Brimbank Health and

Wellbeing Municipal Scan

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Improving Mental Wellbeing

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Reducing Harmful Alcohol and Drug Use

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Preventing All Forms of Violence

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Improving Sexual and Reproductive Health



Reducing Injury

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Decreasing the risk of drug resistant infections in the community

The first four priorities in bold are highlighted as ‘focus areas’ in the Victorian plan where additional

support and guidance will be provided over the next four years.

This municipal scan explores each of the priorities in the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan

for the Brimbank context.

1

In addition, it explores key social determinants of health that are

significant in Brimbank.

2

These are: Social Inclusion; Gender Equality, Children’s Development;

Education and Learning; Income and Employment; Community Safety; Housing and Homelessness;

and Gambling Harm.

This cycle of public health and wellbeing planning is also taking place in the context of COVID-19, an

unprecedented public health, social and economic crisis. Brimbank is particularly vulnerable to the

health, wellbeing and economic impacts because of existing socio-economic and health inequities in

the broader community. The impacts of COVID-19 in Brimbank have already been significant and will

continue to be for the foreseeable future. Because of this, exploring the impacts of COVID-19 on

different population groups will be a key focus of this municipal scan where a COVID-19 lens will be

applied throughout.

3

1

Except for ‘Decreasing the risk of drug resistant infections in the community’ as there is a lack of data or

research at a local level.

2

See the ‘Health and Wellbeing Frameworks’ section for a more detailed discussion of the social determinants

of health

3

See the ‘Lenses’ section

6

The next section will present a ‘snapshot’ of the latest available health and wellbeing data for

Brimbank to get an immediate sense of how Brimbank communities are faring. It will then introduce

the two lenses to be applied to this municipal scan, ‘Gender’ and ‘COVID-19’, followed by a

discussion of three health and wellbeing frameworks that will inform the analysis.

Following this, there will be a brief overview of the general demographic data for Brimbank,

including population and growth, age groups, cultural diversity and socio-economic disadvantage

and the main analysis of the health and wellbeing status of the Brimbank community. This is based

on the following 16 health and wellbeing indicators, which combines both the Victorian

Government’s priorities and the social determinants of health and wellbeing:

4

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Physical Health

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Mental Wellbeing

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Climate Change

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Healthy Eating

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Active Living

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Tobacco-Related Harm

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Alcohol and Other Drugs

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Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence

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Sexual and Reproductive Health

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Community Safety

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Social Inclusion

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Children’s Development

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Education and Learning

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Income and Employment

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Housing and Homelessness



Gambling Harm

Each health and wellbeing section will start with a number of ‘headline’ statistical findings, followed

by a brief introductory background on the particular health and wellbeing indicator. Then the latest

available data will be presented, disaggregated where possible by gender, followed by an analysis of

the impact of COVID-19. Finally, there will be an analysis of Brimbank City Council’s strategic

approach to the particular health and wellbeing area.

4

Social determinants of health are social factors that influence our health. See the ‘Health and Wellbeing

Frameworks’ section for a more detailed definition.

7

Snapshot of Brimbank Health and Wellbeing Indicators

Physical Health

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Mental Wellbeing

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Climate Change

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Healthy Eating

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Active Living

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Tobacco-Related Harm

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Alcohol and Other Drugs

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Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence

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Sexual and Reproductive Health

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Community Safety

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Social Inclusion

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Education and Learning

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Income and Employment

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Housing and Homelessness

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Gambling Harm

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Providing key infrastructure in neighbourhoods so they are

liveable for all

Providing equitable and inclusive opportunities for all to

participate and feel safe

Encouraging economic development and employment

opportunities for all

Preserving and enhancing the natural environment to be viable

and sustainable

Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health are social factors that influence our health. The World Health

Organization (WHO) has described social determinants as ‘the conditions in which people are born,

grow, work, live, and age and the systems put in place to deal with illness. The conditions in which

people live and die are, in turn, shaped by political, social, and economic forces’.

v

The social determinants of health are considered to be largely responsible for health inequities,

which are the unfair and potentially avoidable differences in health status seen within and between

population groups.

vi

Factors such as income, education, conditions of employment, power and

social support act to strengthen or undermine the health of individuals or communities. Variations in

health status generally follow a gradient, with overall health tending to improve with improvements

in an individual’s socioeconomic status or social position

7

. In general, people from poorer economic

circumstances or disadvantaged social positions are at greater risk of poor health, have higher rates

of illness, disability and death, and live shorter lives than those who are more advantaged.

Fair Foundations Framework for Health Equity

Fair Foundations is the VicHealth framework for health equity introduced in 2015. While drawing on

the social determinants of health concepts it extends this to focus more explicitly on the social

determinants of health inequities.

vii

The framework’s approach is more political with a focus on

systematic structures, redistribution and equity. The framework states that ‘actions to address the

social determinants of health that do not tackle their distribution, or the structures and processes

7

Social position is a broader concept than just socioeconomic status, incorporating also other factors including

race/ethnicity, disability, aboriginality, gender and, sexuality. (VicHealth 2015)

12

driving the unequal distribution of power, money and resources are unlikely to address persistent

health inequities’.

viii

Fair Foundations depicts the social determinants of health inequities as three layers of influence:

Socio-economic, political and cultural context; Daily living conditions; and Individual health-related

factors. Social position is at all layers of the framework, is shaped by each layer, and shapes the

influence that each layer has. All these layers interact to produce differences in health and wellbeing

outcomes.

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Governance

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Policy

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Dominant cultural and societal norms and values

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Early childhood development

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Education

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Work and employment

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Physical environment

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Social participation

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Health care services

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Individuals’ health-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours

result from, and are responses to, the influences of the

preceding layers of the framework and their social position

is at all layers of the framework and shapes, and is shaped by, each of the layers.

These frameworks structure the approach of this municipal scan. In addition to exploring the

indicators of Brimbank residents’ attitudes and behaviours, there is also a focus on the social

determinants of health and wellbeing and the local policy context. These frameworks also highlight

key social determinants of health and wellbeing that will be analysed in addition to the priorities of

the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. These are: social inclusion; gender equality;

children’s development; education and learning; income and employment; community safety;

housing and homelessness; and gambling harm.

13

The Brimbank Community

The City of Brimbank is located in the western and north-western suburbs of Melbourne, between

11 and 23 kilometres west and north-west of the Melbourne CBD.

The City of Brimbank is bounded by Hume City in the north, the City of Moreland, the City of

Maribyrnong and the City of Moonee Valley in the east, Hobsons Bay City and the City of Wyndham

in the south, and the City of Melton in the west.

The City of Brimbank includes the suburbs of Albanvale, Albion, Ardeer, Brooklyn (part), Cairnlea,

Calder Park, Deer Park, Delahey, Derrimut, Hillside (part), Kealba, Keilor (part), Keilor Downs, Keilor

East (part), Keilor Lodge, Keilor North, Keilor Park, Kings Park, St Albans, Sunshine, Sunshine North,

Sunshine West, Sydenham, Taylors Lakes and Tullamarine (part).

Population and Growth

Brimbank is the fourth most populous municipality in Greater Melbourne behind Casey, Wyndham

and Hume.

ix

The estimated population for 2020 is 210,321 people. Between 2016 and 2041, the

14

population for the City of Brimbank is forecast to increase by 19,866 to an estimated population of

230,187 in 2041. This equates to change of 9.5%. In comparison to the surrounding municipalities,

Brimbank has the lowest predicted change in population.

Melton

183%

Wyndham

78%

Maribyrnong

63%

Hume

54%

Hobsons Bay

27%

Moreland

16%

Brimbank

9.5%

Source: ABS Census (compiled by profile.id)

From 2016 to 2041, the largest predicted growth will be Sunshine and Sunshine North with an

average annual change of 2.4% and 1% respectively, followed by Ardeer, St Albans (West) and Albion

all of which have greater predicted average annual growth than Brimbank as a whole (0.45%).

Sunshine

+2.40

Sunshine North

+1.02

Ardeer

+0.86

St Albans (West)

+0.81

Albion

+0.67

Taylors Lakes (West) +0.48

Kealba

+0.46

City of Brimbank

+0.45

Source: ABS Census (compiled by profile.id)

COVID-19 and Population Growth

The impact of COVID-19 may affect population growth in a number of ways. Overseas migration is a

big driver of population change in Brimbank with 47.8% of residents born overseas (compared to

33.8% for Greater Melbourne). Overseas migration has stopped during the COVID-19 crisis and with

the negative economic implications for families in Brimbank it may take some time for it to resume.

Access to jobs is one of the most important drivers of population growth. In Brimbank employment

and the local economy has greatly declined due to COVID-19 and at a higher rate than Greater

Melbourne as a whole, suggesting the population growth may slow in the economic uncertainty.

8

Age Structure

Brimbank has slightly higher populations of children and young people when compared to the

Greater Melbourne average (40.6% vs 39.8%), with young people aged 20-29 years the largest age

8

The implications of economic security and employment are discussed in more detail in the ‘Income and

Employment’ section.

15

group in Brimbank. Brimbank also has higher populations of 50 to 69 year olds than Melbourne

(22.4% vs 21.2%).

12.7% 12.0% 15.9% 14.9% 13.1% 12.3% 10.1% 5.7% 3.2%

12.6% 11.7% 15.5% 15.5% 13.9% 11.9% 9.3% 5.8% 3.9%

Source: ABS Census (compiled by profile.id)

The largest increase in persons between 2016 and 2026 is forecast to be in ages 70 to 84, which is

expected to increase by 6,291 and account for 9.6% of the total persons. Overall there will be a

29.2% increase in population of retirement age.

There will also be a 7.1% increase in population under working age, and a 1.9% increase in

population of working age.

Cultural Diversity

Brimbank is one of the most cultural diverse communities in Australia.

9

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In 2016, 47.8% of people in Brimbank were born overseas (compared to 33.8% in Greater

Melbourne). Of those born overseas, 97% were from non-English speaking backgrounds.

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Main countries of birth (other than Australia) were: Vietnam, India, Philippines, Malta and

New Zealand.

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Between 2011 and 2016, the largest changes in overseas birthplace countries in Brimbank

were: Vietnam; India; Pakistan; and Burma.

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58.3% of people in Brimbank speak a language other English at home.



The main languages spoken other than English are: Vietnamese; Punjabi; Filipino/Tagalog;

Greek; Maltese; Italian; Macedonian; Arabic; Cantonese; and Croatian.

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13.4% of people in Brimbank speak English not well or not at all.



Brimbank has 2.9% of people arriving under the Humanitarian Program which is higher than

the rate for Greater Melbourne (1.2%)

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There are approximately 816 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples or 0.4% of the

total Brimbank population.

The implications of cultural diversity on health and wellbeing is discussed in more detail in the

section on ‘Social Inclusion’.

9

The following data is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census.

16

Socio-Economic Differences and Inequality

The SEIFA Index of Disadvantage measures the relative level of socio-economic disadvantage based

on a range of Census information including low income, low educational attainment, high

unemployment, and jobs in relatively unskilled occupations. As discussed in the ‘Health and

Wellbeing Frameworks’ section, people of lower socio-economic status tend to have poorer health

outcomes overall and are less likely to either seek treatment or be able to afford treatment for

chronic disease or injury.

Brimbank as a whole is ranked fourth from bottom in Victoria out of 81 Local Government Areas.

However, the socio-economic disadvantage is not evenly distributed across the municipality. This

map illustrates the relative disadvantage experienced across the municipality. A high number on the

SEIFA index indicates a comparatively low level of disadvantage versus a low number which indicates

comparatively high levels of disadvantage.

Socio-economic disadvantage is discussed more in the section on ‘Income and Employment’.

17

The Health and Wellbeing Status of the Brimbank Community

Physical Health

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Background

As outlined in the discussion above on the social determinants of health, physical health outcomes

are the result of individuals’ health-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours, their daily living

conditions, and the social, political and cultural contexts. Below is a snapshot of the physical health

status in Brimbank before a more detailed examination of the factors that influence physical health

outcomes are explored in the following sections.

Physical Health Status in Brimbank

Self-Reported Health

Self-reported health status has been shown to be a reliable predictor of ill-health, future healthcare

use and premature mortality, independent of other risk factors. Brimbank residents reported

significantly higher rates of fair or poor health than other Victorians (28% vs 20%). Men in Brimbank

in particular reported statistically significant higher levels than men in Victoria (29.7% vs 19.7%).

27.1 29.7 28 20.8 19.7 20

Source: Victorian Population Health Survey 2017

Obesity

Brimbank had lower levels of adults who were overweight than those in Victoria (48% vs 51%), with

men more likely to be overweight than women. However, in terms of adults who are obese,

Brimbank had a higher percentage than Victoria (21% vs 19%), with Brimbank men having the

highest rates comparative to any other group (24%).

