistically diverse community members (especially new migrants) and persons who are receiving
special support via program's such as 'Throughcare', Strengthening Families, MPower, etc.
As a front line service delivery agency, ACT Policing has the capacity and capability to quickly
54
identify critical community issues and trends, and make immediate referrals 24/7, to support other
human service agencies and NGOs.
55
Services for Children and Families
ACT All Abilities Occupational Therapy provides private occupational therapy services for people
with disability and/or developmental delay. Services are targeted at young children through to
adults (0-65 years) regardless of eligibility for the NDIS. The service is delivered via outreach and
can be accessed via self-referral or referral from another service (i.e. from allied health or medical
practitioner).
West Belconnen Child and Family Centre (WBCFC) is a ‘one-stop-shop’ to support families with
children from pre-birth to 8 years. The WBCFC offers a range of services such as; a drop-in
parenting information, parenting support and programs, case coordination, ACT Health services,
group programs for school-age children and adults, a range of universal and targeted playgroups
and community development programs. External agencies also operate from the WBCFC such as
Relationships Australia, Women’s Health and Street Law. A large proportion of the WBCFC
programs are offered at the WBCFC in Holt (Kippax) and can be access via self-referral (intake) or
referral from another service. All services offered at the WBCFC are free.
Maternal and Child Health (MACH) are Registered Nurses with additional qualifications in
maternal, child and family health and are able to provide support, information and health advice to
parents with children aged 0-5 years. The service is delivered via outreach at the WBCFC and can be
accessed via self-referral or referral from another service (i.e. from Community Health Intake).
Women, Youth & Children Community Health Programs Nutrition Service provides a free service
to children, young people and their families. Dieticians can provide advice on a range of nutrition
topics including fussy eating, introducing solids, weight management, food allergy and intolerance,
disorder eating and healthy eating during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The service is delivered via
outreach at the WBCFC and can be accessed via self-referral or referral from another service (i.e.
from a Community Health Intake).
Emergency Services – West Belconnen Ambulance and Fire & Rescue Station
Paramedics and fire fighters are co-located in West Belconnen (Charnwood) and each provided
tailored serves to the community. The ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS) is responsible for providing
emergency and non-emergency ambulance and aeromedical ambulance services to the ACT and
surrounding south east NSW region and the Australian Capital Territory Fire & Rescue is a diverse
organisation with legislated responsibility in a variety of areas related to fire and rescue. These
services can be accessed via calling 000 in case of emergency.
Restorative Justice is a community based response to crime that emphasises the consequences of
an offence and holds young offenders aged between 10 to 17 years responsible for an act of
wrongdoing. It focuses on the personal involvement of the offenders, victims and the community.
The service is delivered via outreach and can be accessed via service referral (i.e. from ACT Policing,
DPP and Children’s Court).
Anglicare provide long day care, before and after school care and vacation care for children aged 08 years delivered from Southern Cross Early Childhood Centre. This service can be accessed via self
referral.
Belconnen Community Service
Communities for Children provides intensive case management to families who require short or
long term intervention. Communities for Children also run a Koori playgroup and a playgroup held
at a park in Dunlop and delivers parenting programs. . The program is delivered via outreach and
56
can be accessed via self-referral and service referral. Energy Efficiency Program provides education
to low income households on ways to reduce the household energy consumption making bills more
affordable. This service is delivered via outreach and can be accessed via self-referral or referral
from another service.
Canberra City Care is the community care arm of Life Unlimited Church (Life UC) based in
Charnwood and offers food that is free or heavily reduced in price to people who are in need
(Hand-up Food Care), clothing op-shop (Re-Run Op-shop), recycled computers at discounted prices
(The Tech Shed) and a debt management program (Christians against Poverty). An annual
membership fee of $4 is required to access the Hand-up Food Care program. These services can be
accessed via self referral and service referral.
Care Financial Counselling Services provides a range of financial services that include financial
counselling for consumers experiencing financial hardship, Community Development and Education
Program, Consumer Law matters and the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS). NILS is a community
based program offering loans to people aged 16 years and over on low to moderate incomes to
purchase essential household items without any fees, charges or interest payments. The NILS
program is delivered at Holt and can be accessed by self referral and service referral.
Capital Chemist Charnwood provides a range of services such as baby clinic with qualified MACH
nurse, medical compression garment service, dosage administration aids, wound care assessment
and triage, medication management, mental health crisis and triage, pain management, hospital
discharge management, home help equipment and smoking cessation counselling. Services are
provided both in-reach and at the Chemist shopfront at Charnwood. These services can be accessed
by via self-referrals and service referrals (i.e. from Health Care Professionals).
DUO AFFIRM program is a flexible family support program that provides intensive individualised
support to children and young people with a disability and their families for a 12 month period. The
AFFIRM program works closely with families to identify goals that are important to the family and
develop ways to achieve the goals to developing strengths and skills to equip them for their future.
The program is delivered via outreach and can be accessed via self-referral.
Inanna Inc. provides accommodation, crisis and transitional support for women and children and
families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Inanna Inc. also facilitates the Indigenous
Boarding House project that provides accommodation to interstate Indigenous students accessing
education. Homelessness services can be accessed via First Point and the Indigenous Boarding
House project can be accessed via Inanna.
North Canberra Family Practice is located in Belconnen provides individuals and families with
personalised, professional, quality healthcare across a wide range of medical and support services.
The Practice can be accessed via self referral and provides outreach services (i.e. house calls and
nursing home calls).
Relationships Australia provides relationship support services such as counselling, mediation and
relationship education to individuals, couples, families and communities. This service is delivered
via outreach at the West Belconnen Child and Family Centre and can be accessed via self-referral or
service referral.
The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program provides financial assistance, support and additional
access to Smith Family educational programs for disadvantaged school aged children and their
families. This service is delivered via outreach and can be accessed via a service referral (i.e. from
school or agency)
UnitingCare Kippax
57
1-2-3 Magic is a parenting course designed to help parents build strong, positive relationships with
their children and overcome the stress that can take the fun out of parenting. The course offers
easy-to-learn parenting solutions that work for age groups from toddlers through adolescents. This
program is delivered at Holt (Kippax) and can be accessed via self referral.
Holiday Happenings program is facilitated at the Kippax community centre for primary age children
on Thursdays during school holidays. Activities include craft, games, stories and tinkering. A cost of
$5 per child is required. This can be accessed via self referral.
YWCA of Canberra Circles of Support is a counselling service for children and young people aged 815 years and their families. The service aims to strengthen family relationships and improve family
members’ well-being and is child/young person centred, family focused and strengths based. The
service is delivered via outreach and can be accessed via self-referral or service referral.
58
Overview of Services for Children and Family
Alignment with Human Services Blueprint
Program or
Service
Target
Group and
Age
ACT All
Abilities
Occupational
Therapy
Private
occupational
therapy
services for
people with
a disability
and/or
developmen
tal delay
ACT
Government
(Community
Services
Directorate)
West
Belconnen
Child and
Family
Centre
Organisation
nd Child
ACT
Health (MACH
Government
(Health
Directorate)
ACT
Government
(Justice and
Community
Safety
Directorate)
Human
Services
Subsector
Women,
Youth &
Children
Community
Health
Programs
Nutrition
Service
Emergency
Services –
West
Belconnen
Ambulance
and Fire &
Rescue
station
Building
Community
and Culture
Access
Services
Prevention
and Early
Intervention
Intensive
Service
Offer
Young
children
through to
adults (0-65
years)
eligible for
NDIS
participatio
n or not




