Increasing community pride and participation

Community newsletter
Neighbourhood Renewal supports the publication of a bi-monthly newsletter.

Corner Gallery
Local residents have been trained in photography and their works are showcased at the Corner Gallery at the Neighbourhood Centre.

History Group - commemorative plaque project
The Long Gully History Group has a program of installing commemorative plaques in various locations around Long Gully. The plaques celebrate the area's historic importance in the development of Bendigo.

Community art project
A local artist has been employed to engage local residents in community art.

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. The Public Tenant Employment Program is helping residents find work with contractors who have tendered to deliver housing maintenance and upgrade works.

Since Neighbourhood Renewal began in Long Gully these schemes have helped 12 residents find jobs. In 2006-07 they will help a further 12 residents (in Long Gully and Eaglehawk) into employment, and some residents into some type of further education and/or training. In 2007-08 it is expected that similar numbers will be achieved.

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 Long Gully (and Eaglehawk), a total of 33 residents found work through the program.

Courses
A range of courses are helping residents across Long Gully and Eaglehawk with employment and training: a number of residents have been working towards a Certificate II in Childcare; Mums on The Move courses are helping young mums build self-esteem and find work; and leadership courses are providing residents with information and leadership skills.

Homework club
Around 20 kids meet twice a week for a homework club.

Internet Cafe
Lots of young people are involved with the Cafe which is open to residents from Tuesday to Friday.

Housing upgrades
Neighbourhood Renewal has spent more than $12.9 million on housing upgrades and immediate improvements to 230 properties. In 2006/07 a further $170,000 will fund works to an additional 20 properties.

Street tree planting
The City of Greater Bendigo has undertaken an extensive street tree-planting program around the Toddlers' Playground and around the new bridge in the Linear Park.

Linear Park development
The planting of trees and shrubs and the installation of a walking and cycling track have transformed Linear Park.

Improving personal safety and reducing crime

Incident report form
Residents can now report incidents and crimes to the Police by filling in a standard form. The form is held at the Neighbourhood Centre.

Community safety audit
Results from a recent community safety audit and street lighting audit were presented to the City of Greater Bendigo, the Office of Housing and Vic Roads for action.

Bike Club
The club meets weekly and encourages participants to wear helmets and obey road rules

New bus stop
The City of Greater Bendigo has responded to residents' suggestion that a bus stop be constructed for children who attend a local special-needs school.

FinD
Residents experiencing weight-based medical issues have formed a new support group called FinD.

Community lunch
Every Friday a number of residents meet to enjoy a healthy lunch. Regular visitors from local organisations attend to widen the network of residents.

Promoting health and wellbeing

Long Gully community garden
Local residents constructed and now manage a community garden.

Stepping Out walking group
Over 25 residents participate in a local walking group that meets twice a week for fitness and friendship.

Sustainability Street
This three-year community-strengthening project with a focus on ecological sustainability, began in May 2006.

Increasing access to services and improving government responsiveness

Long Gully multi-purpose facility
A range of community groups will use the new facility at the Long Gully Oval for sport, recreation, training and business enterprise development. The multi-purpose facility will be constructed by December 2008.

A Menshed project commenced in 2006 and is seeking funding to construct a purpose built Menshed adjacent to the multi-purpose facility.

New bus stop in Eaglehawk Road
Neighbourhood Renewal worked with Vic Roads to replace a bus stop in Eaglehawk Road, which had very poor disabled and pram access.

Communities for Children project
This four-year project will operate across five areas of Bendigo (including Long Gully and Eaglehawk), to improve the health and wellbeing of 0-5 year olds.

Street Surfer Bus
A bus with a variety of youth activities on board will be available once a month in the Long Gully Neighbourhood Renewal area.