40.6 54.8 48 43.7 58.2 51

18.3 24 21 19.5 19 19

Source: Victorian Population Health Survey 2017

18

Preventable Chronic Diseases

In Brimbank, 7% of adults are diagnosed as having Type 2 diabetes compared to 5% in Victoria. The

Brimbank Atlas of Health and Education 2019 notes that rates of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes within

Brimbank are 63% above the national rate.

x

The two highest rates are in St Albans North/Kings Park,

and St Albans South/Sunshine North. These rates are over twice the national average.

xi

Brimbank has significantly higher levels of strokes than Victoria (5% vs 2%) and also slightly higher

levels of heart disease (8% vs 7%).

7

5

8

7

5

2

6

8

6

6

21

21

29

25

Source: Victorian Population Health Survey 2017

Health Checks

Regular health checks can be an important factor in preventing the effects of disease or chronic

health condition. Brimbank residents had higher cholesterol and diabetes tests than Victorian adults

as a whole. For the remaining health checks Brimbank residents were similar to the Victorian

average, with the exception of blood pressure test where they were slightly lower.

Cholesterol (Blood Lipids test)

66

57

Blood pressure test

76

80

Diabetes (Blood Glucose test)

62

51

Bowel Cancer Screening (50+ years)

62

60

Breast Cancer Screening (Women 50+ years)

74

79

Sought Mental Health assistance

21

18

Source: Victorian Population Health Survey 2017

Dental Health

Poor diet and consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks are important contributors to poor dental

health, highlighting a significant co-benefit of action to increasing healthy eating. In addition, the

majority of the cost of dental care continues to fall to the individual which means that existing socio

economic inequities greatly impact dental health outcomes.

Brimbank residents reported significantly higher levels of fair or poor dental health than people in

Victoria (30% vs 24%).

30

24

Source: Victorian Population Health Survey 2017

19

Brimbank also had much higher rates than Victoria of preventable hospitalisations due to dental

conditions for children aged 0-9 years old (8.3% vs 6.1%).

8.3

6.1

Source: Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions admissions 2018/19

20

Mental Wellbeing

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Background

Each year, one in five Victorians will experience a mental health condition.

xii

Certain population

groups are at higher risk of poor mental health and mental illness because of greater vulnerability to

unfavourable social, economic and environmental circumstances, including social isolation and

loneliness. Mental health conditions overlap considerably with chronic diseases such as diabetes,

cardiovascular disease and cancers, alcohol and substance misuse, and problem gambling.

xiii

Improving mental wellbeing is a priority for the Victorian Government as articulated in the Victorian

Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2019-2023.

Mental Wellbeing Status in Brimbank

General Wellbeing

Brimbank residents reported significantly lower subjective wellbeing than all Victorians. Residents

gave their wellbeing an average score of 74.1 out of 100, compared with the Victorian average of

77.3. There has been no significant change in subjective wellbeing for Brimbank between the 2007,

2011 and 2015 surveys. Women scored their subjective wellbeing slightly higher than men in

Brimbank but both were below Victorian women and men.

When asked to rate their general satisfaction with life on a scale from zero to 10, residents of

Brimbank reported an average score of 7.6 which is lower than the score in Victoria (7.8).

75.1 73.1 74.1 77.9 76.7 77.3

7.7 7.4 7.6 7.9 7.7 7.8

Source: VicHealth Community Indicators 2015

21

Mental Health

Mental wellbeing indicators include levels of psychological distress, diagnoses of anxiety or

depression, levels of resilience, and neighbourhood connection and trust.

Brimbank residents reported significantly higher levels of psychological distress then adults in

Victoria (20% vs 15%). This is particularly true for women, who reported statistically significant levels

of psychological distress.

10

Levels of psychological distress in Brimbank have greatly increased since

the previous Health and Wellbeing Status Report (from 13.6% in 2014 to 20% in 2017).

The percentage of Brimbank residents with anxiety or depression was only slightly higher than those

in Victoria as a whole (28% vs 27%), however, women in Brimbank had a significantly higher rate

than men (39.1% and 16.4%).

The percentage of adults with anxiety or depression has increased dramatically since the previous

Health and Wellbeing Status Report (28% and 17.3% respectively). The dramatic increase in rates of

anxiety or depression in Brimbank are attributable to women’s increasing rate with an increase from

19.2% in 2014 to 39.1% in 2017.

xiv

23.5 16.7 20 13.6 18 12.8 15 12.6

39.1 16.4 28 17.3 33.6 21.0 27 24.2

Source: Victorian Population Health Survey 2017

Resilience

Resilience is an important measure of mental health and wellbeing as it gives an indication of the

individual’s capacity to cope with stress or unexpected life events. Brimbank residents reported an

average resilience score of 5.8 out of 8. This is significantly lower than Victorian residents, who

reported an average resilience score of 6.4.

5.7 5.9 5.8 6.4 6.4 6.4

Source: VicHealth Community Indicators 2015

Neighbourhood Connection and Trust

The social connections we form at an individual and community level greatly impact on mental

health and wellbeing, with people who feel more connected to others have lower levels of anxiety

and depression.

xv

The proportion of Brimbank residents who agreed that people in their neighbourhood are willing to

help each other out was 64%, significantly less than the Victorian estimate (74.1%).

10

For women, higher psychological distress is commonly associated with: being a victim of violence or

harassment, severe pain associated with gynaecological conditions or intense or prolonged burden of informal

(unpaid) caregiving (Victorian Women’s Health Atlas, 2020. Accessed 25 October 2020)

22

Just over half of residents (52%) felt that they live in a close-knit neighbourhood, significantly less

than the Victorian estimate (61%). A significantly smaller proportion of Brimbank residents agreed

that people in their neighbourhood can be trusted (54.6%), compared to the proportion of Victorians

who agreed (71.9%).

Women in Brimbank had slightly lower levels of neighbourhood connection and trust than men

which is the opposite of that in Victoria as a whole.

62.5 65.4 64.0 75.6 72.6 74.1

50.7 53.3 52.0 62.5 59.5 61.0

53.2 56.1 54.6 72.1 71.6 71.9

Source: VicHealth Community Indicators 2015

COVID-19 and Mental Wellbeing

Council’s Community Impact Analysis (August 2020) highlighted financial stress from unemployment,

income insecurity and a reduction in social connection as key drivers of mental stress during the

lockdown period.

A survey of almost 14,000 people across Australia conducted by the Monash University School of

Public Health and Preventive Medicine to investigate the impact of COVID-19 showed that 25 per

cent of respondents felt moderate to severe symptoms of depression. This figure would ordinarily be

closer to 5 per cent.

xvi

The VicHealth Coronavirus Wellbeing Impact Study showed that there was a decline in subjective

wellbeing for Victoria during the first lockdown to 65 out of 100 (previously 77.3) and a reduction in

life satisfaction. This was particularly for people with low incomes, people who speak a language

other than English at home, people with a disability, people living alone, and single parents.

xvii

The VicHealth Coronavirus Wellbeing Impact Study also showed that there was a significant increase

in psychological distress during the first lockdown for people aged 18-24 years old, unemployed

people, people with a disability and people who spoke a language other than English at home.

xviii

In the Brimbank Community Survey - Health and Wellbeing Impacts of COIVD-19 undertaken during

the second lockdown period, 66% of survey respondents in Brimbank reported feeling more stressed

from trying to juggle the demands of work, children, house duties, remote learning and finances.

xix

The mental health impacts of the pandemic have impacted women more than men. Australian

Bureau of Statistics reporting in the first stage of lockdown showed that 35% of women reported

having moderate to severe levels of depression, compared to 19% of men and 27% of women had

moderate to severe levels of stress, compared to 10% of men.

xx

In terms of social connection, the VicHealth Coronavirus Wellbeing Impact Study showed that almost

1 in 4 (23%) of Victorians did not feel connected with others, up from 1 in 10 (10%) in February 2020.

The Study highlighted that the cohorts that found it most difficult to stay connected were Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander people, young people aged 18-24 years, people who speak a language

other than English at home and people who are unemployed.

23

The Brimbank Community Survey – Health and Wellbeing Impacts of COIVD-19 also highlighted that

social connections through sporting, community, social and faith based groups have significantly

reduced and there are also high levels of disconnection with neighbours and friends.

Brimbank’s Strategic Approach to Mental Wellbeing

The

identified that adolescence and early adulthood are peak

periods during which mental health conditions first emerge, whilst also acknowledging that young

people who have experienced trauma in childhood, have lower incomes, lower education, live in

lower socio-economic areas and identify as LGBTQI are more likely to develop a mental health

condition than others. The Youth Strategy adopts a three tiered approach to delivering youth

wellbeing services, primary prevention, early intervention and referral to more intensive, longer

term specialist services.

Councils

emphasised the importance of social

connection as a public health issue, with increased anxiety identified as results of physical distancing

and lack of social connection.

xxi

These factors have significant, long-term public health consequences

and need to be addressed to support social and economic participation. As a result, the Community

Impact Analysis stated that it is just as important for Council’s recovery activities to focus on social

connection and inclusion as it is to focus on job creation.

xxii

Council approaches to mental wellbeing overlap with its approach to social inclusion more broadly.

By promoting and enabling social inclusive communities it is supporting individual’s mental

wellbeing. A more detailed analysis of Council’s strategic approach to social inclusion is discussed

later.

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Climate Change

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Background

Climate change has been described as the greatest threat to public health of the 21st century

xxiii

and

the greatest global health opportunity.

xxiv

Local government is identified in the Climate Change Act

2017 as a decision-maker that must consider climate change when preparing a municipal public

health and wellbeing plan. Tackling climate change and its impacts on health is also a focus area of

the Victorian public health and wellbeing plan 2019–2023., Under the Public Health and Wellbeing

Act 2008, councils are required to have regard to the state plan when preparing an MPHWP.

xxv

The Victorian climate projections 2019 indicate that Victoria will continue to get hotter and drier and

experience longer fire seasons. Under a high emissions scenario, heatwaves are expected to increase

with an average annual temperature increase of up to 2.4 degrees and double the number of very

hot days.

xxvi

While the extent of climate change will be contingent on the global response to limit

greenhouse gas emissions, the science indicates that even if all global emissions ceased tomorrow a

further warming of up to half a degree above the present level is already locked in by existing

concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

xxvii

Climate change produces a range of direct effects (such as extreme heat, bushfires, flood, drought,)

and indirect effects (water quality, food safety, air quality) which interact with the social

determinants of health and wellbeing to impact health in a number of different ways. The table

below highlights some specific potential health impacts that Brimbank residents may face due to

climate change.

Higher

temperatures

and heatwaves



Higher incidence of heat-related illnesses such as exhaustion and heatstroke



Increases in premature deaths



Exacerbation of existing health conditions including respiratory,

cardiovascular and kidney diseases



Higher incidence of allergies caused by pollen



Health impacts from reduced physical activity due to high outdoor

25

temperatures

Bushfires



Exacerbations of heart and lung conditions, including asthma due to

exposure to bushfire smoke



Increased food- and water-borne illness due to contamination



Health impacts from reduced physical activity due to bushfire smoke

Drought and

overall

decreased

average rainfall



Health impacts associated with food or water shortages



Increase in illnesses related to drinking water and recreational water due to

increases in blue-green algae



Health impacts from reduced physical activity due to degradation of public

open space and sporting and recreation grounds

Flood and heavy

rainfall events



Injuries, drowning and other accidental deaths



Increases in mosquito-borne diseases



Increased respiratory illness due to greater exposure to mould

Source: Department of Health and Human Services, 2020

Work to address climate change can take the form of mitigation or adaptation.

11

While action to

mitigate climate change is critical to lessening the impacts, adaptation action is also essential

because a certain amount of climate change is locked in as a result of greenhouse gas emissions

already trapped in the atmosphere.

Both mitigation and adaptation-focused activities can create conditions for health co-benefits to be

realised. Health co-benefits refer to the health benefits of strategies that can be either intended or

unintended. For example, initiatives to improve active transport can help to reduce the number of

trips by car and reduce emissions and can also produce health co-benefits through improvements to

air quality and increasing opportunities for physical activity.

