Community Leadership Program – Brimbank City Council 2014 'The Future of Communities: Power to the People’ Conference Wednesday 15 October 2014

The Brimbank Community Western and North-western suburbs of Melbourne 123 square km’s 191,000+ residents 3rd lowest SEIFA score (Vic LGA’s) The City of Brimbank is located in western and north-western suburbs of Melbourne, between 11 and 23 kilometres west and north-west of the Melbourne GPO A total land area of 123 square kilometres; A total population estimated at 191,084 residents (ERP 2011), an increase of 1.4% from 2010; A population that is expected to grow to over 205,000 residents by 2031; An above average population of young people, while the population is also forecast to age considerably over the next 20 years. 3rd lowest SEIFA score (925.8 in 2011) in Vic LGA, indicating higher level of socio- economic disadvantage

Members of the Brimbank Community 46% population born overseas 56% speak LOTE 1500+ new residents from overseas immigration (35% of Western Region) Brimbank City Council is one of the most culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse local government areas in Australia. Overall, 46.1% of the population was born overseas, and 43.0% were from a non-English speaking background, compared with 31.4% and 24.2% respectively for Greater Melbourne. The largest non-English speaking country of birth in the City of Brimbank was Vietnam, where 9.8% of the population, or 17,997 people, were born. The population is one of the most culturally diverse with 46.1% of the residents born overseas and 56.2% speaking a language other than English (2011 Census). NB: this is an increase from 2006 Census. Brimbank welcomed 1,593 new residents from overseas immigration (or 35% of the total number for the Western Region) (2011). Emerging groups Between 2006 and 2011, the number of people born overseas increased by 11,431 or 15.7%, and the number of people from a non-English speaking background increased by 10,914 or 16.1%. The largest changes in birthplace countries of the population in this area between 2006 and 2011 were for those born in: India (+4,719 persons) Vietnam (+2,875 persons) Philippines (+1,160 persons) China (+957 persons)

Political Context September 2009…After much speculation, comment and community angst … Vic Minister for local government sacked the Brimbank council Incoming administration

Community Satisfaction Respondents were asked to rate from 0 to 10 the level of personal satisfaction with Council’s Governance and Leadership. As you can see the rate at 2009 was very low and leading up to that Lack of satisfaction and confidence Re building had to start As you can see on the graph, the level of satisfaction has been rising.

ENGAGING INVESTING TRANSPARENT The Future Key.. Was engaging the community in the process and getting past the usual suspects Investing in the community , supporting leadership and good governance Transparent and Robust planning and policy framework was established

Council Planning and Policy Framework Social Justice Charter Community Plan 2009-2030 (updated 2013) Council Plan 2013-2017 First ever community plan The Community Plan describes the Brimbank Community’s vision and priorities for the next 16 years– Until 2030. It was first endorsed as a 20 year vision in 2009. Uniquely incorporates the MPHWP developed in consultation with the community. Council Plan council 4 year vision/ response to the Community Plan The Social Justice Charter underpinned all this It commits Council to building strong, caring communities through a fairer society . Focusing on reducing disadvantage and respecting diversity. Community Plan and Council Plan scope: The Community Plan is an overarching planning document, The plan has a 20 year vision. The Council Plan is Council’s planning tool and is a 4 year plan aligned with the Council elections. They share four themes: Council and community working together Community Wellbeing Urban design and infrastructure Sustainable Environments Health and Wellbeing Statement

Council Planning and Policy Framework Social Justice Charter Community Plan 2009-2030 (updated 2013) Council Plan 2013-2017 Community Strengthening Policy and Strengthening community leadership Action Plan provide a clear commitment and authorising environment for building and delivering the community leadership program Strengthen the relationship between democratic and participatory democracy Strengthening Community Leadership Action Plan 2014-2017 Community Strengthening Policy (Draft) Health and Wellbeing Statement

Strengthening Community Leadership Action Plan 2014-2017 Partnerships Training Opportunities Strengthening Community Leadership Action Plan 2014-2017 Purpose of the Strengthening Community Leadership in Brimbank Action Plan 2014 -2017 The Strengthening Community Leadership in Brimbank Action Plan 2014-2017, will deliver Council capacity building programs to the community with the purpose of providing leadership, fostering community participation with the view of improving the quality of life for its citizens. Council role Partnerships – develop partnerships to deliver capacity building initiatives Training - deliver training opportunities to assist in strengthening community member’s skills Opportunities – respond to new and existing community members, groups and organisations needs around self-determination, advocacy, community governance and active participation in community life.

