Colac

Housing Profile
Number of residents 2,590
Number of private properties 784
Number of public housing 193
Percentage of public housing 19.8%

Setting the scene

The Neighbourhood Renewal project in Colac began in 2003 and will continue until 2011. 



Neighbourhood Renewal is lifting education and learning opportunities

Neighbourhood Renewal offers a second chance at education through adult literacy groups. Many mature-age members of the community have taken the opportunity to acquire or improve reading and writing skills in a friendly, supportive environment.

Neighbourhood Renewal offers a second chance at education through adult literacy groups. Many mature-age members of the community have taken the opportunity to acquire or improve reading and writing skills in a friendly, supportive environment.

Neighbourhood Renewal offers a second chance at education through adult literacy groups. Many mature-age members of the community have taken the opportunity to acquire or improve reading and writing skills in a friendly, supportive environment.Neighbourhood Renewal provides fresh learning opportunities. Neighbourhood House volunteers learn to use computers, including Internet and email. These new skills assist with compiling the 'Town by Town' column for the local free newspaper.In partnership with community health nurses from Colac Area Health, residents participate in a pap screen awareness program called 'Paps it's OK'. This program included a community arts project in which residents produced a mosaic for installation within a community facility.Neighbourhood Renewal works to reduce crime and improve personal safety. Residents and stakeholders such as Victoria Police plan a large community meeting that will bring together groups interested in working to improve community safety.In partnership with the local 'Be Active Eat Well' project, a program called 'Healthy Happy Families' has been developed to deliver education to families about nutrition, physical activity, self-esteem and parenting.Neighbourhood Renewal improves the quality of housing and the local environment. Residents conduct a walk around survey to identify specific needs for improvement within the project areas..

Progress against the six objectives

The six key objectives of Neighbourhood Renewal are:

  • increased pride and participation
  • improved employment, learning and local economic activity
  • enhanced housing and environment
  • reduced crime and greater safety
  • better health and wellbeing
  • increased access to services and improved government responsiveness

Read more about local action plans and activities addressing the six key Neighbourhood Renewal objectives.

Contact Details

For more information regarding Neighbourhood Renewal at Colac, please contact:

Rachel Wood 
Neighbourhood Renewal Manager
p. 03 5231-4985
e. Rachel.Wood@dhs.vic.gov.au