Programs
are targeted
towards
children
pre-birth to
8 years of
age




Children
aged 0-5
years




Clients aged
0-25 years
as well as
pregnant
and
breastfeeding women



Statutory
Services


All residents
in the West
Belconnen
area
59
Restorative
Justice
Anglicare
Belconnen
Community
Service (BCS)
Canberra City
Care
Young
Offenders
aged
between 10
and 17
years and
their victims
Anglicare at
Southern
Cross Early
Childhood
Centre
Children
aged 0-8
years
Communitie
s for
Children
Families
with
children
aged 0-5
years living
in
Belconnen
Energy
Efficiency
Program
Handup
Food Care
Re-Runs Op
Shop







Low income
households


Pensioners
and low
income
earners









The Tech
Shed
Christians
Against
Poverty
Capital
Chemist
Charnwood
Free baby
clinic with a
qualified
MACH
All



Care
Financial
Counselling
Service
NILS (No
Interest
Loan
Scheme)
Low income
earners 16
years and
over



60
DUO
AFFIRM
Program
Families
with a child
(age 7-20)
with a
disability



Inanna Inc.
Homelessne
ss Program
Women and
families at
risk of
homelessne
ss

North
Canberra
Family
Practice
General
Practice
All
Relationships
Australia
ACT
Therapeutic
Vulnerable
families
with
children
The Smith
Family
Learning for
Life
School aged
children
and their
families



UnitingCare
Kippax
123 Magic
Families
with
children
aged 5
years and
under







Services for Young People
ACT All Abilities Occupational Therapy provides private occupational therapy services for people
with disability and/or developmental delay. Services are targeted at young children through to
adults (0-65 years) regardless of eligibility for the NDIS. The service is delivered via outreach and
can be accessed via self-referral or referral from another service (i.e. from allied health or medical
practitioner).
ACT Government
Justice and Community Services Directorate
Restorative Justice is a community based response to crime that emphasises the consequences of
an offence and holds young offenders aged between 10 to 17 years responsible for an act of
61
wrongdoing. It focuses on the personal involvement of the offenders, victims and the community.
The service is delivered via outreach and can be accessed via service referral (i.e. from ACT Policing,
DPP and Children’s Court).
Anglicare
Connecting Young Carers to Life Opportunities and Personalised Supports (CYCLOPS ACT) is a
support service for young carers aged 11 to 18 years who care for a family member with a chronic
illness, disability or mental illness and their families. This program provides case management,
advocacy, support groups, information, support accessing other services, skills development, social
and respite activities. The CYCLOPS ACT program is delivered via outreach and be accessed via self
referral or service referral.
The Litmus Program supports young people aged between 11 to 18 caring for a family member
with a mental illness and the whole family including the family member with the mental illness. The
Litmus program provides case management, advocacy, support groups, information, support
accessing other services, skills development, and social and respite activities. The program is
delivered via outreach and be accessed via self referral or service referral.
The Junction Youth Health Service is a free primary health care and support services for young
people aged 12 to 25 years and their dependants, with a particular focus on young people who are
homeless or otherwise at risk. The Junction provides care and support to young people in relation
to all aspects of their health and wellbeing. Services include GPs, nurses, paediatric care, antenatal
care, smoking cessation support, counselling, case management, youth work support and outreach
in schools. The Junction also provides information, education, referral and advocacy. All services
can be accessed via self referral.
Australian Red Cross provide a range of programs such as community visiting and phone calls
which provides participants with a 'friend' who is matched based on interests and background,
Meals on Wheels, personal alarms to enhance peoples independence and enable them to stay
home for longer, monitoring call once a day as a safety check. These programs are delivered via
outreach and be accessed via self referral or service referral.
Canberra City Care is the community care arm of Life Unlimited Church (Life UC) based in
Charnwood and offers food that is free or heavily reduced in price to people who are in need
(Hand-up Food Care), clothing op-shop (Re-Run Op-shop), recycled computers at discounted prices
(The Tech Shed) and a debt management program (Christians against Poverty). An annual
membership fee of $4 is required to access the Hand-up Food Care program. These services can be
accessed via self referral and service referral.
Care Financial Counselling Services provides a range of financial services that include financial
counselling for consumers experiencing financial hardship, Community Development and Education
Program, Consumer Law matters and the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS). NILS is a community
based program offering loans to people aged 16 years and over on low to moderate incomes to
purchase essential household items without any fees, charges or interest payments. The NILS
program is delivered at Holt and can be accessed by self referral and service referral.
Connections ACT First Point is a free service for Canberrans aged 16 years and over who are
homeless or at risk of being homeless. First Point connects individuals with the support they need.
This service is delivered via outreach and can be accessed via self-referral or referral from another
service.
Menslink provides support young men aged between 12-25 years in the Canberra region through
free counselling, volunteer mentoring and schools’ programs. Menslink programs are provided via
outreach at schools and homes and can be accessed via self referral and service referral.
62
North Canberra Family Practice is located in Belconnen provides individuals and families with
personalised, professional, quality healthcare across a wide range of medical and support services.
The Practice can be accessed via self referral and provides outreach services (i.e. house calls and
nursing home calls).
PCYC provides case management mentoring and short term programs and sporting team programs
to young people aged 12 to 25 years and their families. Outreach programs are also available
specifically for vulnerable young people. PCYC programs are provided via outreach and can be
accessed via self referral and service referral.
Richmond Fellowship ACT provides a free personal help and mentoring service for those aged 16
years and over whose ability to function and live in the community is affected by mental illness.
This program delivered from Charnwood and provides outreach to Belconnen and Gungahlin and
can be accessed via self-referral and service referral.
Overview of Services for Young People
Organisation
ACT All
Abilities
Occupational
Therapy
ACT
Government
(Justice and
Community
Safety
Directorate)
Anglicare
Human
Services
Subsector
Program or
Service
Target
Group
and Age
Private
occupational
therapy
services for
people with a
disability
and/or
developmental
delay
Young
children
through to
adults (065 years)
eligible for
NDIS
participati
on or not
Restorative
Justice
Young
Offenders
aged
between
10 and 17
years and
their
victims
The Junction
Youth Health
Service
Young
people
aged 12-25
and their
dependant
s who are
homeless
or
otherwise
at risk
Alignment with Human Services Blueprint
Building
Community
and Culture
Access
Services
Prevention
and Early
Intervention
Intensive
Service
Offer









63
Statutory
Services
CYCLOPS ACT
The Litmus
Program
Community
Visiting
Meals on
Wheels
Australian Red
Cross
Personal Alarm
Service
Telecross
TeleCHAT
Handup Food
Care
Canberra City
Care
Re-Runs Op
Shop
Young
carers
aged 10-25
years










Vulnerable
older
people and
young
people
with a
disability
or
severe/per
sistent
mental
health
issue

Pensioners
and low
income
earners






The Tech Shed




Christians
Against Poverty
Care Financial
Counselling
Service
NILS (No
Interest Loan
Scheme)
Low
income
earners 16
years and
over
First Point
People
aged 16
years and
over
Connections
ACT

Mentoring
13-18
years

Counselling
12-25
years

Silence is
Deadly
Programs
12-18
years
Menslink













64
North
Canberra
Family
Practice
General
Practice

Group
Programs
PCYC
Case
Management
Personal
Helpers and
Mentors
Richmond
Fellowship
ACT Inc.
All

Young
people and
families,
aged 12-25
years and
all ages
Aged 16
years and
over
whose
ability to
function
and live in
the
communit
y is
affected by
mental
illness