There are many population groups who may be more sensitive to climate change impacts for

example older people, children, people with chronic conditions, people living in poverty and

homeless people. Certain groups of people may also lack the adaptive capacity to adjust to climate

change, particularly people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage.

xxviii

Tackling climate change and its impact on health is a priority for the Victorian Government and one

of four focus areas in the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2019-2023. Strategic actions for

the government include promoting community adaptation to the public health risks associated with

climate change; continued emphasis on understanding and assessing the risks of climate change to

public health; and assessing the health co-benefits of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

New research from Sustainability Victoria suggests that health is a powerful ‘entry point’ for

engaging with the community about climate change with Victorians ranking health as their top

priority yet 90% haven’t thought about how health is affected by climate change.

xxix

When prompted

the connection is readily accepted with 77% of people wanting to know more about the health

impacts of climate change.

xxx

11

Climate change mitigation is about reducing greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change or to

enhance the sinks of greenhouse gases. Climate change adaptation is when changes are made to prepare for

actual or expected changes in the climate to minimise harm, act on opportunities or cope with the

consequences.

26

Climate Change Status in Brimbank

Community Emissions

Brimbank’s total annual community emissions for the 2018/19 financial year have been calculated as

approximately 3.096 million tonnes of carbon pollution per annum.

xxxi

Of the six municipalities in the

western region, Brimbank has by far the highest community emissions.

Brimbank

3,095,800

Wyndham

2,730,300

Melton

1,200,100

Hobson’s Bay

1,083,400

Moonee Valley

1,067,400

Maribyrnong

1,024,700

Source: Snapshotclimate.com.au

The largest source of community emissions by sector in Brimbank is stationary energy, which

comprises electricity and gas consumed by buildings and facilities. This accounts for 77% of total

municipal emissions. Industry is responsible for the majority of this consumption (45%), followed by

residential buildings (17%) and commercial buildings (15%). The other sources of community

emissions are on-road transportation which is 23% and emissions from waste which is 3%.

xxxii

Source: snapshotclimate.com.au

Urban Heat Island (UHI) Effect

Brimbank is particularly vulnerable to the UHI effect. The UHI effect is created where there are large

areas of hard surfaces that absorb heat and release this heat into the atmosphere resulting in

increased temperatures. Exhausts from vehicles and emissions from air conditioners and other

energy uses also contribute to this effect.

xxxiii

27

60% of Brimbank is impervious surfaces such as roads, footpaths, carparks and building roofs. In

addition to this, Brimbank has a strong car based culture where car exhausts add to the heat island

effect. As a result, Brimbank was ranked number one in Greater Melbourne in experiencing

increased temperature because of the UHI effect. This results in Brimbank having average summer

temperatures 10.75 degrees higher than in surrounding rural areas.

xxxiv

Source: Sun C, Hurley J, Amati M, Arundel J, Saunders A, Boruff B, Caccetta P (2019) Urban Vegetation, Urban

Heat Islands and Heat Vulnerability Assessment in Melbourne, 2018. Clean Air and Urban Landscapes Hub

Heat Vulnerability

The Heat Vulnerability Index (HVI) identifies which populations are most vulnerable to heat. It

consists of three indicators: heat exposure, sensitivity to heat, and adaptive capability. Vulnerability

to the impacts of urban heat is reduced in areas with low social vulnerability. By contrast, high social

vulnerability intensifies heat health risks as people are less able to adapt.

Research has shown that several suburbs within the Brimbank municipality are very vulnerable to

extreme temperatures including St Albans, Delahey, Deer Park and Sunshine North.

xxxv

This

vulnerability is based on several factors including age, general health, ethnicity, socio economic

status, access to air conditioning, health service accessibility, type of housing, urban design, land

28

use, urban heat island effect and strenuous physical activity such as hard work or recreational

activity.

xxxvi

The research also identified that community members who are most vulnerable to excessive urban

heat include (but are not necessarily limited to):



Young children measured by the Census category of “0-4 year olds”



Elderly people (aged 65 and over), especially those who live alone measured by the Census

category of “older lone persons”



People who aren’t fluent in English measured by the Census category of “Not Fluent in

English” and



People who are socio-economically disadvantaged measured by the Index of Relative Socio

Economic Disadvantage, entitled SEIFA Disadvantage

xxxvii

Tree Canopy Cover

Tree canopy cover was found to have the strongest relationship with reducing heat in urban

areas.

xxxviii

It is recommended that a 30% canopy cover is required for a healthy, liveable city.

xxxix

Brimbank has the fourth lowest tree canopy cover in Greater Melbourne at 6%, while the Western

region as a whole has the lowest percentage of tree canopy cover relative to other regions at 5.5%.

4.6%

1.0%

0.5%

6.0%

-

-

-

5.5%

8.0%

3.7%

4.5%

16.2%

Source: DELWP, 2018, Melbourne Urban Vegetation Cover: Western Region

Increasing the amount of vegetation, in particular the tree canopy cover, has a number of health co

benefits including supporting active lifestyles by offering shade and amenity, as well as lowering

psychological distress and improving mental wellbeing.

xl

Housing

As climate change impacts increase, the thermal quality of housing is recognised by 70% of

Victorians as an area of increasing importance to health and wellbeing.

xli

95% of healthcare

professionals identified people in poor quality housing as one of the most vulnerable groups in

relation to climate change health impacts.

xlii

During times of extreme heat 19 per cent of Victorians

have had to leave their home because it was too hot to stay in, while for Victorians in public housing,

almost half (45%) have had to leave their home at some point because of extreme heat or cold.

xliii

COVID-19 and Climate Change

COVID-19 may have a significant role to play on the impacts of climate change on health, especially

in relation to Brimbank’s biggest risk of heatwaves. If people are forced to stay at home then people

whose homes are not well-adapted for heatwaves may suffer negative health and wellbeing

outcomes, including heat stroke which is fatal in 80% of cases.

xliv

In many cases these will be people

experiencing existing socio-economic disadvantage, disability, limited mobility or ill health that

inclines them to self-isolate to minimise health risks. There may also be limitations on accessing

cooler spaces such as libraries, shopping malls, and neighbourhood houses through either social

distancing and density limitations or restricted ability to move around the municipality.

29

Brimbank’s Strategic Approach to Climate Change

In 2020, Council declared a climate emergency and developed the

. In the plan, Council commits to pursue zero net emissions for Council operations by

2030 and zero net emissions for the municipality by 2040. This process will rely on four pillars of

decarbonisation: energy waste reduction; 100% renewable electricity; electrification; and offsetting

of residual emissions.

xlv

The Plan includes a number of health-related actions focused on engagement with the local

community and partners to build awareness and resilience. There is a particular focus in the plan on

resilience to heatwaves, from working with emergency services on preparedness, to place-based

research to better understand the health risks, and partnering with health and community

organisations to help people adapt. The plan also articulates the need for resilient infrastructure

including affordable ‘climate resilient’ housing.

12

In Council’s

there is a commitment to decreasing the amount of

impervious surfaces and increasing vegetation, particularly to provide shade in the more urban areas

of the municipality. By 2046 Brimbank aims to increase tree planting to achieve a canopy cover to

30% and increase permeability to 50%.

The Urban Forest Strategy also states that urban agriculture can support increased vegetation in

urban areas and there is interest from the community in growing food locally.

xlvi

This aligns with the

Climate Emergency Plan Urban which advocates for a plant-rich diet to mitigate climate change

through reduced food waste and animal agriculture. Enabling a plant-rich diet, especially through

urban agriculture, will also have health co-benefits of increasing healthy eating and active living.

The Brimbank

also states that increased tree planting and green

open spaces will be required in all new medium and higher density developments to reduce the

urban heat island effect. With regards to residential design it states that Council should ensure new

dwellings incorporate canopy tree planting in the front and rear setbacks.

Since 2013 Brimbank City Council has been part of

, a regional partnership with a

vision to ‘enable sustainable, liveable, healthy communities through urban greening’. Council has

also been a partner of the Brimbank

project led by IPC Health. The initiative supports

place-based collaborations between health, social service and environmental organisations and with

local government and emergency services in areas with high levels of socio-economic disadvantage,

and higher temperatures during heatwaves.

12

This is discussed in more detail in the section on ‘Housing and Homelessness’.

30

Healthy Eating









Background

Access to nutritious, good quality and affordable fresh food is a critical component of good health.

There are strong correlations between consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables and improved

health outcomes. Unhealthy eating behaviours are linked to chronic health conditions like obesity,

high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

xlvii

Increasing healthy eating is a priority for the Victorian Government and one of four focus areas in

the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2019-2023. A strategic action for the Victorian

Government is to accelerate the implementation of healthy food and drink supply policies in all key

public settings. It states that healthy food and drink choices are often marginalised, with Australians

now spending 58 per cent of their food dollar on discretionary foods and drinks high in energy, fats,

sugar and salt.

xlviii

To support this, the Victorian Government have developed the ‘Healthy Choices’

guidelines for improving the availability and promotion of healthier foods and drinks in community

settings.

Other strategic actions to increase healthy eating in the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan

2019-2023 are: the implementation of initiatives and approaches supporting healthier lifestyles and

habits; and investing in collaborative place-based approaches to healthy eating and increasing access

to healthy food in communities.

Healthy Eating Status in Brimbank

Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

In Brimbank, under half the population (41%) met the fruit consumption guidelines while only 5%

complied with the vegetable consumption guidelines.

13

Women were more likely to eat fruit and

vegetables than men. In comparison with the previous Health and Wellbeing Status Report, there

has been a slight decrease in fruit consumption (previously 44.1%) and an increase vegetable

consumption (previously 4.1%).

13

The Australian dietary guidelines recommend a minimum daily fruit intake of two serves for people 12 years

and older and a minimum daily intake of vegetables of between 5 and 6 serves per day depending on age and

sex. A serve is defined as two small pieces of fruit and as half a cup of cooked vegetables or legumes, or a cup

of green leafy or raw salad vegetables respectively.

31

In comparison with Victoria as whole, fruit consumption was slightly lower in Brimbank with

vegetable consumption at the same rate (5%).

43.5 38.5 41 44.1 46.8 39.3 43 47.8

9.8 Sample too small 5 4.1 8.4 2.2 5 7.4

Source: Victorian Population Health Survey 2017

Takeaway Food

With regards to eating takeaway food, 13.6% of Brimbank residents ate takeaway food more than

three times a week compared to 10% in Victoria. Slightly more men than women ate takeaway in

Brimbank. This partly reflect the extensive amount of takeaway food outlets in Brimbank. While

Brimbank has a great number of culturally-appropriate fresh food outlets across the municipality,

takeaway outlets are more prevalent, and their sheer ubiquity throughout the community is a

feature in itself.

xlix

12.4 14.7 13.6 6.1 14.4 10.2

Source: VicHealth Indicators Survey 2015

Sugary Drinks

With regards to the consumption of sugar sweetened soft drinks, 10% of Brimbank residents

consumed these on a daily basis which was the same as the state as a whole. This rate has slightly

increased from the previous year whereas the rate in Victoria decreased.

10

9.8 10 11.2

Source: Victorian Population Health Survey 2017

COVID-19 and Healthy Eating

The VicHealth Coronavirus Victorian Wellbeing Impact Study on the first lockdown period showed

that the number of Victorians drinking sugary drinks each day has tripled to 32%.

l

However, on

average respondents were eating more serves of vegetables and eating takeaways less frequently.

Food insecurity had affected some survey respondents which related to loss of employment and

income insecurity. 17% of respondents reported worrying about having enough money to buy food

during the lockdown compared to 9% in February 2020. One in four respondents (23%) reported

relying on a restricted range of low-cost unhealthy food because of financial concerns during the

lockdown, while 7% of respondents ran out of food and couldn’t afford to buy more.

li

32

In the Brimbank Community Survey – Health and Wellbeing Impacts of COIVD-19 undertaken during

the second lockdown period 34% of residents reported that they were eating less healthy food than

prior to COVID-19. However, 24% stated that they were eating healthier food with 50% of

respondents’ eating more home-cooked meals.

Brimbank’s Strategic Response to Healthy Eating

The

identifies a plant-rich diet as a key pathway to respond

simultaneously to climate change and to improve health and wellbeing. It aims to do this through

support for community food growing initiatives such as community gardens, farmers markets and

school food growing and cooking programs.

As noted above, urban agriculture is also a priority of the

with an

action focused on ‘supporting community led food growing opportunities on publicly owned vacant

land’.

Nutrition is one of three pillars of the

collaboration.

14

The program

commissioned a feasibility study into community gardens in Brimbank and has developed a guide to

community gardening in the municipality. Council currently manages two community garden sites,

one at Westvale Neighbourhood House and an allotment style one at Padley Park.

As part of securing state government funding for the new St Albans Health and Wellbeing Hub,

Council is committed to implementing the

s guidelines in this facility and is exploring

extending the Healthy Choices framework to other sport and recreation facilities.

