Increasing community pride and participation

Olympic Village Primary School
Young people living in the Heidelberg West Neighbourhood Renewal area are joining in a creative skills program. This exciting initiative will build the music and art skills of local 12-18 year olds.

Celebration for the Australian Somali Society
Neighbourhood Renewal, Banyule Community Health Service and the North East division of the Australia Somali Society held a celebratory event in Heidelberg West coinciding with Somali National Day 2006.

Women of West Heidelberg
West Heidelberg Neighbourhood Renewal celebrated International Women's Day in a big way! Interested women are meeting every month to organise next year's event.

Images of West Heidelberg
Neighbourhood Renewal is working with Banyule Community Health Services to provide a 10-week training course in photography for young people with a disability. Participants will be encouraged to photograph the 'diversity of Heidelberg West' and their work will be displayed at a public exhibition.

Youth Forum
Young people are finding their voice at a number of Neighbourhood Renewal forums. They are planning activities and events for other young people.

Improving employment, learning and local economic activity

Employment programs
Neighbourhood Renewal's Employment Support Initiative is linking residents with jobs, particularly in areas of skill shortage. In 2006/07 the Initiative will help six Heidelberg West residents into employment.

Homework club
Young people in Heidelberg West meet every week for a Homework club. The Club is a partnership project between Banyule City Council, Olympic Adult Education and Banksia Secondary College.

Jobs for Young People program
The program has already helped one trainee find work at the Heidelberg West Childcare Centre.

Let's Do It project
Flexible and individualised training is being offered to eight women who are experiencing significant barriers to re-engaging with the workforce.

Malahang Reserve project
Banyule City Council has provided 14 residents with employment and training opportunities through the redevelopment of the Malahang Reserve. Eleven of the residents involved in the redevelopment have gained employment outside of the project.

Enhancing housing and the environment

Upgrading and improving housing
In 2006/07 Neighbourhood Renewal has allocated over $1.2 million to upgrade and improve approximately 79 properties.

Energy improvements
Energy improvements are making houses more energy efficient and reducing heating bills. The works include: the sealing of draughts around windows and doors; the installation of insulation; the fitting of low flow shower roses; and the provision of fluorescent lights.

Improving child-care spaces
The service capacity of the St Hellier Child Care Centre has recently increased. The Morobe Child Care Centre has also grown and its playgrounds have been improved – they are looking great!

Improving local traffic congestion
Kokoda Street and Ramu Parade have been reconstructed and traffic management on Tobruk Avenue and McEwan Road has been improved to reduce congestion.

Improving personal safety and reducing crime

Improving street safety
Neighbourhood Renewal worked with residents, Council, young people and the Police to address security and safety concerns at Midway Street.

Community Safety Working Group
The Community Safety Working Group has formed and has started addressing residents' concerns regarding local safety issues.

New youth worker employed
The National Community Crime Prevention Program has awarded Banyule City Council a grant to employ a part-time worker to engage young people in the Olympic Village area.

Promoting health and wellbeing

Olympic Village celebration
In November 2006 Heidelberg West Neighbourhood Renewal joined with the community to celebrate the rich and diverse 50-year history of the Olympic Village. The day included historical displays, kids' activities, music, art, performances, food, reunions, community information, tours, stalls and local legends.

Engaging with men's health
The Banyule Community Health Service project is improving the overall health and wellbeing of older Somali Men in Heidelberg West. The program, which will focus on physical activity and nutrition, will also involve the men's families.

What men want
Studies on 'What Heidelberg West Men Want' are currently underway. Results will inform local services delivery reform and increase men's participation in community life.

Increasing access to services and improving government responsiveness

Memorandum of Understanding
The paper confirms a commitment to working in partnership with the community to reduce disadvantage and build a more cohesive community.

A Regional approach
Neighbourhood Renewal has met with Housing Operations, the Office for Children and the Department of Human Services' Mental Health and Drugs Division to address local issues using a place based approach.

Boyd Crescent master plan consultation
Neighbourhood Renewal and Banyule City Council are holding a series of community consultations about Boyd Crescent, to inform their local master plan. The Council is considering upgrading the reserve at the centre of the crescent.