Services for Adults
ACT All Abilities Occupational Therapy provides private occupational therapy services for people
with disability and/or developmental delay. Services are targeted at young children through to
adults (0-65 years) regardless of eligibility for the NDIS. The service is delivered via outreach and
can be accessed via self-referral and service referral (i.e. from allied health or medical practitioner).
ACT Government
Community Services Directorate
ACT Women’s Return to Work Grants program provides $1000 grants to women meeting the
criteria wishing to return to work after a period of caring exceeding 12 months or more, unpaid in
the duration of their lives. This program is delivered via outreach and can be accessed via self
referral.
Health Directorate
Obesity Management Service supports adults with a high level of obesity to improve their health
and wellbeing. The Service focuses on those who are at high risk of developing complications from
their obesity or those who already have additional health problems. The Service team includes
doctors, nurses, dietitians, psychologists, physiotherapists and exercise physiologists. The service is
delivered via outreach and can be accessed via self-referral and service referral (i.e. from allied
health or medical practitioner).
Women’s Health Service provides a range of health services such as, comprehensive women's
health check that includes a health history, routine screening and cervical screening and life style
65
advice, counselling on a range of issues, training to health professional and community agencies on
working with women who have been subjected to interpersonal violence and specialised medical
These services are delivered via outreach and can be accessed via self-referral and service referral
with consumer permission.
Justice and Community Safety Directorate
Throughcare provides support to offenders’ when re-integrating into the community. The program
seeks to recognise the diverse and complex needs of prisoner during transition into the community
and focuses on seamless service provision with a view to reducing the risk of re-offending. These
services are delivered via outreach and can be accessed via service referral.
Emergency Services – West Belconnen Ambulance and Fire & Rescue Station
Paramedics and fire fighters are co-located in West Belconnen (Charnwood) and each provided
tailored serves to the community. The ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS) is responsible for providing
emergency and non-emergency ambulance and aeromedical ambulance services to the ACT and
surrounding south east NSW region and the Australian Capital Territory Fire & Rescue is a diverse
organisation with legislated responsibility in a variety of areas related to fire and rescue. These
services can be accessed via calling 000 in case of emergency.
Anglicare Disability Services ACT provides individual and group support for people aged between
19 to 65 years at flexible times. The exact nature of the support that an individual requires will be
as agreed upon as part of the initial support and service arrangement that is suitable to the person.
This service is delivered via outreach and can be accessed via self-referral.
Australian Red Cross provide a range of programs such as community visiting and phone calls
which provides participants with a 'friend' who is matched based on interests and background,
Meals on Wheels, personal alarms to enhance peoples independence and enable them to stay
home for longer, monitoring call once a day as a safety check. These programs are delivered via
outreach and be accessed via self referral or service referral.
Belconnen Community Service Energy Efficiency Program provides education to low income
households on ways to reduce the household energy consumption making bills more affordable.
This service is delivered via outreach and can be accessed via self-referral or referral from another
service.
Canberra City Care is the community care arm of Life Unlimited Church (Life UC) based in
Charnwood and offers food that is free or heavily reduced in price to people who are in need
(Hand-up Food Care), clothing op-shop (Re-Run Op-shop), recycled computers at discounted prices
(The Tech Shed) and a debt management program (Christians against Poverty). An annual
membership fee of $4 is required to access the Hand-up Food Care program. These services can be
accessed via self referral and service referral.
Capital Chemist Charnwood provides a range of services such as baby clinic with qualified MACH
nurse, medical compression garment service, dosage administration aids, wound care assessment
and triage, medication management, mental health crisis and triage, pain management, hospital
discharge management, home help equipment and smoking cessation counselling. Services are
provided both in-reach and at the Chemist shopfront at Charnwood.
These services can be accessed by via self-referrals and service referrals (i.e. from Health Care
Professionals).
Care Financial Counselling Services provides a range of financial services that include financial
counselling for consumers experiencing financial hardship, Community Development and Education
Program, Consumer Law matters and the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS). NILS is a community
based program offering loans to people aged 16 years and over on low to moderate incomes to
66
purchase essential household items without any fees, charges or interest payments. The NILS
program is delivered at Holt and can be accessed by self referral and service referral.
Contact Canberra provides an information service that links people to government and community
services, organisations and interest groups, low-level advocacy and the Access City Hotline which
provides assistance on infrastructure disability access issues in the ACT. This service is delivered via
outreach and can be accessed via self-referral or referral from another service.
Connections ACT First Point is a free service for Canberrans aged 16 years and over who are
homeless or at risk of being homeless. First Point connects individuals with the support they need.
This service is delivered via outreach and can be accessed via self-referral or referral from another
service.
Inanna Inc. provides accommodation, crisis and transitional support for women and children and
families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Inanna Inc. also facilitates the Indigenous
Boarding House project that provides accommodation to interstate Indigenous students accessing
education. Homelessness services can be accessed via First Point and the Indigenous Boarding
House project can be accessed via Inanna.
Just Better Care Canberra provides in-home supportive services, enabling people to live
independently at home, maintain their personal and social connections and enjoy a better quality
of life. This service is delivered via outreach and can be accessed via self-referral or referral from
another service.
North Canberra Family Practice is located in Belconnen provides individuals and families with
personalised, professional, quality healthcare across a wide range of medical and support services.
The Practice can be accessed via self referral and provides outreach services (i.e. house calls and
nursing home calls).
Richmond Fellowship ACT provides a free personal help and mentoring service for those aged 16
years and over whose ability to function and live in the community is affected by
mental illness. This program delivered from Charnwood and provides outreach to Belconnen and
Gungahlin and can be accessed via self-referral and service referral.
Tenants’ Union ACT provides telephone advice on tenancy law to individuals renting their home in
the ACT, additional minor assistance and representation at ACAT available after merits test applied.
This service is delivered via outreach and can be accessed via self-referral or referral from another
service.
UnitingCare Kippax provide emergency financial and material aid such as food hampers, gift cards
to purchase fresh food, clothing and bedding, support with medical and pharmaceutical bills and
bus tickets, help with housing and legal aid, and financial counselling. In winter we can assist with
warm. Emergency financial and material aid is delivered from Holt (Kippax) and is offered to all who
live in Canberra and surrounding areas. This service can be accessed via self referral or service
referral.
67
Overview of Services for Adults
Organisation
ACT All
Abilities
Occupational
Therapy
ACT
Government
(Community
Services
Directorate)
ACT
Government
(Health
Directorate
Human
Services
Subsector
Program or
Service
Target
Group and
Age
Private
occupational
therapy
services for
people with a
disability
and/or
development
al delay
Young
children
through to
adults (0-65
years) eligible
for NDIS
participation
or not
ACT Women’s
Return to
Work Grant
Women (16
years and
over) seeking
to return to
the workforce
after a period
of
unemploymen
t due to caring
Obesity
Management
Service
Adults (18
years and
over) with a
Body Mass
Index of 40 or
more and with
one or more
other medical
conditions
Women’s
Health
Service
Women who
face
significant
barriers to
accessing
health
services
Alignment with Human Services Blueprint
Building
Communit
y and
Culture
Access
Services
Prevention
and Early
Intervention
Intensive
Service
Offer














)
68
Statutory
Services
ACT
Government
(Justice and
Community
Safety
Directorate)
Throughcare
Former
detainees
Emergency
Services –
West
Belconnen
Ambulance
and Fire &
Rescue
station
All residents in
the West
Belconnen
area
PROBUS Club
Retirees



Disability
Services ACT
People with a
disability aged
19-65 years

Community
Visiting
Vulnerable
older people
and young
people with a
disability or
severe/persist
ent mental
health issue

Anglicare
Australian Red
Cross
Meals on
Wheels
Personal
Alarm Service
Telecross
Canberra City
Care
Energy
Efficiency
Program
Low income
households
Handup Food
Care
Pensioners
and low
income
earners
Re-Runs Op
Shop




TeleCHAT
Belconnen
Community
Service (BCS)

The Tech
Shed








Christians
Against
Poverty
Capital
Free baby
clinic with a
All






69
Chemist
Charnwood
qualified
MACH nurse
Medical
compression
garment
service

Dosage
administratio
n aids



Wound care
assessment
and triage




Medication
management
Mental health
crisis and
triage




Pain
management
Care Financial
Counselling
Service
Contact
Canberra
Connections
ACT
Inanna Inc.