14

Growing Brimbank is a long-term collaborative applied research program between Brimbank City Council, the Australian

Health Policy Collaboration and Victoria University. It aims to reduce chronic conditions that affect health, wellbeing and

prosperity of Brimbank by increasing individual capability and community capacity for better outcomes.

33

Active Living











Background

Regular physical activity has important benefits for physical and mental health. It reduces the risk of

many health problems, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, anxiety, depression, musculoskeletal

problems, some cancers and obesity.

lii

Sedentary behaviour is associated with poorer health

outcomes, including an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

It is recommended that adults accumulate 150 or more minutes of moderate-intensity physical

activity (such as walking) or 75 or more minutes of vigorous physical activity and doing muscle

strengthening activities on at least two days each week.

liii

Increasing active living is a priority for the Victorian Government and one of four focus areas in the

Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2019-2023. A strategic action is to increase the

proportion of transport trips that use active modes of travel. This has not just health benefits but

can foster positive social connections, promote feelings of safety and belonging, stimulate local

business activity and reduce the environmental impacts associated with car emissions. Another

strategic action in the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan relevant for Council is to increase

easy access to parks, open spaces and public spaces, with opportunities for physical activity where

appropriate.

Physical Activity Status in Brimbank

Physical Activity

The proportion of Brimbank adults who reported sedentary behaviours was 8%. This was

significantly higher than the state average of 3%. Women in Brimbank in particular were reporting

significant levels of sedentary behaviours (10.4%), compared to men in Brimbank (5.2%) and women

in Victoria (2.8%).

There were also higher percentages of adults who were insufficiently active in Brimbank than in

Victoria (50% vs 44%), with little difference between women and men in Brimbank.

34

10.4 5.2

8

2.8

2.3

3

50.3 49.8 50 45.4 42.8 44

Source: Victorian Population Health Survey 2017

In Brimbank, both men and women participated at higher rates in non-organised physical activity,

than activities organised through a leisure centre of sports club. Men in Brimbank participated in

non-organised physical activity at a higher rate than women (71.8% vs 59.9%). Women’s

participation in non-organised physical activity was much lower than women in Victoria (59.9%

compared to 68.5% respectively), although their participation in physical activity organised by a

fitness or leisure centre was slightly higher than the state average (14.5% vs 10.2%).

Walking was by far the main type of non-organised physical activity that both women and men

participated in (47.1 and 49.2% respectively). This was followed by jogging (12%) and then gym or

fitness (8.9%). Cycling and swimming as a physical activity for both women and men were both too

small a sample to be reported.

With regards to organised physical activity, women in Brimbank were more likely to participate

through a fitness or leisure centre (as opposed to a sports club) which was a higher rate than for

Victoria as a whole. For men, the sample size was too small for either participation through leisure

centres or sports clubs.

59.9 71.8 65.8 68.5 72.6 70.5



47.1 49.2 48.1 55.3 46.8 51.2



Sample

too small

18.4

12 11.9 16.3 14.0



Sample

too small

Sample

too small

8.3 7.7 16.1 11.8



Sample

too small

14

8.9 6.0 9.3 7.6



Sample

too small

Sample

too small

Sample

too small

5.4 5.0 5.2

14.5 Sample too small 11.3 10.2 8.1 9.2

Sample

too small

Sample

too small

5.1 7.0 12.8 9.8

Source: VicHealth Community Indicators 2015

Active Transport and Public Transport

The use of active transport (walking or cycling) and public transport contributes to increased physical

activity and corresponding positive health outcomes, as well as having co-health benefits related to

35

climate change by reducing carbon emissions and the related negative health impacts from climate

change.

When looking at how people travel to work, 13.7% of Brimbank residents used public transport to

and 1.2% used active transport. Significantly more women than men in Brimbank used public

transport or walked to work, while slightly more men cycled. In comparison with the previous census

results in 2011 there has been a slight increase in public transport use and a slight decrease in active

transport use.

In comparison with Greater Melbourne, there is significantly less use of walking and cycling as a

method to travel to work in Brimbank (4.4% vs 1.2%).

16.5 11.6 13.7 12.5 16.0 14.8 15.4

13.7

1.2 0.7 0.9 1.0 3.2 2.8 3.0

2.9

0.1 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.9 1.9 1.4

1.3

Source: ABS Data compiled by profile.id

COVID-19 and Active Living

With the closure of many recreational facilities and restrictions of outdoor movements,

opportunities for physical activity have been limited. The VicHealth Coronavirus Victorian Wellbeing

Impact Study on the first lockdown period showed that Victorians were doing less physical activity

than in February 2020, with the proportion of those doing no physical activity or only 30 minutes of

physical activity per week increasing from 20% in February 2020 to 27%.

liv

However, one in five

respondents (21%) reported that they were doing more physical activity during the first lockdown in

comparison to February 2020 due to having more time, wanting to improve health in general and

wanting to get out of the house.

lv

The impact of the first lockdown on physical activity varied by gender. The proportion of men who

did physical activity dropped from 42% in February 2020 to 35% during lockdown, while women

reported a slightly lower degree of change in activity between the two time periods (33% to 29%).

However, women’s level of insufficient physical activity increased more compared to men (8% vs

6%). These overall findings on physical activity are mirrored in the Brimbank Community Survey – Health

and Wellbeing Impacts of COIVD-19 undertaken during the second lockdown period. In terms of

doing exercise of any kind 49.6% were ‘exercising less’, and 30% were ‘exercising more’.

Brimbank’s Strategic Response to Active Living

The

(developed in 2018) has a focus on accessibility and has

broadened its approach to physical activity from leisure facilities to also include active recreation in

the community as part of its broader health and wellbeing approach. The strategy adopts a life stage

approach and identifies that providing diverse informal physical activity opportunities to people

throughout all stages of their life is fundamental in changing lifestyle behaviour and forming healthy

habits.

lvi

36

Brimbank City Council in partnership with the other Western region Councils and the Victorian

Government recently developed the

. The plan identifies a number of key barriers

for the participation of women and girls in sport and active recreation including: childcare

considerations; transport (particularly for disability groups, older women and migrant women); the

use of primary sports facilities by traditional male sports; and a preference for culturally familiar

activities. Is also notes the importance of walking for women at all times of the year.

Council’s

(updated in 2016)

identifies parks, playgrounds and open space as important places that support active recreation and

creates better connected communities. Similarly, the

states that improving the quantity and quality of urban green spaces within close proximity to

residents can assist in promoting physical activity. Street trees with broad canopy cover offer shade

and amenity that may encourage residents to utilise active means of transport.

Council’s

states that a lack of access to walking and cycling paths

and limited public transport leads to individuals relying on cars with the majority of car trips in

Brimbank being less than 5 kilometres long.

In the

from 2020 it states that it is no longer

feasible for transport planners to focus on mobility (getting from A to B as quickly and efficiently as

possible) but rather on accessibility. This includes a focus on multi-modal options (walking, cycling,

public transport, cars etc.), improved access for disadvantaged people, improved public fitness and

health, and integrated and long-term strategic planning.

This approach aligns with the

draft paper which has Accessibility, Mobility and Transport as key themes for the aspiration of

Inclusive and Integrated Transport.

The

(revised in 2016) identifies ‘Local Connector Routes’ as

a key strategic approach. These routes are very local in nature (routes that can connect people from

where they live to their local shops, park or school, for example). Typically these routes can be

constructed on ‘back streets’ with low traffic volumes, providing safe and effective local connections

for very little cost.

The Brimbank

states that connections to walking, cycling and public

transport are important in developing successful activity centres and the city’s walking and cycling

network should be expanded. It encourages development that provides on and off road walking and

cycling paths, bicycle parking facilities and connections to the public transport network. It also

encourages the installation of bicycle facilities at all activity centres, and community and recreation

facilities. The Municipal Strategic Statement also seeks to ensure all residents have equal access to

high quality parks and playgrounds and that parks and open space areas can accommodate a range

of passive and active recreation activities.

37

Tobacco-Related Harm





Background

Tobacco smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease in Australia.

lvii

It is

responsible for 9.3 per cent of disease burden and 13.3 per cent of deaths in Australia.

lviii

Smoking

increases the risk of lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gum

disease and many other illnesses, and evidence suggests that smoking kills almost two in three

regular users.

lix

The health burden of tobacco use does not just affect smokers. Children who live in a

smoking household are significantly more likely to suffer from bronchiolitis and other respiratory

conditions.

lx

Smoking is also related to existing inequalities with socioeconomically disadvantaged

individuals are more likely to be current smokers.

lxi

Reducing tobacco-related harm is a priority for the Victorian Government and one of four focus

areas in the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2019-2023. Their strategic actions focus on:

reducing smoking-related harm and denormalise smoking behaviours through ongoing support and

modernisation of tobacco control regulation in Victoria; supporting smokers to quit through greater

access to and uptake of smoking cessation; and embedding smoking identification and cessation

pathways into routine care

Smoking Status in Brimbank

Brimbank has a significantly higher percentage of adults who smoke than in Victoria (21% vs 17%).

28.1% of men in Brimbank currently smoke which is statistically significant and much higher than

Victoria (20.3%). Women in Brimbank who smoke are at a similar rate to women in Victoria (13.3%

vs 13.2%).

The overall percentage of adults in Brimbank who are current smokers has increased from the

previous Health and Wellbeing Status Report from 17.5% to 21%.

13.3 28.1 21 17.5 13.2 20.3 17 13.1

Source: Victorian Population Health Survey 2017

COVID-19 and Smoking

The VicHealth Coronavirus Victorian Wellbeing Impact Study showed that one in four respondents

that smoke (23%) reported that they had smoked more than usual during the first lockdown.

However, a similar proportion of people who smoke reported smoking less than usual (19%).

lxii

38

The Brimbank Community Survey – Health and Wellbeing Impacts of COIVD-19 undertaken during

the second lockdown period showed that of the survey respondents who smoked two-thirds were

smoking more (67%).

39

Alcohol and Other Drugs









Background

Alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems are complex, affecting not only individuals but their families

and their communities. Since 1985, the AOD system in Australia has been based on the three pillars

of harm minimization: demand reduction (primary prevention); supply reduction (environmental

design, policing, disrupting drug markets); and harm reduction (AOD service provision).

lxiii

While

Council does not provide AOD services directly, it has an important role to play in advocating for

services to meet community needs and challenging the drivers through primary prevention.

Recent research into young Australian men’s attitudes highlighted a link between risky drinking

cultures and outdated masculine stereotypes.

lxiv

Young men who more closely adhered to outdated

masculine stereotypes were statistically more likely to engage in regular binge drinking. The links

between harmful masculine stereotypes and higher rates of binge drinking correspond with existing

research that has linked particular forms of masculinity with excessive alcohol consumption

lxv

and

research showing how the alcohol industry articulates ‘a manual of masculinity’ through

advertisements.

lxvi

Reducing harmful alcohol and drug use is a priority in the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan

2019-2023. Much of the focus is on tertiary prevention and service system responses. However, one

area of focus relevant for Council is on changing risky drinking cultures and delivering environments

that support low-risk drinking.

AOD Status in Brimbank

Alcohol Use

Brimbank has a significantly higher percentage of adults who abstain from drinking alcohol than in

Victoria (36% vs 21.6%). This rate has increased slightly since the previous Health and Wellbeing

Status report (from 33% to 36%).

47.1 25.5 36 33 26.4 16.8 21.6 20.8

Source: Victorian Population Health Survey 2017

40

Brimbank has significantly lower percentages of people at risk from alcohol-related harm than in

Victoria, for both lifetime risk (40% vs 59%) and risk of injury from a single occasion of drinking (26%

vs 43%). Both these rates have also reduced since the previous Health and Wellbeing Status Report.

28.3 52.8 40 43.2 50.6 69.0 59 59.2

18.9 35.6 26 33.8 32.2 54.3 43 42.5

Source: Victorian Population Health Survey 2017

When looking at risk of short-term alcohol-related harm

15

by age groups, 27% of people aged 25-34

(or 8,454 people) are at risk of short term harm, while there are also 28% (or 6,966 people) of 45-54

year olds at risk. 25-34 year olds are also the largest cohort who think that ‘getting drunk

occasionally is ok’ at 29.9%.

Sample

too small

26.7 Sample too small 28.2 Sample too small Sample too small

Sample

too small

29.9 Sample too small Sample too small Sample too small Sample too small

Source: VicHealth Community Indicators 2015

When looking at risk of alcohol-related harm by gender, men are much more at risk of short-term

harm than women and have attitudes that support getting drunk. When combining age groups and

gender the largest cohort at risk of short term harm each month is males aged 25-34 years old at

33.3%.

