Collingwood

Housing Profile
Number of residents 1,561
Number of private properties 0
Number of public housing 950
Percentage of public housing 100%

Setting the scene

Collingwood Neighbourhood Renewal began in 2002 and will continue until 2010.



Neighbourhood Renewal is lifting education and learning opportunities

The development of strategies to improve educational and employment opportunities for residents is a key objective of Neighbourhood Renewal. At the Collingwood Neighbourhood House, residents have access to PC training and internet services. PC access is also available at the estate's Youth Space and the Community Information Centre.

The development of strategies to improve educational and employment opportunities for residents is a key objective of Neighbourhood Renewal. At the Collingwood Neighbourhood House, residents have access to PC training and internet services. PC access is also available at the estate's Youth Space and the Community Information Centre.

The development of strategies to improve educational and employment opportunities for residents is a key objective of Neighbourhood Renewal. At the Collingwood Neighbourhood House, residents have access to PC training and internet services. PC access is also available at the estate's Youth Space and the Community Information Centre.Neighbourhood Renewal is increasing access to information and services and reducing barriers to opportunity. The Neighbourhood Advisory Team has developed a local communication strategy to increase community awareness of local activities, services and opportunities.Providing employment opportunities for residents of the estate. The cleaning and gardening contract at the Fitzroy and Collingwood estates includes a clause requiring the contractor to allocate 35% of positions to local community members. Ramazan, pictured cleaning the foyer of one of the high-rise towers, and Robyn and John who work together in another building, enjoy working close to home.The Collingwood Community Information Centre provides community information, referral and resources. The Centre is a safe, supportive space where people meet friends and neighbours, and explore community participation opportunities. Staffed by nationally accredited volunteer 'Community Information Workers', it is part of a welcoming process that enables newcomers to connect with established residents.A full security system including swipe card access and intercommunication system has been installed in each high-rise tower in response to residents' safety concerns.Neighbourhood Renewal is bringing the community together. Estate residents speak over thirty different languages and hail from approximately sixty different countries of birth. Neighbourhood Renewal programs and initiatives are encouraging greater cross-cultural awareness and improved understanding and acceptance of difference, as well as fostering the formation of new friendships and support networks.A priority of Neighbourhood Renewal is to increase residents' pride and civic participation. Community Arts projects at the Collingwood Public Housing Estate are strengthening the community and increasing resident engagement. Participation in arts activities is bridging language and cultural difference, reducing isolation and tackling the determinants of ill health.The recent addition of a brood of hens to the gardens provides activity and interest as well as eggs that are shared amongst the gardeners. Home produce (eggs and vegetables) is a feature of the estate's annual Harvest Festival during Housing Week.Happy residents make a happy and healthy community. The Laughing Group is one great example of Neighbourhood Renewal's commitment to promoting health and well-being on the Collingwood Housing estate. Residents participating in the group have discovered the natural Collingwood residents and members of the broader region are making great use of the recently refurbished Collingwood Community Gymnasium. They are working with the Department of Human Services, Sport and Recreation Victoria and City of Yarra representatives to improve access to organised sport and recreational programs on and around the estate.

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 Collingwood, please contact:

Sharon Simon 
Neighbourhood Renewal Place Manager
p. 03 9417-5144
e. Sharon.Simon@dhs.vic.gov.au