Hospital
discharge
management



Home help
equipment



Smoking
cessation
counselling











NILS (No
Interest Loan
Scheme)
Low income
earners 16
years and over
CONTACT
Canberra
Community
Information
General, new
to Canberra,
seniors,
students,
families,
crisis/complex
referral
First Point
People aged
16 years and
over
Homelessnes
s Program
Women and
families at risk
of


70
homelessness
Just Better
Care Canberra
North
Canberra
Family
Practice
Richmond
Fellowship
ACT Inc.
Tenants’
Union ACT
UnitingCare
Kippax
Community
Support
Whole of
Community
General
Practice
All



Personal
Helpers and
Mentors
Aged 16 years
and over
whose ability
to function
and live in the
community is
affected by
mental illness




Tenants’
Advice
Service
All people
renting in the
ACT




Emergency
and Financial
Aid
Vulnerable
people
experiencing
financial
difficulty
123 Magic
Families with
children aged
5 years and
under



Families with
children aged
12 years and
under



Holiday
Happenings

Services for Retirement
ACT Disability Aged and Carer Advocacy Service (ADACAS) is an independent, not-for-profit,
advocacy organisation helping people with disabilities, older people and their carers. These
programs are delivered via outreach and be accessed via self referral.
ACT Government
Justice and Community Safety Directorate
Emergency Services – West Belconnen Ambulance and Fire & Rescue Station
Paramedics and fire fighters are co-located in West Belconnen (Charnwood) and each provided
tailored serves to the community. The ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS) is responsible for providing
71

emergency and non-emergency ambulance and aeromedical ambulance services to the ACT and
surrounding south east NSW region and the Australian Capital Territory Fire & Rescue is a diverse
organisation with legislated responsibility in a variety of areas related to fire and rescue. These
services can be accessed via calling 000 in case of emergency.
Australian Red Cross provide a range of programs such as community visiting and phone calls
which provides participants with a 'friend' who is matched based on interests and background,
Meals on Wheels, personal alarms to enhance peoples independence and enable them to stay
home for longer, monitoring call once a day as a safety check. These programs are delivered via
outreach and be accessed via self referral or service referral.
Belconnen Community Service Energy Efficiency Program provides education to low income
households on ways to reduce the household energy consumption making bills more affordable.
This service is delivered via outreach and can be accessed via self-referral or service referral.
Canberra City Care is the community care arm of Life Unlimited Church (Life UC) based in
Charnwood and offers food that is free or heavily reduced in price to people who are in need
(Hand-up Food Care), clothing op-shop (Re-Run Op-shop), recycled computers at discounted prices
(The Tech Shed) and a debt management program (Christians against Poverty). An annual
membership fee of $4 is required to access the Hand-up Food Care program. These services can be
accessed via self referral and service referral.
Capital Chemist Charnwood provides a range of services such as baby clinic with qualified MACH
nurse, medical compression garment service, dosage administration aids, wound care assessment
and triage, medication management, mental health crisis and triage, pain management, hospital
discharge management, home help equipment and smoking cessation counselling. Services are
provided both in-reach and at the Chemist shopfront at Charnwood. These services can be accessed
by via self-referrals and service referrals (i.e. from Health Care Professionals).
Care Financial Counselling Services provides a range of financial services that include financial
counselling for consumers experiencing financial hardship, Community Development and Education
Program, Consumer Law matters and the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS). NILS is a community
based program offering loans to people aged 16 years and over on low to moderate incomes to
purchase essential household items without any fees, charges or interest payments. The NILS
program is delivered at Holt and can be accessed by self referral and service referral.
Contact Canberra provides an information service that links people to government and community
services, organisations and interest groups, low-level advocacy and the Access City Hotline which
provides assistance on infrastructure disability access issues in the ACT. This service is delivered via
outreach and can be accessed via self-referral or referral from another service.
Connections ACT First Point is a free service for Canberrans aged 16 years and over who are
homeless or at risk of being homeless. First Point connects individuals with the support they need.
This service is delivered via outreach and can be accessed via self-referral or referral from another
service.
COTA ACT is the peak organisation concerned with all issues related to ageing. It is an independent,
non-party political and non-religious organisation working to protect and promote the well-being,
rights and interests of all older people in the ACT irrespective of socio-economic, ethnic, religious or
cultural background. This service is delivered via outreach and can be accessed via self-referral.
72
Just Better Care Canberra provides in-home supportive services, enabling people to live
independently at home, maintain their personal and social connections and enjoy a better quality
of life. This service is delivered via outreach and can be accessed via self-referral or referral from
another service.
North Canberra Family Practice is located in Belconnen provides individuals and families with
personalised, professional, quality healthcare across a wide range of medical and support services.
The Practice can be accessed via self referral and provides outreach services (i.e. house calls and
nursing home calls).
PROBUS Club is an association for active members of the community, for those no longer working
full time. Probus provides the opportunity to advance intellectual and cultural interests amongst
adult persons; provide regular opportunities to progress healthy minds and active bodies through
social interaction and activities and expand interests and to enjoy the fellowship of new friends.
Probus is a community service activity of Rotary clubs. This club meets monthly at Holt (Kippax) and
can be accessed via self referral.
UnitingCare Kippax provide emergency financial and material aid such as food hampers, gift cards
to purchase fresh food, clothing and bedding, support with medical and pharmaceutical bills and
bus tickets, help with housing and legal aid, and financial counselling. In winter we can assist with
warm. Emergency financial and material aid is delivered from Holt (Kippax) and is offered to all who
live in Canberra and surrounding areas. This service can be accessed via self referral or service
referral.
Overview of Services for Retirement
Organisation
Human
Services
Subsector
Program or
Service
Target
Group and
Age
Alignment with Human Services Blueprint objectives
Building
Communit
y and
Culture
Access
Services
Prevention
and Early
Intervention
Advocacy
Frail older
people,
people with
a disability,
people with
mental
illness



Emergency
Services – West
Belconnen
Ambulance and
Fire & Rescue
station
All residents
in the West
Belconnen
area
PROBUS Club
meeting
Retirees
ACT Disability
Aged and
Carer
Advocacy
Service
ACT
Government
(Justice and
Community
Safety
Directorate)
Intensive
Service
Offer
Statutory
Services



73
Community
Visiting
Meals on
Wheels
Australian Red
Cross
Personal Alarm
Service
Vulnerable
older people
and young
people with
a disability
or severe
/persistent
mental
health issue



Telecross

TeleCHAT

Energy
Efficiency
Program
Low income
households


Handup Food
Care
Pensioners
and low
income
earners






Belconnen
Community
Service (BCS)
Canberra City
Care
Re-Runs Op
Shop
The Tech Shed

Christians
Against Poverty
Medical
compression
garment
service
Capital
Chemist
Charnwood


All
Dosage
administration
aids



Wound care
assessment
and triage




Medication
management
Mental health
crisis and triage




74

Pain
management
Care Financial
Counselling
Service
Hospital
discharge
management



Home help
equipment



Smoking
cessation
counselling



Low income
earners 16
years and
over



CONTACT
Canberra
Community
Information
General,
new to
Canberra,
seniors,
students,
families,
crisis/compl
ex referral



Access City
Hotline
Provides
assistance
on
infrastructur
e disability
access issues
in the AC



First Point
People aged
16 years and
over


Seniors
Information
Service +
Housing
Canberra
residents
aged 50
years and
NILS (No
Interest Loan
Scheme)
Contact
Canberra
Connections
ACT
COTA ACT