11.9

33.5

18.8

25.5

Source: VicHealth Community Indicators 2015

Looking at the issue by country of birth, it is Australian born adults who are the largest cohort who

are at risk and who have attitudes supportive of getting drunk. There is also a small cohort of adults

born in non-English speaking countries who are also at risk.

15

People are at more risk of short term harm from alcohol, such as injury, if they consume 5 or more standard

drinks in one session (VicHealth, 2020).

41

31.3 Sample too small

13.9

32.4 Sample too small

12.8

Source: VicHealth Community Indicators 2015

Drug Use

The "Changing Trends and Patterns in the Use of Alcohol and Other Drugs in the Brimbank Local

Government Area” report (2017) identified two distinct cohorts of illicit drug users in Brimbank:

people who use live in Brimbank and consume drugs in private; and people who visit Brimbank to

purchase drugs and consume in public but discreet places.

In Brimbank, there is concern about illicit drug use in the local community, especially the impact that

drug dealing and consumption in public has on safety and amenity. However, most drug

consumption occurs in private.

lxvii

Since 2014/15, Brimbank’s rate of recorded drug offences has been reasonably higher than the

Victorian rate, although rate in Brimbank has been decreasing. In 2019/20, Brimbank had 617 drug

offences per 100,000 residents compared to 611.2 for the North West Metro region and 551 for

Victoria.

710.9 781.6 625.1 625.6 561.8 617.0

573.4 577.5 538.5 506.7 549.9 611.2

480.8 489.0 480.1 462.2 493.3 551.0

(p) represents the preliminary estimate for a given year, and (r) represents a revision to previously reported results.

Source: Crime Statistics Agency

Brimbank is second to Maribyrnong in the North West Metro region in rates of hospitalisations for

illicit drugs, with a rate per 10,000 people of 26.3 in 2019/19. These rates have on average been

increasing over the last 5 years.

18.8

18

21.1

22.2

28.2

23

18.4

21.1

20.2

26.3

16.3

24.6

19.8

19.1

24.2

16

19.1

18.8

17.8

22.2

17.1

16

19.2

14.9

21.9

11.5

12.9

17.2

13.8

17.5

Source: Turning Point

Brimbank is again second behind Maribyrnong in the North West Metro region for ambulance

attendance for illicit drugs, with 232.9 per 100,000 people in 2018/19. The rate has generally been

increasing steadily since 2014/15.

42

337.2

325.7

356.0

302.2

360.0

203.8

214.6

210.0

248.3

232.9

159.1

155.2

115.6

160.9

171.0

167.0

204.9

171.6

171.4

158.7

128.5

167.2

127.7

132.5

146.8

100.1

96.3

95.1

97.5

121.0

Source: Turning Point

Injecting drug use

Ambulance attendance rates for heroin use have remained steadily higher than other North West

Metro municipality rates, with Brimbank second only to Maribyrnong. Rates had generally been

steadily increasing although in 2018/19 there was decline.

177.1

158.1

171.7

124.2

157.6

101.2

104.8

99.6

123.7

106.8

43.9

49.6

30.0

35.8

48.7

52.8

65.2

45.5

36.7

36.0

24.3

22.6

26.1

21.5

26.2

17.0

15.3

25.9

17.4

25.5

Source: Turning Point

People who inject drugs are likely to source sterile injecting equipment from needle and syringe

program (NSP) providers, including pharmacies, which are resourced and administered by the

Victorian Government.

lxviii

Broadly, Australians support harm reduction approaches to illicit drug use

over law enforcement approaches, and the majority (67%) recognise the value of and support NSP.

lxix

However, there is concern from the broader community in Brimbank about injecting drug use

because of the impact that exposure to public injecting or injecting-related litter has on public

amenity and perceptions of safety.

There is anecdotal evidence of locations around Brimbank, especially Sunshine and St Albans, where

people inject drugs and discard syringes. However, geospatial analysis of discarded syringe pickup

locations in Brimbank does not highlight any obvious trends

16

.

lxx

The number of discarded syringes

represents less than 0.5% of the total number of syringes dispensed by the NSP in Brimbank.

All NSP sites provide syringe disposal services, however there is no NSP in Sunshine town centre. In

addition, many of the safe disposal units provided in public places across Brimbank have limited

operating hours and may be inaccessible at the intended time of drug use.

lxxi

Many Councils in Victoria complement the NSP syringe disposal services by providing services

related to used syringe management. An important feature of this approach is monitoring hotspots

for discarded syringes and providing syringe disposal and removal services accordingly. Relative to

other Councils, Brimbank provides minimal syringe disposal facilities in public places. Consequently,

requests for removal of discarded syringes from public and private property have increased in recent

years.

lxxii

16

This may be because Council data on discarded syringes only captures requests for pickup, and does not

capture all discarded syringes in Brimbank

43

Methamphetamine

Across Victoria, ambulance attendances, hospitalisations and offences for methamphetamines,

including the drug “ice”, have increased steadily.

In particular, ‘ice’, the more potent, crystallized form of methamphetamine, has rapidly risen in

usage, and is implicated in incidences of violence, road accidents, ambulance attendances,

hospitalisation, and death.

lxxiii

There is higher potential for addiction to ice, and subsequent chronic

physical and mental health problems.

As with heroin use, the use of crystal methamphetamine (‘ice’) in Brimbank was higher than other

North West Metro municipalities except for Maribyrnong.

66.0

69.5

56.1

69.4

68.9

59.2

56.7

47.6

57.0

50.8

42.3

53.5

36.0

39.0

36.4

38.4

39.9

32.1

34.7

31.1

35.1

37.2

31.6

24.5

28.6

49.4

59.4

36.6

39.9

27.4

Source: Turning Point

While methamphetamines are used by a wide cross section of the community, young people,

especially males, aged 20 – 29 years are the most frequent users.

lxxiv

Increases in use and harms

associated with methamphetamine have implications for the AOD treatment system, as

methamphetamine has a more complex action in the brain and requires longer and more complex

interventions for treatment.

lxxv

Across Victoria, acute treatment is hard to access, a problem

exacerbated by the already under-resourced service system in the North West AOD catchment.

AOD service system in Brimbank

Effective AOD harm minimisation relies on accessible services which meet the needs of users. There

is growing evidence that the service system is not adequately or appropriately meeting demand in

Brimbank and the North West AOD catchment broadly. This is characterised by amongst others

things:



Insufficient coverage of primary and secondary needle and syringe programs, especially in

Sunshine;



Insufficient provision of methamphetamine-related harm reduction services;



Insufficient provision of pharmacotherapy;



The rate of general practitioners as per the population is slightly lower than Victoria, and

barriers to access due to high concentration in activity centres;



Models of service provision are not appropriately responding to changing trends in drug use

or specific cohorts of people using drugs in the region;



Service system is not integrated, and there is a lack outreach and treatment referral

pathways;



There is real and perceived stigma around seeking treatment, especially for certain cohorts

such as women, culturally and linguistically diverse communities and young people.

44

COVID-19 and Alcohol and Other Drugs

The VicHealth Coronavirus Victorian Wellbeing Impact Study conducted in the first lockdown

showed that the risk of short term harm from alcohol consumption across the state each week

remains unchanged since 2017 at 11%. However, alcohol consumption behaviours consistent with

short term harm were significantly more common among single parents (31%), those eligible for

JobSeeker (26%), males aged 45–54 years (18%) those earning $40,000 to $60,000 (18%) and young

people aged 18 to 24 (17%).

The proportion of those consuming more than two standard drinks of alcohol at least 5 days a week

which is consistent with long term harm was 7% with people eligible for JobSeeker/JobKeeper and

low income households as the most commonly reported cohorts.

Boredom (43%), increased stress and anxiety (42%), and having more time (38%) were the most

commonly reported reason for increased consumption during coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

The Brimbank Community Survey – Health and Wellbeing Impacts of COIVD-19 undertaken during

the second lockdown period showed that of the survey respondents 24% were drinking more while

8% were drinking less.

There is little research conducted on the impacts on COVID-19 on illicit drug use. Studies are

underway and it is speculated that government restrictions have likely generated unparalleled

impacts on illicit drug markets, drug use patterns and related harms.

lxxvi

Reduced access to AOD

support services and treatment during the pandemic, due to social distancing restrictions, may also

have an impact on AOD use.

lxxvii

Brimbank’s Strategic Approach to Alcohol and Other Drugs

The

trategy recognises the importance of a harm

minimisation approach to reducing the harmful effects of alcohol and drugs on individuals and

society. This approach includes harm reduction, supply reduction and demand reduction.

45

Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence













Background

Gender equality is a critical determinant of health and wellbeing and a fundamental human right

that benefits everyone.

lxxviii

Gender equality is linked with a number of health, economic and social

benefits including positive outcomes in areas such as self-reported health, alcohol consumption, and

levels of depression among women and men.

lxxix

Reductions in the gender wage gap are associated

with lower depressive symptoms in women.

Gender inequality is a key driver of gender-based violence

17

, which is more damaging to the health

of Victorian women aged 15 to 44 than any other risk factors for chronic disease.

lxxx

Specific groups

of women are particularly at risk of violence due to the interplay of a number of complex factors,

including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women with a disability and culturally and

linguistically diverse women, while gender diverse people are also at more risk of violence.

Recent research by the Jesuit Social Services (the Man Box 2018; Unpacking the Man Box 2020)

investigated how rigid masculine stereotypes were impacting Australian men. The research found

that young Australian men who believe in outdated masculine stereotypes were significantly more

17

Gender-based violence is violence directed against a person because of their gender. The use of term

gender-based violence is important as it highlights that violence is rooted in power inequalities between

women and men and also includes violence against people who do not conform to dominant gender

stereotypes of accepted gender roles. It is more inclusive and includes violence against women, people who

identify as transgender, and gender queer/non-binary. Both women and men experience gender-based

violence but the majority of victims are women and girls. Gender-based violence and violence against women

are terms that are often used interchangeably as most gender-based violence is inflicted on women and girls,

by men.

46

likely to report mental health issues and risky behaviour. They are also more likely to perpetrate

online bullying, sexual harassment and violence. This includes domestic violence, sexual violence and

violence against other men.

A requirement of the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 is for local governments to specify

measures to prevent family violence and respond to the needs of victims of family violence in the

local community. Preventing all forms of violence is also a priority of the Victorian Public Health and

Safety Plan 2019-2023.

Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence Status in Brimbank

Gender Equality

The labour force participation of women in Brimbank is significantly lower than men’s participation

(50% vs 62.8%) and lower than the averages for women in the Metro West region (56.7%) and

Victoria (55.7%). Conversely, the proportion of women unemployed in Brimbank is higher than men

in Brimbank (11.2% vs 9.7%), with both women and men experiencing higher unemployment than

the Metro West and State averages. Just over half the working women in Brimbank are receiving

weekly income below the minimum weekly wage which is gain higher than the Metro West and

Victorian averages.

50.0 62.8 56.7 68.2 55.7 65.5

11.2 9.7 8.7 7.8 5.7 5.9

Source: ABS Census compiled by profile.id)

50.8 36.0 44.2 29.6 48.8 33.3

Source: ABS Census compiled by Victorian Women’s Health Atlas

Women are significantly more likely to be lone parents than men whether in Brimbank, Metro West

or Victoria. Single mothers remain one of the most economically disadvantaged groups in Australia.

The growing gender pay gap, high representation in casual/part time work and time out of the work

force due to child bearing, all contribute to single mothers having limited financial resources.

lxxxi

83.4 16.6 83.1 16.9 81.0 19.0

Source: ABS Census compiled by Victorian Women’s Health Atlas

Women are also contributing significantly more unpaid domestic work than men which affects their

free time and health and wellbeing (21.2% for women vs 6.3% for men). The percentage of unpaid

47

work done by women is not affected by the average income, education or relative advantage of the

location in which the work is occurring, showing that regardless of personal circumstances, women

continue to carry the overall burden for unpaid domestic work.

lxxxii

21.2 6.3 20.5 6.3 26.7 9.5

Source: ABS Census compiled by Victorian Women’s Health Atlas

When looking at gender equality in relationships in Brimbank, over half of men (55.8%) believe that

‘men should take control in relationships, should be the head of the household and women prefer

men to be in charge. This is higher than the average for the Metro West region (47.6%) and Victoria

(41.5%). Just under half of women in Brimbank (47.4%) share this view which is significantly higher

than the Metro West or State averages (32.3% and 25.6% respectively).