Brimbank Community Leadership Program aim Council aims to build trust, increase capacity and encourage a participatory and democratic community The Brimbank Community Leadership program aims to: Increase engagement and involvement in our community members that will help: develop relationships with Council and community encourage a greater understanding of community; and and foster a greater sense of belonging amongst participants and their communities Build and strengthen relationships and networks between: Program participants Council Community groups; and Organisations.

Brimbank Community Governance Program aim . Building Capacity for Governance in the Brimbank Community Program: The aim of the Building Capacity for Governance in the Brimbank Community Program is to increase the capacity of the not for profit sector in Brimbank in a sustainable manner by recognising and building on its strengths. Along with supporting individuals council sees the importance of supporting NFP and community managed organisations in training and networking . To build organidsational capacity and good governance practices.

Community Leadership Program Since 2010 approximately 350 Brimbank community members have completed the program which includes the following training modules: Leadership in Our Community Your Neighbourbood, Your Council Planning and Running Projects and Events Communication Skills Teamwork & Conflict Resolution Working with the Media and Promotion Group Presentations, Guest Speakers and Summary Completion of the Program can lead to other Community learning pathways and opportunities To achieve these aims Council will deliver opportunities through the: Community Leadership Program Community Organisations Training and Governance Program Brimbank Leadership Alumni (BLA) Program District Community Resource Member Program District Safety Working Group Member Program

Community Activities Events that emerged from Brimbank Community Leadership Program – Sydenham Kite Festival… ongoing event supported by the local community Community grants and partnerships is Yarra valley water Presentations on various topics Lack of awareness of young people about services and programs in Deer Park and St Albans Preventing violence against women Watergardens car park redevelopment and community safety Lack of community activities in Keilor Countering the negative portrayal of Sunshine Hospital in the media

Community Activities wrote a produced a book on what a Muslim women looks like, two print runs to date Sourced additional grant funding from HREOC to assist with this project

Annual Brimbank Community Leadership and Governance Recognition Event Community members who have completed the Leadership Program with Council Administrator and Local MP Recognition is important Networking Talk about future pathways

Brimbank Community Leadership Pathways Following completion of the program there are a number of options for the leaders Each pathways might have its own specific training module as well Keep people involved Engaging meaningfully Pathways: Volunteering Community Resource Member Safety Working Group Brimbank Leadership Alumni Further Training Other – Council Other – External from Council

Community Resource Members (CRM’s) Place based engagement Leadership graduates can chose to become what we call Community Resource Members. Community Resource Members participate in Council activities and consultation programs regularly. They are an invaluable source of knowledge and help keep Council connected and transparent. At the moment there are 51 Community Resource Members who are focussed on specific local areas of Brimbank. Most recently the St Alban’s Community Resource Members formed an Action Group that has consulted with the community about an upcoming grade separation. We’ll probably get a lift in the new train station as a result. Sunshine: 12 Deer Park: 13 St Albans: 12 Keilor and Sydenham: 14  

Safety Working Groups (SWG) Leadership graduates can also chose to join local Safety Working Groups. Safety Working Groups help improve community safety by providing us advice, holding local safety expo’s and community forums. This month our four safety working groups will come together to celebrate Community Safety Month. They’re a diverse bunch, coming from South Sudan, Philippines, Liberia, India, Vietnam, Italy, Turkey, Argentina, India, Scotland, and Australia

Brimbank Leadership Alumni Program The purpose of the Brimbank Leadership Alumni is to: Increase the capacity of community leaders Provide the necessary resources for Alumni members to build community networks Strengthen the relationship between Council and its diverse communities

Brimbank Leadership Alumni Program Brimbank Leadership Alumni Launch 3 September 2013 Sport and Mentoring 4 March 2014 Community Leadership and Launch of Brimbank Leadership Alumni Mentoring Program 3 June 2014 How Arts and Culture Can Change the World 2 September 2014 Celebration of Leadership and Governance and End of Year Event 13 November 2014

Brimbank Leadership Alumni Mentoring Program The Brimbank Leadership Alumni Mentoring Program: Provides Alumni members with the unique opportunity to engage, learn and work with a Mentor who provides them with the opportunity to develop their community leadership skills. 17 Alumni members currently participating in the program Delivered in partnership with leadership Victoria Future: Advanced leadership and scholarships