75
Just Better
Care Canberra
North
Canberra
Family
Practice
Tenants’
Union ACT
UnitingCare
Kippax
Options Advice
over
Community
Support
Whole of
Community
General
Practice
All
Tenants’ Advice
Service
All people
renting in
the ACT
Emergency and
Financial Aid
Vulnerable
people
experiencing
financial
difficulty








76
Chapter 3: Community Engagement
Overview
In October and November 2014, many West Belconnen residents took the time to provided and
share their thoughts and personal experiences on how services for
West Belconnen residents could be improved in the future and how a stronger feeling of
community could be built.
In this initial phase, West Belconnen residents were provided several different formats to engage
and share their thoughts and views, with some methods being more successful than others. The
aim was to establish which of these formats of engagement and consultation were most effective,
with a focus on trying to engage those members of the community who are most difficult to reach.
With this aim in mind, proposed future considerations for engagement have been provided
throughout this report to support the West Belconnen Local Services Network and to assist in
future consultation processes.
Consideration for future engagement:
1. The roving community storyboards should be continued as a consultation method. It is
suggested that an individual is located with the storyboard to engage in conversation
with community members and encourage people contribution.
2. Mail box drop (postcards) and newspaper advertisement were widely distributed
around the West Belconnen area and provided the community with information of the
Local Services Network and the different method which residents may like to contribute.
It is proposed that this format was not as successful in disseminating information as
initially thought. Of the two formats, the newspaper advertisement was more successful
than the postcards.
3. Social media was used to reach those individuals with Facebook and Twitter accounts.
This engagement format is free of charge, is not difficult to use or time consuming and
has the potential reach thousands of people. It is proposed that this method continue to
be used.
4. While neighbourhood forums provided in depth conversations and information
gathering, it is proposed that future forums be limited to mid week forums rather than
weekends or evenings.
5. Targeted focus groups should be conducted throughout the Local Services Network with
a particular focus on disadvantaged groups that may not attend a neighbourhood forum
or other engagement formats.
6. Based on successful examples of individual client journey mapping, it is suggested that
training and support be provided to workers in the Local Services Network to build
capacity for engaging hard to reach community members.
7. Online survey should be used to provide an easy means to collect data from the
community. However it should not be exclusively relied upon to provide feedback from
the community as a whole.
8. Personalised invitations to West Belconnen residents who are actively engaged and
motivated to improve the outcomes for their community.
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9. Previous and new consultations relating to West Belconnen should be collated and
made available for future reference, to avoid over consulting particular groups, and to
ensure key themes are shared across multiple stakeholders.
10. Child specific surveys can be of great assistance in gaining a whole of community view
on service delivery and connectedness. Due to public school policies and clearance
requirements, additional time is required if the surveys are to be extended to public
schools.
11. Youth specific surveys could be delivered through ACT high schools, colleges and youth
services. Due to public school policies and clearance requirements, additional time is
required if the surveys are to be extended to public schools.
This initial community consultation process also aimed to gauge what is of importance and concern
to the community in West Belconnen, what local residents enjoy about living in this community,
and what they would like to see change in West Belconnen. These conversations focused on both
community building and service improvement areas.
Five key themes emerging from these conversations and are outlined at page 80 to 84 (Attachment
A), along with information on how the themes may be taken forward by the Local Services
Network.
Key themes outlined include:

