Increasing community pride and participation

The Braybrook Maidstone Neighbourhood Association
The Association is taking a strong leadership role in the community. It is providing a strong voice on behalf of local people.

Themed community dances
Residents are organising regular community dances in response to requests for affordable family occasions and community events. The dances have a multi-cultural theme and give residents an opportunity to sample different food and music.

Peace events
Late last year, residents came together for Singing and Prayers for Peace at the Maidstone Community Centre. Planning is underway for the celebration of the International Day of Peace at the Braybrook Community Garden in September.

Improving employment, learning and local economic activity

Employment programs
Neighbourhood Renewal's Employment Support Initiative and the Workforce Participation Program are linking residents with jobs, particularly in areas of skill shortage. Since Neighbourhood Renewal began in Maidstone Braybrook these schemes have helped 17 residents find jobs.

Community Jobs Program
The Community Jobs Program, which operated until 2004-05, found jobs for over 3,775 participants, including 851 Neighbourhood Renewal residents. In Maidstone Braybrook, a total of 17 residents found work through the program.

Social enterprises
Neighbourhood Renewal is supporting social enterprises that create jobs and training opportunities for Neighbourhood Renewal residents. The enterprises generally employ people as trainees for 12 months or less and help them onto further employment and learning pathways. The Braybrook Community Enterprise and Training Shed is a landscape and gardening enterprise that is delivering fencing, house maintenance and landscaping works in the local area.

The Western Region tool library
The library at the Braybrook Community Centre has been upgraded to provide residents with accredited training and courses.

Certificate in small business
Victoria University has developed the certificate and is helping participants develop community enterprises and employment initiatives through the course.

Enhancing housing and the environment

Housing upgrades

Neighbourhood Renewal has spent more than $27 million on housing upgrades and immediate improvements to more than 250 properties. In 2006/07 a further $3 million will fund works to an additional 80 properties.

Retro-fitting houses

The project is reducing energy consumption and is also creating employment for local residents through the community enterprise.

Improving personal safety and reducing crime

Reassurance Policing
Reassurance Policing aims to improve the community's perception of crime and safety, reduce the incidence of crime and improve the relationship between police and local residents in Braybrook and Maidstone.

Promoting health and wellbeing

Food security
VicHealth, the City of Maribyrnong and Neighbourhood Renewal are supporting community kitchens and a community garden network in Maidstone Braybrook. There are three community gardens in the area where residents can grow fresh fruit and vegetables. WestNet employs people with an intellectual disability in a small enterprise to sell fresh fruit and vegetables at affordable prices. Free delivery is available to residents.

Women's groups
Neighbourhood Renewal has established art, craft and physical activity groups with the support of the Western Region Health Centre and Maribyrnong City Council. Cancer Council Victoria pap screen funding has helped run women's wellbeing groups with strong health promotion messages. With the support of the Maidstone Community Centre, local women are now planning and running their own physical activity groups.

Increasing access to services and improving government responsiveness

Building positive relationships
Neighbourhood Renewal is working with a number of local agencies including Melbourne City Mission and Victoria University. Victoria University has increased its profile with the community and has tailored courses for residents living in the area.

Expansion of services
A key partnership with Western Region Health Centre has resulted in the refurbishment of the Braybrook Community Centre and the expansion of health services offered there.