47.4 55.8 32.3 47.6 25.6 41.5

Source: VicHealth Community Indicators Survey in Victorian Women’s Health Atlas

According to the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS), women comprise a majority of people

aged 15 and over who are experiencing poverty. Brimbank has greater proportions of women living

in poverty than men (19% vs 15%), as well as more than the Metro West and State averages. Older

women are in particular at risk of being in poverty as a lifetime of gender inequality means that by

age 65, women retire with about a third of the superannuation that men accrue.

lxxxiii

As such, areas

with ageing populations tend to have a higher proportion of women living in poverty.

lxxxiv

19.0 15.0 16.7 14.6 13.3 12.0

Source: Victorian Council of Social Services modelling of 2015-16 ABS Survey on Income and Housing

in Victorian Women’s Health Atlas

Family Violence

Family violence is the most pervasive and common form of men's violence against women in

Victoria. It is the leading cause of death and disability in women aged 15-45 years and is the biggest

contributor to women's ill-health including poor mental health.

lxxxv

Family violence is the single

largest driver of homelessness for women.

lxxxvi

18

The percentage equals the number of persons aged 15 years and over who performed 15 hours or more of unpaid

domestic work per week, divided by the total persons of the corresponding sex of that LGA.

19

Low support is calculated based on level of agreement with the following two statements: 1. “Men should take control in

relationships and be the head of the household.” and 2. “Women prefer a man to be in charge of the relationship.”

48

In Brimbank, women are overwhelming more likely to experience family violence than men and the

rate of family violence incidents has been increasing for the last three years after a sharp drop in

2016 and 2015. Women in Brimbank are also significantly more likely to experience family violence

than the average rate for the Metro West region.

111.57 37.67 102.4 32.0

115.6 38.1

109.77 31.96

97.1

29.7

108.3

36.7

92.1

25.6

86.4

26.8

102.5

35.2

97.4

29.4

93.1

28.7

109.3

36.4

115.0 34.2

109.1

33.5

106.9

35.3

Source: Crime Statistics Agency in the Victorian Women’s Health Atlas

Sexual Offences

20

Women in Brimbank are over six times more likely to experience sexual offences than men. The rate

of sexual offences against women has stayed fairly constant over the last three years after a sharp

increase in 2016. The rate of sexual offences against women in Brimbank is less than the metro West

and State average.

11.42

1.85

15.1

2.6

13.9

2.8

10.8

1.5

13.2

2.4

14.1

3.0

11.7

1.6

12.2

2.5

13.7

3.6

7.8

1.7

9.9

1.8

12.2

3.4

6.9

0.9

9.5

1.7

11.2

2.9

Source: Crime Statistics Agency in the Victorian Women’s Health Atlas

Stalking, Harassment and Threatening Behaviours (SHTB)

21

Women in Brimbank are twice as likely as men to experience SHTBs. Women in Brimbank are also

significantly more likely to experience SHTB than on average women in the Metro West or Victoria.

11.06 5.61

8.1

4.0

8.7

4.3

11.53

5.61

8.4

3.9

8.0

4.3

8.7

3.3

8.2

4.3

7.8

4.1

20

Sexual offences include rape, indecent assault, and other acts of a sexual nature against another person,

which are non-consensual or where the person is deemed incapable of giving consent because of youth or

temporary / permanent incapacity.

21

SHTB includes repeated acts of unreasonable conduct intended to: cause physical or mental harm; arouse

apprehension or fear; threaten or invade privacy; or create nuisance. Stalking and harassment are highly

gendered experiences with women overwhelmingly as the victims and men as the perpetrators.

49

7.0

3.9

8.1

4.3

8.2

4.0

10.9

5.2

10.6

5.3

8.2

4.6

Source: Crime Statistics Agency in the Victorian Women’s Health Atlas

COVID-19 and Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence

The impacts of COVID-19 affected women and men differently. This is particularly relevant in

relation to employment and economic security, health and wellbeing, and the experience of family

violence. More women than men are unemployed as a consequence of Covid-19, reflecting the fact

that some of the most affected sectors like hospitality and retail are female-dominated. In July 2020,

women lost jobs at a rate 5 times more than men.

lxxxvii

The majority of single-parent households are

headed by women where the job losses and economic insecurity may force women and their

children into poverty.

The VicHealth Coronavirus Victorian Wellbeing Impact Study conducted in the first lockdown

showed that 72% of women were responsible for homeschooling and caring for school aged

children, with another 16% sharing the responsibility. This not only impacts on their ability to earn

income, but also their mental health as discussed above in the section on Mental Wellbeing.

Women across the life course are also more impacted by COVID-19 than men. During the first

lockdown, 37 per cent of women aged 18-24 reported suicidal thoughts, compared to 17 per cent of

men, while older women are more likely than older men to live alone or in residential care, meaning

they are more likely to be isolated due to social distancing measures.

lxxxviii

With regards to gender-based violence, whilst there has been no spike in local reporting of family

violence to police, this may reflect limited opportunities to connect with services or seek help. A

recent report based on input from family violence practitioners in Victoria and a large survey of

women across Australia both found that that there has been an increase in the frequency and

severity of family violence from March to May 2020.

lxxxix

As part of this escalation, there was an

increase in the first-time use of violence by male perpetrators.

New forms of family violence have also been reported, including tactics to reinforce social isolation,

and forms of violence specifically relating to the threat and risk of COVID-19 infection. Despite family

violence support services continuing to operate in modified forms, women during the first lockdown

experienced a reduced ability to seek help, due to increased surveillance by partners being at

home.

xc

Brimbank’s Strategic Approach to Gender Equality and Preventing Gender-Based Violence

The main strategic document guiding this work is

.

This strategy has identified five priorities for action: Promote Gender Equality; Primary Prevention of

Family and Violence Against Women; Early Intervention of Family Violence and Violence Against

Women; Advocate and Partner; and Organisational and Workforce Development.

Three emerging issues have been identified in the current gender equality implementation plan. The

first is a response to the gendered impacts of COVID-19 and a recommendation to 'apply a gender

lens to all COVID-19 response and recovery activities to ensure a gender equal recovery'. Secondly,

in response to the requirements of the Gender Equality Act 2020, Council must plan, measure and

make progress towards improving the workplace gender equality through the development of a four

year workplace gender equality action plan.

50

A third emerging issue is about engaging men and challenging masculine stereotypes. This is in

response to a range of new research including 'The Man-Box' (Jesuit Social Services, 2018), 'Men in

Focus' (Our Watch, 2019) and 'Masculinities and Health' (VicHealth, 2020). The focus is on how to

engage men to reflect on their own masculinity, how it impacts women and men and what being

free from traditional masculine stereotypes looks like. This will not only help prevent gender-based

violence but also promote the health and wellbeing of men.

Council is also a partner of the Preventing Violence Together regional partnership. The

strategy identifies six overarching goals that are based on the Our Watch

‘Change the Story’ framework. Councils Fairness, Equality and Respect strategy is aligned with these

goals and the two strategies are mutually reinforcing.

51

Sexual and Reproductive Health









Background

Sexual and reproductive health is a fundamental contributor to people’s health and wellbeing.

xci

Sexual and reproductive health covers a range of issues such as safe sex and contraception,

unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. However, it is not only about physical

wellbeing – it includes the right to healthy and respectful relationships, health services that are

inclusive, safe and appropriate, access to accurate information testing, treatment, and timely

support and services (including access to affordable contraception).

xcii

In Victoria the burden of disease associated with sexual and reproductive ill health continues to

rise

xciii

and it is women and girls who bear the overwhelming burden of sexual and reproductive

morbidity.

xciv

The western region is disproportionately impacted by poor sexual and reproductive

health outcomes as these outcomes are influenced by sexual and reproductive health inequities.

22

Good sexual and reproductive health involves gender equality, respect, safety and freedom from

discrimination, violence and stigma.

xcv

A key issue related to sexual and reproductive health is sexuality education. A recent report on

sexual and reproductive health priorities showed that in the 2018 National Survey of Australian

Secondary Students and Sexual Health students had low confidence and satisfaction in their formal

sexuality education, with only 7.8% describing their relationships and sexuality education as ‘very’ or

‘extremely’ relevant.

xcvi

Improving sexual and reproductive health is a priority in the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing

Plan. The plan emphasises a range of objectives including: promoting positive, respectful, non

coercive and safe sexual relationships and reproductive choices; reducing sexually transmissible

infections and blood-borne viruses through prevention, testing and treatment; and reducing and

eliminating stigma, including homophobia, transphobia and biphobia.

xcvii

22

This is the term used to describe health inequalities that are socially produced, avoidable, unfair and

systematic in their unequal distribution across the population. These include the social, political and cultural

contexts, people’s daily living conditions, the provision of culturally appropriate accessible healthcare, and

gender norms and expectations.

52

Sexual and Reproductive Health Status in Brimbank

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs)

Chlamydia has become a major public health problem because of the long-term consequences of

infection experienced predominantly by women.

23

The rate of chlamydia for women in Brimbank in

2018 is 19.4 per 10,000 individuals which is lower than the state and Metro West average. For men

in Brimbank, the rate is 20.53 per 10,000, which was above the state average of 18.1 per 10,000, but

below the metro west average of 29.0 per 10,000. However, when the data is assessed across a

longer time frame, a significant increase in chlamydia for men is evident, for whom rates have

increased by almost 60% since 2014.

19.40

20.53

26.2

29.0

20.8

18.1

20.41

12.97

24.7

21.4

19.6

13.2

Source: DHHS Interactive infectious disease reports in Victorian Women’s Health Atlas

Gonorrhoea is an infectious, often symptomless disease that is almost always transmitted via sexual

contact. In Brimbank the rates of gonorrhoea in women was 2.47 per 10,000, which was slightly

higher than the state average of 2.1 per 10,000. This is below the metro west average for females

which was 3.9 per 10,000. However, rates in males were significantly higher in Brimbank (10.81 per

10,000) than the state average of 6.6 per 10,000.

When assessed over a longer timeframe, the rates of gonorrhoea notifications in Brimbank for

women has increased by 89% since 2014, with the rates in males increasing by 200% over the same

time frame.

2.47

10.81

3.9

15.8

2.1

6.6

1.31

3.61

1.6

7.0

0.7

3.3

Source: DHHS Interactive infectious disease reports in Victorian Women’s Health Atlas

Rates of syphilis have increased exponentially in Victoria, reaching a record high in 2019.

xcviii

There

has been an increase in diagnoses in women and, for the first time since 2004, there were four

confirmed cases of congenital syphilis in 2018, including two foetal deaths.

xcix

Populations at greater

risk of syphilis include people with multiple sexual partners, travellers returning from countries

where syphilis is more prevalent, people who inject drugs, sex workers and Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander communities.

Apart from the City of Melbourne, Brimbank has similar rates of syphilis infections to other Councils

in the western region.

23

These relate mainly to the development of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and include chronic pelvic pain,

ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and increased risk of pre-term labour. Rarely, males may also become infertile.

53

Melbourne

60.3

Maribyrnong

10.8

Melton

10.6

Hobson’s Bay

10.4

Brimbank

10.2

Moonee Valley

10.1

Wyndham

10.1

Source: Department of Health and Human Services 2019 in Women’s Health West report 2020

Hepatitis B is the most common blood-borne virus in Australia and is spread via contact with

infected blood or body fluids. In Brimbank, rates of Hepatitis B are higher than the state and metro

west average for women (2.37 per 10,000) and men (4.48 per 10,000). Rates in Brimbank were more

than double the state average for women and over four times the state average for men. Looking

over a longer timeframe it shows that rates of infection have reduced slightly since 2014.

2.37

4.48

2.0

2.9

1.0

1.0

3.83

5.09

2.8

3.8

1.1

1.1

Source

DHHS Interactive infectious disease reports in Victorian Women’s Health Atlas

HIV is primarily acquired through sexual contact, and to a lesser extent via injection drug use. Rates

of HIV for women in Brimbank were 0.13 per 10,000. This was higher than both the metro and state

average. In men, the HIV rate in Brimbank was 0.41 per 10,000 which was lower than the metro west

average and equal to the state average for males. There has also been a 50% reduction of rates of

infection for men from 2014.

0.13

0.41

0.0

0.7

0.1

0.4

0.14

0.82

0.1

0.8

0.1

0.4

Source

DHHS Interactive infectious disease reports in Victorian Women’s Health Atlas

Teenage Births

The most recent data available for teenage birth (2017), records a rate of 9.2 per 1000 in Brimbank.

This is higher than the metro west average of 7.3 per 1000 and slightly lower than the state average

of 10.6 per 1000. Consistent with the state and metro west there has been a decline in teenage birth

since 2013-2014.