Improved Services

Community Facilities

Building a Sense of Community

Improved Education and Employment

Better Transport
Engagement Activities
A variety of community engagement activities were undertaken, and while some were more
successful than others, the feedback provided was constructive and consistent.
The engagement activities included:
Roving Community Storyboards were developed to reflect the current state of
West Belconnen, the desired service experience, and to provide people with the opportunity to
respond to the prompt ‘Tell us your ideas for better services in West Belconnen.’
Attached to the boards were post-it notes and markers so people could quickly and easily share
their feedback. The storyboards were hosted by a variety of services, including West Belconnen
Child and Family Centre, Uniting Care Kippax,
Belconnen Community Service, and Canberra City Care, as well as at Kippax Fair,
the Belconnen Fresh Food Markets, and several other community events in the
West Belconnen area.
Overall, feedback from the storyboards was valuable, reaching individuals we may have otherwise
had difficulty consulting with, and providing insight into the ideas the community has about West
Belconnen.
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It is worth noting that while the boards were effective on their own, they were substantially more
effective when they were accompanied by an individual who was willing to engage people in
conversation about their service experience, capturing comments on the post it notes as they
spoke.
At first glance many people failed to think of anything to contribute, but when asked about
previous experience with services they had a whole range of valuable suggestions.
Consideration for future engagement: The Story Boards should be continued as a
consultation method. It is suggested that an individual is located with the storyboard to
engage in conversation with community members and encourage people contribution.
Mail box drop (postcards) and newspaper advertisement were widely distributed around the West
Belconnen area and provided the community with information of the Local Services Network and
the different method which residents may like to contribute. Twelve thousand postcards were
dropped in West Belconnen home letter boxes that accepted ‘junk mail’. A newspaper
advertisement was placed in the
Northside Chronicle Newspaper, which is delivered free of charge to those home accepting ‘junk
mail’.
It is proposed that this format was not as successful in disseminating information as initially
thought. Of the two formats, the newspaper advertisement was more successful than the
postcards.
Consideration for future engagement: The newspaper advertisement appeared to be more
successful and economically viable than the postcard and should continue to be a useful
consultation method.
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Social media were used to engage those individuals with Facebook and/or Twitter accounts who
were linked in with the Community Services Directorate social media accounts. It is difficult to
determine the number of people which this method reached and engaged with. However, this
method is free of charge, is not difficult to use or time consuming and has the potential reach
thousands of people. It is suggested that the Network continue to use this method with the
possibility of creating a Facebook and/or Twitter account to connect with those West Belconnen
residents that use social media.
Consideration for future engagement: It is suggested that the Network continue to use
social media with the possibility of creating a Facebook and/or Twitter account to connect
with those West Belconnen residents that use social media.
Neighbourhood Forums were held on 25, 27 and 30 October across West Belconnen for residents
and service providers. The forums were jointly hosted by Belconnen Community Services and the
Better Services Team, Community Services Directorate.
The forums were spread over a variety of days and times, with one on the weekend and two midweek, in the evening and mid-morning, to ensure everyone who wanted to attend would have the
opportunity to do so. In addition, the forums were held in a variety of locations including Flynn,
Holt and Charnwood.
The forums were promoted widely, including through social media, mail box drops,
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CD-net, through Canberra Connect and in the Chronicle.
The forums had low participation rates, however, as a result of these small rates discussion was in
depth and very informative. Interestingly, largely the same topics and themes were covered over
each forum, giving confidence that while the sample size at each forum was small; the results from
the forums are reliable.
The mid-morning forum attracted the highest number of participants, with both the weekend and
evening forum attracting smaller numbers. It was also noted that the majority of attendees were
retired community members or people delivering services in West Belconnen, supporting the
preference for mid-week forums.
Consideration for future engagement: While neighbourhood forums provide in depth
conversation and information gathering, it is recommended that future forums be limited to
mid week forums rather than weekends or evenings.
Targeted focus groups were organised with a variety of different individuals including a new
parents group, West Belconnen People and Places Committee and an advisory committee of adults
with intellectual disabilities.
Each of these groups proved incredibly fruitful feedback, and a great depth of insight into the
different experiences of these groups in both receiving and providing services in West Belconnen.
Targeted focus groups proved to be the most effective activity for seeking detailed input, by going
where people already are, and by engaging on issues that matter to them. When combined with
other methods for reaching particularly isolated or disengaged groups, targeted focus groups can
provide valuable input from diverse participants.
Consideration for future engagement: Targeted focus groups should be conducted
throughout the Local Services Network with a particular focus on disadvantaged groups that
may not attend a separate forum or engagement activity.
Individual Conversations were anticipated using a conversation tool that was developed for
services to use with a variety of their clients, many of whom use services regularly. Unfortunately,
the response from this was insufficient, with services indicating that they didn’t have the time or
confidence to engage clients in using the tool.
Similar tools have however been effectively used by other processes, including the Health Care
Consumer Association’s Real People, Real Data project. This project provides valuable insight into
individual client journeys and indicates a potential opportunity to improve the conversation tool
methodology for the Local Services Network. Learning’s from both approaches will be used to
inform future roll out of the conversation tool, including by providing training and support to
workers in the Local Services Network.
Consideration for future engagement: Based on successful examples of individual client
journey mapping, training and support should be provided to workers in the Local Services
Network to build capacity for engaging hard to reach community members.
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An Online Survey was hosted on the ACT Government Time to Talk website opening early October
and closing early November. The survey received 33 responses from both service users and service
providers in the West Belconnen region.
The survey was exclusively available online, and as a result access from the entire community was
unlikely. However, the responses received were detailed, beneficial, and in line with other
consultation outcomes. Additionally, responses were reflective of a broad spectrum of participants.
Consideration for future engagement: Online surveys should be used to provide an easy
means to collect data from the community, however, it should not be exclusively relied
upon to provide feedback from the community as a whole.
Personalised invitations to attend the Neighbourhood Forums were sent from the Director
General, Community Services Directorate to the five West Belconnen residents who recently
participated in the Older Person’s Assembly. Two of those residents invited attended a Forum and
were eager to share their views and ideas on how Older West Belconnen residents may continue to
enjoy and benefit from living the area.
Consideration for future engagement: Based on the success of personalised invitations,
broadening the scope to include additional stakeholder groups, such as young people could be
another method.
A Review of Previous Engagement and Consultations was completed to ensure that consultation
did not miss any key themes. Many of the themes from previous consultations aligned closely with
what was established in this consultation.
Previous consultation included the West Belconnen Comprehensive Community Plan, Kippax Group
Centre Planning Review: Community Consultation Outcomes Report, Beyond NAIDOC and Let’s
Make it Fair, as well as consultation completed with groups through other services, including the
South Sudanese community.
Previous consultation themes provided a good base to establish the focus of consultations both in
this phase, and potentially for future phases as well. Reviewing previous consultations also ensured
that the same groups or individuals were not being asked the same questions through multiple
engagement processes.
Consideration for future engagement: Previous and new consultations relating to West
Belconnen should be collated and made available for future reference, to avoid over consulting
particular groups, and to ensure key themes are shared across multiple stakeholders.
Consultations with children was conducted which involved child friendly surveys developed for use
in schools, pre-schools, playgroups and potentially childcare.
Due to public school policies and clearance requirements, these schools were unable to complete
the survey during the initial consultation phase. However, one independent school was able to
provide results within the timeframe. Several children attending playgroups with their parent or
guardian also completed the survey.
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Results from the completed surveys were useful in providing another point of view on service
provision and sense of community in West Belconnen. Preliminary results also reflect what has
been established through previous methods of community engagement.
Consideration for future engagement: Child specific surveys can be of great assistance in
gaining a whole of community view on service delivery and connectedness. Additional time
is however required to comply with public school policies if the surveys are to be extended
to public schools.
Whilst young people were not significantly surveyed during this stage, the roving story boards were
hosted by the Belconnen Community Centre-Youth Centre, with staff assisting to gather
information on issues relevant to young people in the area.
Consideration for future engagement: In future phases, youth specific surveys could be
delivered through high school, colleges and youth services such as Youth Justice.
Engagement Outcomes
Five key themes emerged from the community engagement activities and the review of previous
consultations. Within each of the themes are several topics, Attachment A provides a detailed
breakdown of the five themes and topics discussed below.
Improved Services
Improved Access to Services
People want to be able to access information easily when they need it. Services also need to be
available on weekends/evenings for those who work. People are concerned about age restrictions
on services that should be available to meet their needs. People also commented that services
should be able to direct them to other services if they can’t provide what they need.
Available Services
Improving services for young people was high on many people’s agendas. A youth venue which is
located in West Belconnen and open in the evenings and on weekends, education assistance for
young people, and support groups for young people at risk, were all raised as key supports which
may help improve the lives of young people in West Belconnen. In addition, community
entertainment events, including music festivals and a leadership development group, were
suggested as key activities to encourage young people to engage in community participation.
In addition to services for young people, gender specific services including women’s services in the
region, a Men’s Shed in West Belconnen, a father’s support group, and more groups/activities that
are specific to men in the West Belconnen area. More services for children during the week and
outside work hours were also identified.
Support for the elderly is also needed in West Belconnen. People feel that neighbours should be
looking out for the older people living in their street, that there should be parks with benches to
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provide a place to relax outside. Older people in the community should feel as though they have
places to go and things to do in order to avoid feeling isolated.
People also believe there should be more affordable healthcare, housing options that are both
