About Neighbourhood Renewal
Neighbourhood Renewal was initiated in 2001 to narrow the gap between disadvantaged Victorian communities and the rest of the State.
It is based on bringing communities together with government, business, schools, police and service providers to tackle disadvantage.
Achievements through Neighbourhood Renewal so far include:
• Over 6000 job opportunities have been generated contributing to a 4% reduction in unemployment
• Over 40 social enterprises have been created
• 16% reduction in secondary school absenteeism
• 13 School Regeneration projects underway
• Over 9,000 housing works have been completed contributing to a 33% perceived improvement in housing
• Over 100 community infrastructure projects including major IT projects, community hubs and gardens, revitalised parks and reserves
• 27% reduction in reported crimes against property
• 14% perceived improvement in government performance
How it works
The catalyst for change is the local neighbourhood team: a Place Manager, a Community Development Worker and an Employment and Learning Coordinator.
The team facilitates a coordinated response to local priorities. They establish a governance structure with 50 per cent of its membership coming from local residents. The partnership prepares an area-based community action plan and oversees its implementation.
The action plan is the framework for achieving Neighbourhood Renewal's six objectives.
Selection of Neighbourhood Renewal projects
Neighbourhood Renewal projects are selected because of the relative disadvantage of the area compared to other parts of Victoria, and the concentration of public housing. The relative disadvantage is determined by assessing a range of key indicators including mean taxable income, recorded crime, unemployment rates and education levels.
Further information
For further information on Neighbourhood Renewal please contact us.