9.20

N/A

7.3

N/A

10.6

N/A

12.59

N/A

11.0

N/A

15.7

N/A

Source

DHHS Consultative Council on Obstetric & Paediatric Mortality & Morbidity in Victorian

Women’s Health Atlas

54

COVID-19 and Sexual and Reproductive Health

General Practitioners in some parts of the west are reporting a 30% decrease in regular

appointments,

c

which indicates that community members are not being proactive in seeking general

healthcare amid the pandemic. There has also been a reduction in breast, bowel and cervical

screening rates.

ci

The impact of COVID-19 restrictions on child and maternal healthcare and new parents’ programs

has been profoundly challenging and reduced protective factors and traditional social support

options for those who have recently given birth.

Restrictions have been very difficult and risky for LGBTIQA+ people, in terms of access to support

and tailored health information. Young people and those who are not ‘out’ with those they live with

are experiencing heightened risk and isolation.

Crises and disasters, such as a pandemic, often bring a rise in unplanned pregnancy, sometimes as a

result of not having access to contraception, sometimes due to increased risk of intimate partner

violence, including reproductive coercion although there is no data as yet on this outcome from

COVID-19.

Brimbank’s Strategic Approach to Sexual and Reproductive Health

Brimbank City Council is a member of the

Partnership. The partnership involves all

western region Council and is led by Women’s Health West. The partnership aims to address the

social determinants of sexual and reproductive health inequities. In the

six social determinants are focused on: gender norms; cultural and societal norms;

violence, discrimination and stigma; socio-economic status, public policy and law; and provision of

culturally appropriate, accessible healthcare and services.

Priorities identified by the Action for Equity Partnership include that sexual and reproductive health

is prioritised in regional health planning, including Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plans. This

reflects the steep rises in many STIs, low screening rates and the need for enhanced sexuality

education/primary prevention initiatives.

Linked to this is the second priority which is to develop and deliver sexuality education and social

marketing campaigns to challenge discourses of gender, power and sexuality that marginalise

women, transgender and gender diverse communities. Another relevant priority for Council is to

strengthen collaborative advocacy efforts to enhance affordable, accessible and affirmative sexual

and reproductive health services and health promotion in the west. These recommended actions all

align with Victorian Public Health and wellbeing plan and its stated objectives.

Council’s

also aims to address many of the social determinants of health

and wellbeing for young people that is aligned to addressing sexual and reproductive health

inequities. This includes objectives focused on enabling young people to access the health, wellbeing

and support services they require, delivering opportunities for young people to learn, transition and

earn, and understand and address the structural and systemic barriers faced by young people to

enhance inclusivity.

55

Community Safety









Background

Communities that feel safe allow more people to participate in public life and activities which

supports positive health and wellbeing outcomes. Studies have shown that community safety and

social inclusion are mutually reinforcing concepts with greater social inclusion improving perceptions

of safety, and increased safety contributes to a society that is more socially inclusive.

cii

Further, the

risk of becoming involved in crime, or being victimised, is greater in those communities that

experience high levels of social exclusion or a lack of social cohesion.

ciii

With regards road safety, adherence to outdated masculine stereotypes is a factor in the likelihood

of young men being in traffic accidents. The Man Box research

civ

showed that, of the young men

surveyed, 38% who adhered to the outdated masculine stereotypes had been in one or more traffic

accidents in the past year. This is compared to 11% of surveyed young men who did not adhere to

the masculine stereotypes. This finding corresponds with other research showing the acceptability of

risky driving among young males and the link between masculinity, driving and cars.

cv

Reducing injury in the community is a priority in the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan with

incorporates road safety. The plan puts on emphasis on priority populations including: children 0–14

years, young adults 15–24 years, older adults 65+, and Aboriginal Victorians.

Community Safety Status in Brimbank

Criminal Offences

Since 2014/15, Brimbank’s rate of total recorded offences per 100,000 residents has been higher

than the Victorian rate. Brimbank’s rates have historically been lower than the rates for the North

West Metro Region, however, the data for 2018/19 and the preliminary data for 2019/20, shows

that Brimbank’s rate has been higher in the last two years.

9,038 9,602 8,630 8,827 8,940 9,630

9,603 10,533 9,879 9,112 8,770 9,061

7,835 8,674 8,419 7,828 7,786 8,116

(p) represents the preliminary estimate for a given year, and (r) represents a revision to previously reported results.

Source: Crime Statistics Agency

56

Crimes against the person are perceived by the community as being more harmful to victims than

crimes such as property-based crimes and therefore may have a large influence on perceptions of

safety.

cvi

Since 2014/15, Brimbank’s rate of recorded offences for crime against the person per 100,000

residents has been higher than the Victorian rate.

Brimbank’s rates have historically been similar to the North West Metro Region rates, however, in

the past three years, the rates for Brimbank have been steadily rising and exceeded the North West

Metro rates quite substantially.

1,205 1,240 1,270 1,407 1,432 1,505

1,236 1,282 1,318 1,292 1,276 1,324

1,149 1,239 1,252 1,239 1,229 1,239

(p) represents the preliminary estimate for a given year, and (r) represents a revision to previously reported results.

Source: Crime Statistics Agency

Perceptions of Safety

Perceptions of safety refers to an individual’s perceived level of ‘feeling safe’ and levels of worry

about crime.

cvii

Positive perceptions of safety are closely linked to community trust and social

inclusion. When people feel safe in their community they are more likely to experience greater levels

of social connection and trust, and are more confident participating and engaging in public life.

cviii

Brimbank residents generally felt less safe both during the day and at night when compared to

Victoria as a whole. Women in Brimbank felt less safe than men in Brimbank with a significant

differences related to walking alone at night, with only 23.2% of women feeling safe compared to

54.4% of men.

79.4 93.1 86.2 89.7 95.4 92.5

23.2 54.4 38.8 37.2 73.8 55.1

Source: VicHealth Community Indicators 2017

Road Fatalities

Road fatalities are relatively rare events in both Brimbank and the Western Region, and there is

significant variation from year to year. The preliminary data for 2019 indicates that Brimbank had a

substantial rise in the rate of fatalities per 100,000 residents from the previous year. In 2019,

Brimbank had 4.8 road fatalities per 100,000 residents compared to 2.5 per 100,000 for the North

West Metro region.

4.8 2.9 1.9 7.3 2.0 2.5 2.6

2.5 2.7 2.4 4.0 3.0 2.2 3.3

Source: VicRoads crash statistics

57

Between 2010 and 2019, over one-half (64%) of road users killed in Brimbank were pedestrians and

motorcyclists, and 33% were drivers and passengers. Over the last ten years, males have accounted

for 73% of fatalities. The majority of bicyclists, motorcyclists, drivers and pedestrians who were killed

were male (100%, 90%, 75% and 65% respectively). Over two-thirds (71%) of passengers who were

killed were female.

Source: Crash Stats Data Extract

Serious Injuries

In 2019, Brimbank had a higher rate of serious road injuries (49.2 per 100,000) than the Western

region (38.8 per 100,000). Since 2013, the rate of serious injuries per 100,000 residents in Brimbank

has been higher than the Western Region, although the general trend for both Brimbank and the

Western Region, has been a decline in the rate of serious injuries.

100%

90%

75%

65%

29%

10%

25%

35%

71%

Male Female

Pedestrians

23, 33%

Motorcyclists

21, 31%

Drivers

16, 23%

Passengers

7, 10%

Bicyclists

2, 3%

49.2 53.7 57.5 77.4 91.0 98.2 87.6

38.8 43.2 48.8 67.4 76.1 75.6 80.2

Source: VicRoads crash statistics

Between 2010 and 2019, over two-thirds (72%) of road users seriously injured in Brimbank were

drivers and passengers, and 24% were pedestrians and motorcyclists. Over the last ten years, males

have accounted for 61% of serious injuries. The majority of motorcyclists and pillion passengers

(95%), and bicyclists (90%) who were seriously injured were male. Close to two-thirds (61%) of

passengers seriously injured were female.

Source: Crash Stats Data Extract

Source: Crash Stats Data Extract

95%

90%

59%

60%

39%

5%

10%

41%

40%

61%

Male Female

Drivers

869, 54%

Passengers 282,

18%

Motorcyclists

186, 12%

Pedestrians 189,

12%

Bicyclists

59, 4%

Pillion

passengers

4, <1%

Unknown

6, <1%

is underpinned by the principles of social inclusion. It recognises that a community that is

welcoming, connected and celebrates diversity will be a safer and more inclusive place for people to

live and work.

Council’s vision for a safe and inclusive community is also underpinned by a focus on crime

prevention. Fostering social inclusion, harmony and social cohesion are recognised crime prevention

and community safety initiatives.

cix

This includes interventions to improve public spaces so that they

are safer, more accessible and facilitate interactions and engagement between community

members. The Safe and Inclusive Brimbank 2020-2024 outlines three priority areas: Stronger

Communities; Safer Streets and Public Spaces; and Strategic Partnerships.

In Brimbank’s draft paper

safety, amenity and service provision is highlighted as one of six aspirations, with an increase in a

feeling of safety in the community as a key objective. This will be achieved through improved urban

amenity, urban renewal and infrastructure delivery to make community places more accessible and

inclusive.

The

states that landscaping along active interfaces

incorporates crime prevention measures and encourages pedestrian-scale lighting along pathways.

60

Social Inclusion









Background

There is no universally accepted definition of social inclusion, however in the Australian context

social inclusion has been defined as having the resources, opportunities and capabilities to learn,

work, engage and have a voice.

cx

Social inclusion is a key determinant of health and wellbeing and as

such has permeated all sections of this Health and Wellbeing Status Report. However, this section

will focus on two indicators of social inclusion (volunteering and internet connection), and on three

groups that often experience social exclusion: people from culturally and linguistically diverse

backgrounds, people with disabilities, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Social Inclusion Status in Brimbank

Volunteering

Volunteering can improve the health and wellbeing of individual volunteers by enhancing support

networks, self-esteem and quality of life and has substantial social benefits.

cxi

Brimbank has a low

level of participation in voluntary work, with 10.9% of people volunteering in 2016 compared to 14.

1% for the Western region and 17.6% for Greater Melbourne., The rate has increased slightly since

2011.

10.9

9.0

14.1

12.0

17.6

15.8

Source: ABS Census compiled by profile.id

Internet Connection

Digital technologies have become a pervasive and transformative part of our everyday lives, allowing

us to engage socially and have a voice, critical elements of social inclusion.

cxii

However, since the

beginning of the pandemic, having an internet connection has become an even more critical

component of daily life in allowing equal access to information, services, education and learning,

working from home, and social connections. The Brimbank Atlas of Health and Education 2019 states

that households who have lower incomes are less likely to have internet connections and that there

61

is a strong correlation between no internet connection and people reporting their health as fair or

poor and people with high psychological distress.

cxiii

In Brimbank in 2016, 16.6% of households did not have an internet connection, which is equivalent

to 10,744 households. This is higher than the average for the Western region and in Greater

Melbourne which was 12.8% and 11.3% respectively. The rate in Brimbank has declined since 2011

when it was almost of a quarter of households (23.4%).

16.6

23.4

12.8

19.1

11.3

16.8

Source: ABS Census compiled by profile.id

When looking at internet connection by district, St Albans and Sunshine have the highest percentage

of households with no internet connection at 20.6%. This is followed by Keilor District at 15.7% and

then Deer Park and Sydenham at similar levels (12.2% and 12% respectively).

20.6

29.0

20.6

29.1

15.7

20.6

12.2

18.4

12.0

16.1

Source: ABS Census compiled by profile.id

Cultural Diversity

Brimbank is one of the most cultural diverse communities in Australia. In 2016, 47.8% of people in

Brimbank were born overseas (compared to 33.8% in Greater Melbourne).

cxiv

Of those born

overseas, 97% were from non-English speaking backgrounds. Proficiency in English has profound

implications for the ease with which migrants access labour markets, develop social networks,

become aware of and utilise services, and participate in many aspects of Australian society. Low

proficiency in English is correlated with poor health and wellbeing outcomes, as well as children

assessed as developmentally vulnerable.

cxv

It is worth noting that Brimbank has 2.9% of people

arriving under the Humanitarian Program which is higher than the rate for Greater Melbourne

(1.2%).

cxvi

This is a group that may have higher than average levels of poor or very poor health,

requiring a complex range of health and settlement services.

In Brimbank in 2016, 13.4% of people were not proficient in English which was significantly higher

than the rate for the Western region (7.3%) and Greater Melbourne (5.6%). This rate had increased

from 2011 when it was 12.5%.

13.4

12.5

7.3

7.1

5.6

5.0

Source: ABS Census compiled by profile.id

62

When looking at proficiency in English by districts in Brimbank, in 2016, St Albans had the highest

percentage of people who had low or no proficiency in English at 18.4%. This is followed by Sunshine

at 16.9% and then Deer Park at 12.8%. Keilor has the lowest percentage of people not proficient in

English at 2.9%.