more affordable and more diverse, and an increase in outreach services to reach the most
vulnerable members of the community.
Improved Promotion of Services
Services should be promoted by other services across West Belconnen, regardless of if they are colocated or not, and if a service is unable to help someone, they should point them in the right
direction, rather than just dismissing them.
Services need to work together, they should have common processes, and share information where
they can, people do not want to have to tell their story multiple times. This would also help to
prevent doubling-up and to ensure services are working as effectively as possible for the best
outcomes.
Furthermore, people want to feel that when they access services they are respected and treated
with dignity, people should be able to provide constructive feedback and be supported and
encouraged to do so without fearing negative repercussions for speaking up. Feedback should also
happen on a continuous basis, it should not just be a one off.
Community Facilities
Facilities
The community would like to see an increase in the number and quality of community facilities
currently in West Belconnen. In particular more dog parks, more challenging playgrounds, a
swimming pool and sports complex, recreational areas that appeal to the whole family, and more
childcare facilities. In addition, a focus on the development of infrastructure including more banks,
cafes, supermarkets and department stores is necessary, particularly for the suburbs of West
Belconnen that lack any shops.
More Accessible Facilities
Community infrastructure and facilities need to be accessible to the entire community, including
those living with a disability. The community wants facilities like swimming pools to be financially
accessible, for community facilities to be well maintained (including mowing the grass to avoid
snakes), to ensure shared spaces remain somewhere everyone in the community feels welcome. In
addition, all community areas should be well lit to ensure the safety of those using them.
People would also like public housing to be better maintained; the potential for volunteers to
contribute to this was suggested. Indeed, people are happy to have public housing on their street
as long as it is not easily identifiable as such, this also helps to encourage a feeling of inclusion in
the community.
Protection of Indigenous Land
Throughout the development process in West Belconnen, the community believes it is of great
importance to ensure that indigenous land and heritage sites are protected.
Building a Sense of Community
Community Ownership
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People feel that there should be more of a sense of community in the West Belconnen area, and
that people should be able to have a sense of ownership, and take pride in their community. People
think this could be developed through an increase in community events that are based in, and
focused on West Belconnen. In particular, there should be more events on the weekends, and
specifically for children and young people, and also a West Belconnen Market should be developed,
featuring local produce.
People identified that a significant barrier to developing a sense of community was the red tape
that exists around community events, including being unable to block off the street for street
parties, and being concerned about helping out by doing things like mowing the median strip
because of the potential liability involved. However, people also thought that through compromise,
this could be easily overcome. An excellent example of compromise would be the parties held at
the shops, while discontinued, they provide an excellent starting point.
Local businesses could also contribute to creating a sense of community by providing excess food
for those who may need it, and to allow things like community vegetable plants at places like
Kippax Fair.
Community Participation
Encouraging community participation can go a long way towards preventing anti-social behaviour.
People have made it clear that they want to be involved with their community, and while they don’t
want to be a part of the design process, they do want to be consulted, and kept up to date with
what is happening in their community.
People can contribute through volunteering, and they have made it clear that they would like more
opportunities to do so, as well as someone to organise opportunities so that they can just arrive
and help out. Pro-social behaviour such as volunteering, particularly when based in the community,
has the potential to minimise behaviour like bullying.
Bullying was an issue that came up frequently during consultation; people made it clear they
believe it to be a whole community issue, and it can only be combated that way. It was a particular
issue among people who come from diverse backgrounds and people with disability.
Therefore, it is important to appreciate the diversity of the community and residents within West
Belconnen, and indeed, people made it clear that people should appreciate people who have
different life experiences than their own. It was also suggested that events with a focus on diversity
and multiculturalism, like pot luck community meals, be embraced in the community.
Education and Employment
Employment
People felt that there needed to be more employment opportunities in the
West Belconnen area, so that they didn’t have to travel to Belconnen town centre or the city. This is
particularly important for young people looking for casual retail and hospitality opportunities.
Additionally, people felt that they could benefit significantly from job network services that would
help link them with employment.
Improved Options for Education
People felt that there needed to be more options for education, particularly at the
high school level in the West Belconnen area. In particular people wanted a college, and more high
school options, more after school activities, and more advertisements of services in schools. It was
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also suggested that Year 6 inductions for High School should be scheduled before applications are
due so people are more informed to make decisions.
Transport
Public Transport
A large number of people felt that the bus services could be significantly improved in West
Belconnen. People felt there were not enough bus services throughout West Belconnen and
between West Belconnen and Belconnen, particularly during the day. They also felt that there
should be several places to re-charge and purchase
MyWay cards in the West Belconnen area.
Community Transport
People felt that the bike tracks and footpaths around West Belconnen could be maintained much
better, particularly outside city centres. Bike paths should also be extended so it is possible to ride
safely from West Belconnen to Belconnen city centre.
Additionally, people felt a community transport service that was either heavily discounted or free
should run between the Holt, Charnwood, Flynn and Kippax service hubs.
Parking
People felt it was not appropriate for them to have to pay for parking when visiting community
services, and consequently that parking should be free near vital services and amenities. In
addition, people suggested that better/safer parking is necessary at Kippax Fair and the West
Belconnen Child and Family Centre.
Children’s Engagement Outcomes
Engagement with children
In addition to the above consultation themes, child friendly surveys were also completed by
primary age children from one school in the West Belconnen area.
In total, 161 children aged 5 to 12 years were surveyed.
The surveys varied slightly, children between 4 and 8 completed a predominantly qualitative survey
with 4 main questions (in addition to demographic questions):
Who would you go to if you needed help? What makes you feel safe, loved and happy? Do you
think people listen to you and your ideas? Then they were asked to draw their favourite things
about living in their neighbourhood.
In addition to demographic questions, children between 9 and 12 were asked to rank
10 statements from strongly agree (two happy faces) to strongly disagree (two sad faces), the
statements were: I like living in my neighbourhood, I live close to shops, It is easy for me to get
around my neighbourhood, I know where I need to go if I need help, there are plenty of fun things
to do in my neighbourhood, I like going to school, I feel safe in my neighbourhood, I have friends I
can talk to in my neighbourhood, I feel like I can speak my mind and be listened to. They were also
asked how they got to school, and to draw the best thing about living in their neighbourhood.
The surveys can be found at Attachment B.
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Engagement with Children Reponses
Responses were received from 62 children between the ages of 5 to 8 (Kindergarten, Years One and
Two), and 99 responses were received from children between the ages of 9 to 12 (Years three to
Six).
Kindergarten, Year One and Year Two Responses
Who would you go to if you needed help?
The top response to this question was parents, with 37 responses, followed by teacher with 19
responses and a friend with 14 responses. Other responses included police/fireman, doctor and
ambulance. Only two children did not respond to the question, and none of the children reported
having no one to go to if they needed help.
What makes you feel safe, happy and loved?
Thirty-eight children responded that their mum or dad made them feel happy, safe and loved,
followed by family at 17, and affection, including hugs and kisses with 16 responses. Grandparents,
friends and their home were other popular responses.
Do you think people listen to your ideas?
Thirty-nine of the children surveyed responded yes, that they believed people listened to their
ideas, while 18 responded no, and six responded sometimes.
When children were asked to draw what their favourite thing about their neighbourhood was they
drew pictures of their house, family and playgrounds.
Some examples can be seen below.
Family and Home
The Par
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Year Three to Year Six Responses
Nearly all the children responded strongly agree or agree to” I like living in my neighbourhood”, “I
live close to the shops”, “it is easy for me to get around my neighbourhood” and “I know where to
go if I need help”.
However, about 20 per cent of children responded disagree or strongly disagree to “there are
plenty of fun things to do in my neighbourhood”, “I feel safe in my neighbourhood” and “I have
friends I can talk to in my neighbourhood”.
This suggests that while the majority of children feel there are fun things to do in their
neighbourhood, and that they feel safe, there are a significant number who do not.
When asked to draw the best thing about living in their neighbourhood children drew or wrote
about the parks, playgrounds, and their friends and family, as well as feeling safe.
Some children said that they would like to see more playgrounds, and sports and recreation
activities. Some examples can be seen below:
“Friendly Neighbourhood and People”
“I feel safe”
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Left: “There are a couple of parks near my
Mum and Dad’s house, I also liver near shops.
I would like to see grass cut and plants being
cared for.”
Below: “It is really easy to go places because
the places are so close to where I live. I like
my neighbourhood because there are so
many bike tracks to ride my bike on.”
Children’s Engagement Themes
Things to do
Children enjoy the parks, playgrounds and recreational areas available to them in
West Belconnen. They would like to see them being better maintained, in particular the grass being
cut, and for there to be more of them.
Feeling Safe/Knowing where to go
Many children reported feeling safe in their community, and almost all knew where they would go
if they needed help.
Friends/Community
Children felt well supported by their parents, family, and teachers, as well as their friends. It is clear
that they feel a sense of community through these relationships.
Links to Broader Engagement Themes
There are some clear links between the consultation with the broader community, and the
consultation with primary school children, in particular, the focus on recreational activities for
children, including improvements to current playgrounds, more challenging playgrounds, sports
facilities and importantly the maintenance of all these areas. In addition to this, it is clear that there
needs to be a focus on continuing to build a sense of community, as it is apparent that this has a
significant impact on primary aged children.
Continued Engagement
The above community engagement reflects only the initial phase of community consultation for this
project. Future consultation can rely on what has been learnt from this initial consultation and
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engagement process and can continue to develop the most efficient methods and formats to
consultation and engage with the West Belconnen community.
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Attachment A Consultation Outcomes Table
Human Services Sector Key
Education
OBJECTIVES
Access to Services
Services for Young
People/Young
Adults
Services for Men
Justice
Health
THIS IS WHAT WE HEARD

People want to be able to access
information easily when they need it.

Services available on weekends/evenings
for those who work.

No age restrictions for services

Services should be able to direct a person
to other services if they can’t provide
what they need

Education assistance for young people

Leadership development group for young
people.

Youth venue open in the evenings and on
the weekend

Support services for young adults at risk
(including support groups)

More entertainment for youth, festivals
etc.

Having people for teenagers to talk to
that aren’t family

A Youth Centre located in West
Belconnen

Father’s support group
Community
RELEVANT SECTORS OF THE HUMAN
SERVICES SYSTEM
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
Men’s shed

More groups/activities specific to men in
the West Belconnen area

Women would like more services for
their children during the week and
outside work hours throughout all of
West Belconnen

Women’s services in the region to
replace the Women’s Information and
Referral Centre

Housing options for women over 60+

Neighbours should be looking out for the
older people living in their street

There should be park benches etc to
provide a place to relax outside of the
house

People should be able to have places to
go/things to do so they can avoid feeling
isolated

More affordable housing

Well maintained public housing

Housing for women 60 years +
More Outreach
Services

Services that go to West Belconnen’s
most vulnerable members as they may
not go to services
More affordable
Healthcare

The West Belconnen Health Co-op is
excellent, more health services like it

More GPs throughout West Belconnen

More access to bulk billing GPs,
Specialists, and medical imaging
Services for Women
Support for Elderly
More Housing
Options
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A Personal
Approach
Service
Collaboration
Allowing for and
Actively Encouraging
Feedback

“I want to talk to real people, not
voicemail”

If a service can’t help, point people in the
right direction

Treat people with respect and dignity,
many people may be ashamed to access
services

People want to know their privacy is
being respected and to maintain some
independence

Service Directory

Information sharing across local services
network and a shared or common
assessment processes between services.

Better promotion of all services by other
services

If one service can’t help they should not
just dismiss people but point them in the
right direction

“There should be one place I can go to
get all the information and services that I
need”

Services should be provided all together
in one hub so people don’t need to go to
a lot of different places to get what they
need

This would help to prevent doubling up
and avoid confusion

Feedback needs to be encouraged in a
positive way

Feedback should be continuous, not a
one off
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More Community
Facilities
More Public
Facilities
Childcare Facilities
Improved Shared
Spaces
Infrastructure

People need to feel as though their
thoughts and opinions are valued

Dog parks

More/Improved Playground

Re-open Ginninderra Falls to the public

Community gardens

Swimming pool

Sports Complex

Recreational areas that include
barbecues, playgrounds, skate parks etc,
that appeal to the whole family

More Childcare Centres

More affordable childcare

Maintain green spaces and parks (mow
lawn regularly)

Respect the land and other species

Ensure shared spaces remain somewhere
everyone in the community would like to
go (the young, elderly etc)

Spaces should be accessible for those
who have disabilities

More banks

More cafes separate from the shops
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
More supermarkets/stores, like Big W
and Coles at Kippax

Volunteers could help with the
maintenance of public housing: garden
and basic house maintenance.

People are happy to have public housing
in their areas as long as it is not easily
identifiable as such: better for the
tenants, and for the community
Protection of
Indigenous Land and
Heritage Sites

Indigenous sites and land need to be
protected in any development projects
completed in West Belconnen.
Well lit Community
Areas

Bike paths and foot paths outside of the
central areas are not well lit, and do not
feel safe
Ensuring Facilities
are Financially
Accessible

Ensure services and public facilities are
financially accessible to the whole
community, especially things like
swimming pools
More Community
Events

More community events for children and
young adults

More community events for everyone,
and more on the weekend

West Belconnen Markets, featuring local
produce

Opportunities for workers to volunteer in
community projects

Having a reliable team of volunteers to
call when there is a crisis or urgent need

Someone to organise volunteering
opportunities do people can just turn up
and help.

Maintain green spaces and parks (mow
lawn regularly)

Respect the land and other species
Maintenance of
Public Housing
Volunteering
Improved Shared
Spaces
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Prevent Bullying
Support for /from
Local Businesses
Create a Sense of
Community
/Ownership

Ensure shared spaces remain somewhere
everyone in the community would like to
go (the young, elderly etc)

Spaces should be accessible for those
who have disabilities

Prevent bullying in schools

Specifically targeting people with
disabilities, people from diverse
backgrounds etc

Prevent bullying in the community

Prevent cyber bullying

Bullying is not just a school issue, it must
be solved with the whole community in
mind

Local businesses could provide leftover
food to service providers for service users

Local business could allow for public
vegetable/fruit plants in public areas i.e.
Kippax Fair

Rent could be discounted for local
produce stores

A market with local produce to
encourage support for local businesses

A sense of community needs to be
developed through community events

Things like volunteering in the
community encourage positive behaviour
and respect and ownership for the
community

Creating a sense of pride in the
neighbourhood you live in would be good
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
Saying hello to people you see, when you
walk past etc.

Mowing your neighbour’s lawn or the
median strip and helping out – everyone
is concerned about being liable and will
no longer engage in these activities

People can’t hold street parties as they
can’t get the street blocked off

Red tape needs to be removed, a balance
needs to be found between bureaucratic
process and encouraging community
members to engage with one another
Appreciation of
Diversity within the
Community

People should appreciate people who
have different life experiences to their
own – this could happen through
community activities
Community
Involvement

The community wants to be involved in
various ways

The community wants to be consulted
with – and to have their feedback taken
seriously

They do not necessarily want to be a part
of the designing process, they just want
to be consulted and kept up to date with
what is happening in their community.

Job network services

More employment opportunities within
the area

More high school and college options

More after school activities

Advertise services in schools
Reduce Red Tap for
Community
Activities
Employment
Improved Options
for Education
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
Year 6 inductions for high school should
be scheduled before applications are due
so people are informed to make
decisions.

My Way card availability in West
Belconnen

More/Improved bus services for all of
West Belconnen

Buses should be provided from West
Belconnen to Belconnen throughout the
day not just at peak hour.

More accessible bus services

Improve footpaths to ensure it is safe to
walk

Bike paths need to be extended so it is
safe to ride through West Belconnen to
the centre of Belconnen
Community
Transport

Free/heavily discounted transportation
between West Belconnen Hubs
Parking

When I come to the community centre I
don’t want to pay for parking

Better parking at West Belconnen CFC

Free parking near vital services and
amenities.

More parking in areas around Kippax Fair,
there isn’t enough
Public Transport
Active Transport
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School Surveys ages 5-8 Survey
What’s important for children in West Belconnen?
We know you have great ideas and it is important that your ideas get heard.
You might like to ask an adult to help you complete the questions.
Who are you?
Boy
OR
girl
Who would you go to get
help from?
How old are you?
What makes you feel
safe,
happy
andlive
loved
What suburb
do you
in? ?
Do you think people
listen to you and your
ideas?
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Draw your favourite thing about living in
West Belconnen
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School Surveys ages 9-12 Survey
What’s important for young people in West Belconnen?
We know you have great ideas and it is important that your ideas get heard.
Please read each question and circle the smiley that best describes you.
Please tell us
about your
experience of
living in West
Belconnen
Strongly
agree
Agree
Neither agree nor
disagree
Disagree
Strongly disagree
I like living in my
neighbourhood
I live close to the
shops
It is easy for me
to get around my
neighbourhood
I know where to
go if I need help
There are plenty
of fun things to
do in my
neighbourhood
I like going to
school
I feel safe in my
neighbourhood
I have friends I
can talk to in my
neighbourhood
I feel like I can
speak my mind
and be listened
to
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Don’t
know
How I get to
school
Other
CAR
BUS
WALK
RIDE A BIKE
RIDE A SCOOTER
WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS
ARE YOU A
 BOY OR
 GIRL?
HOW OLD ARE YOU?
DO YOU HAVE ANY BROTHERS OR SISTERS?
PLEASE DRAW OR WRITE A STORY ABOUT
THE BEST THING ABOUT LIVING IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
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If you would like further information on the Human Services Blueprint or to be involved in future phases, please contact
the Community Services Directorate at:
Better Services
Strategic Implementation
Community Services Directorate
GPO Box 158
Canberra ACT 2601
Betterservices@act.gov.au
www.communityservices.act.gov.au
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