18.4

18.0

16.9

15.8

12.8

11.5

6.9

6.7

2.9

3.4

Source: ABS Census compiled by profile.id

Disability

Participating in community activities and interacting with other people contribute to a person’s

sense of wellbeing. This is particularly important for people with disability, especially those who are

not employed, as such interactions help build social support networks.

In 2016, 6.4% of the population in the City of Brimbank reported needing help in their day-to-day

lives due to disability compared to 4.9% for Greater Melbourne. This was a 0.6% increase from 2011.

Brimbank had greater proportions of people needing assistance with core activities than Greater

Melbourne at every age except for 0-9 years and 10-19 years. The gap between Brimbank and

Greater Melbourne increases as people get older with the largest gaps at 75-79 years, 80-84 years

and 85 and over.

3.9 2.7 3.1 10.7 13.1 19.0 29.9 43.1 59.7

4.1 2.7 2.2 6.4 8.0 11.5 18.4 29.7 49.0

Source: ABS Census compiled by profile.id

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

There are approximately 816 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples or 0.4% of the total

Brimbank population. However, it is consistent with the proportion in Greater Melbourne, of 0.5%,

but lower that the Victorian average, of 0.8%.

The Brimbank Atlas of Health and Education states that while there is there is some variation in the

distribution of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples across Brimbank, with greater

concentrations in more disadvantaged areas. The largest number of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait

Islander peoples are in Ardeer, Albion, Sunshine and Sunshine West, followed by Deer park,

Derrimut, St Albans and Kings Park.

63

Brimbank’s Strategic Approach to Social Inclusion

Social inclusion cuts across a number of Brimbank strategies and a number are highlighted below.

Brimbank’s

states that Council is committed to being a leader in the area

of social justice and strives to deal with differences in our community in a fair and just way. It

identifies a range of barriers to social justice including social barriers (discrimination, visa status,

food insecurity, low levels of education etc.), physical barriers (housing insecurity, poor access to

transport, lack of open space etc.), economic barriers (low income, limited employment

opportunities etc.) and natural barriers (extreme climate, poor water or air quality etc.).

Social inclusion is a key part of the

which is

focused on building cohesive, inclusive and resilient communities, and guides the direction of a

number of other Council strategies.

The

is underpinned by the principles of social

inclusion. It recognises that a community that is welcoming, connected and celebrates diversity will

be a safer and more inclusive place for people to live and work.

The

has a

strong focus on social inclusion in its six strategic goals. These are focused on supporting educational

and learning opportunities, racial equity, intergenerational connections and building a skilled

workforce that reflect the diversity in Brimbank.

Council’s

aims to support active ageing through optimising

opportunities base on health, participation and security. The Plan has social inclusion at the core of

its priorities whether it is related to more accessible transport, affordable and appropriate housing,

or social participation and civic engagement.

The

aims to support young people’s participation, education,

employment and wellbeing and belonging, all of which related directly to social inclusion.

The

states that cultural diversity brings significant

positives to Brimbank, including new skills, links to overseas markets, filling skills gaps and labour

shortages, and helping to keep industries strong. The Plan outlines eight focus areas all of which are

directly linked to a social inclusion framework.

The

identifies that people with disability are more likely

to experience relatively poor health, lower levels of participation in education, training and

employment and social exclusion to meaningful participation in the community. To address this, it

has a focus on social inclusion across its four core areas for action.

Brimbank’s

aims to build relationships, respect and

opportunities with the Traditional Owners and local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

communities. Key social inclusion elements of the Plan include: improving employment

opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples; facilitating a better understanding of

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures internally and in the community; and ensuring all

Council programs and services are accessible for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

64

Children

’s D

evelopment









Background

There is substantial evidence that early childhood is the most important developmental phase in the

lifespan and a critical age that provides one of the greatest potential targets for reducing inequities

in health.

cxvii

The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) is a population measure of children’s

developmental progress carried out in a child first full year of school. It comprises ratings by teacher

on five developmental domains: language and cognitive skills; physical health and wellbeing;

communication skills and general knowledge; emotional maturity; and social competence.

Children’s Development Status in Brimbank

Children Developmentally On Track

Four out of five children in Brimbank were assessed as being developmentally on track in the

physical health and wellbeing domain. The proportion, of 80.6% was lower than in Greater

Melbourne. There has however been an increase of 7.3% in the rate in Brimbank since 2009.

The proportion of children assessed as being developmentally on track in the language and cognitive

skills domain was notably lower in Brimbank (79.3%) than in Greater Melbourne (85.3%). Unlike the

physical health and wellbeing domain, in this instance, there has been little improvement recorded

for children in Brimbank in 2015 compared to 2009. Compared with other LGAs in Greater

Melbourne, Brimbank had the third lowest proportion of children who were assessed as being on

track under this domain.

cxviii

80.6

75.1

79.3

79.1

82.0

81.2

85.3

84.7

Source: Brimbank Atlas of Health and Education 2019

According to the Brimbank Atlas for Health and Education 2019, there was no significant variation

across the municipality with regards to where children assessed as being developmentally on track

with regards to physical health and wellbeing. However, with regards to language and cognitive skills

there was much greater variation, ranging from 16% above the Brimbank average in Keilor to 16%

below in Delahey.

cxix

65

Children Developmentally Vulnerable

Despite the relatively high proportions of children assessed as being on track in the domains

discussed above, more than a quarter of children in Brimbank (26.2%) were assessed as being

developmentally vulnerable on one or more of the AEDC developmental domains. This was

substantially higher than in Greater Melbourne (19.2%). However, the proportion in Brimbank has

decreased since 2009, as have the figures for Greater Melbourne. Brimbank is ranked third highest

for having children who are developmentally vulnerable when compared with all municipalities in

Greater Melbourne.

cxx

26.2

27.1

19.2

20.1

Source: Brimbank Atlas of Health and Education 2019

There was significant variation in the location of children who were developmentally vulnerable

across Brimbank. The highest percentages were in Albion, Sunshine, Sunshine West, St Albans North,

Kings Park and Delahey.

Ardeer – Albion/ Sunshine/ Sunshine West

33.3

St Albans North/Kings Park

33

Delahey

30.3

Taylor’s Lakes

25.5

St Albans South/ Sunshine North

24.6

Sydenham

22.5

Deer Park/ Derrimut

21.6

Keilor Downs

21.2

Cairnlea

16.3

Keilor

15.8

Source: Brimbank Atlas of Health and Education 2019

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients for healthy growth and can assist with providing

resistance to infections and allergies. Brimbank had lower rates of breast feeding at three and six

months compared to Greater Melbourne. This was significant at six months with a 22.4% difference

between rates in Brimbank (11.6%) and Greater Melbourne (34%).

45.3

11.6%

51.4

34%

Source: Victorian Child and Adolescent Monitoring System 2014/15

66

COVID-19 and Children’s Development

COVID-19 is likely to have increased children’s vulnerability. Research states that children in families

experiencing job loss are more like to start school developmentally vulnerable, to repeat a grade, to

leave school early and may be less likely to attend university.

cxxi

According to research by the

Mitchell Institute, three quarters of a million Australian children are likely to be experiencing

employment stress in the family as a result of COVID-19.

cxxii

This is on top of around 615,000 children

whose families were already dealing with employment stress, whose situation may have

worsened.

cxxiii

Brimbank’s Strategic Approach to Children’s Development

In developing the

consultation was conducted with

parents, children and carers. Key priorities were identified including health and wellbeing,

particularly identifying strategies to engage and work with vulnerable children and families.

Key actions for reducing children’s developmental vulnerability are: to develop and deliver strategies

that engage families with high needs and those who do not traditionally access; working with

partners to increase kindergarten participation by families with high needs; and developing an Early

Years Service Access Team to help streamline families access to services internally and externally.

takes a life course approach to education and

learning and aims to support learning-rich environments for babies and pre-school children, as well

as supporting school-aged children and teenagers to have access to a broad range of engaging

learning opportunities. This strategy is discussed in more detail in the next section on ‘Education and

Learning’.

Working with the Mitchell Institute and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute,

commissioned a review of Council’s Early Years services in 2018 and followed up with

development of an outreach strategy in 2020 to overcome barriers to service participation. Growing

Brimbank continues to work with Brimbank’s early years networks to improve service engagement

and continuity from birth to the beginning of primary school, with a focus on vulnerable families and

children.

67

Education and Learning







Background

Education increases opportunities for choice of occupation and for income and job security, and also

equips people with the skills and ability to control many aspects of their lives – key factors that

influence health and wellbeing throughout the life course.

cxxiv

Education and Learning Status in Brimbank

Highest Qualification Achieved

In 2016, only 16% of Brimbank residents had a bachelor’s degree or higher which is significantly

lower than the rate in the Western region (23.3%) or in Greater Melbourne (27.5%). There has been

an increase since 2011 of 2.8% although this was a smaller increase than in the Western region or in

Greater Melbourne.

In 2016, 8% of Brimbank residents had an advanced diploma or diploma which is only slightly lower

than in the Western region (9%) or Greater Melbourne (9.5%) with a similar increase across all there

areas. In terms of vocational qualifications, Brimbank is similar to the Western region and Greater

Melbourne (15%, 15.8% and 15.3% respectively) with Brimbank having the greatest increase since

2011. Just over half of Brimbank residents have no qualification (51%) which is a slight reduction from

2011 when it was 53.3%. This is significantly more than the average for the Western region (42.3%)

and for Greater Melbourne 38.6%.

16 13.2 8.0 6.9 15.0 13.9 51.0 53.3

23.3 19.0 9.0 7.8 15.8 15.3 42.3 46.5

27.5 23.6 9.5 8.8 15.3 15.0 38.6 42.4

Source: ABS Census compiled by profile.id.

68

Slightly more women than men in Brimbank had degrees or diplomas (25.8% vs 22.2%), while

significantly more men than women had vocational qualifications (19% vs 11%). Just over half of

women (53.1%) had no qualifications compared to 48.8% of men.

17.3

14.7

16

8.5

7.5

8.0

11.0

19

15.0

53.1

48.8

51.0

Source: ABS Census compiled by profile.id.

Disengaged young people

24

When young people are unable to complete school or move successfully, either into further

education or directly into employment, they face a difficult future. When young people are alienated

or disengaged from activities and institutions which provide opportunities to develop skills, and

experience positive relationships, they are at greater risk of poor health, mental health difficulties

and social problems.

In 2016 the percentage of disengaged young people in Brimbank was 10.2%, higher than the rate for

the Western region (9.5%) and Greater Melbourne (8.2%). This is also a slight increase from 2011

when the rate was 9.8% which is consistent with other areas.

10.2

9.8

9.5

9.3

8.2

8.1

Source: ABS Census

Under half of disengaged young people were women and over half were men (46.6% vs. 53.4%). Of

these disengaged young people, women were more likely to be born overseas than males (39.1% vs.

30.4%) and more likely to have poor English language skills compared to males (12.1% vs. 7.4%).

Disengaged young women were more likely than men to be in a registered or de facto marriage

(27.3% vs. 4.5%), as well as more likely than men to be a lone parent (9.2% vs. 0.4%). Women were

more likely than men to have completed Year 12 at school (61.7% vs. 55.5%).

Gender

46.6

53.4

Born Overseas

39.1

30.4

Speaks English ‘not well’ or ‘not at all’

12.1

4.5

Registered marriage

27.3

4.5

Lone Parent

9.2

0.4

Completed Year 12 or equiv

61.7

55.5

Source: ABS Census

24

This is defined as young people (aged 15 to 24 years) not in education or employment)

69

Highest level of schooling

People who leave school early and do not undertake further training or education may be at risk of

social exclusion, poorer life chances and socioeconomic disadvantage in the longer term. Conversely,

young people completing Year 12 (and who would be still at school at age 16) are more likely to

make a successful initial transition to further education, training and work than are early school

leavers.

Overall, Brimbank’s level of schooling has been increasing with more people completing Year 12 or

equivalent and less people with lower levels of schooling. However, the percentage of Brimbank

residents with Year 12 or equivalent in 2016 was 52.4%, lower than the average for the Western

region (56.7%) and significantly lower than that of Greater Melbourne (59.4%). Conversely,

Brimbank had higher percentages than Greater Melbourne for Year 9, 10 and 11. Brimbank also had

the highest percentage of people who did not go to school (3.3%) compared to the Western region

and Greater Melbourne (1.8% and 1.3% respectively).

5.4 5.7 11.6 12.5 9.2 10.2 52.3 47.3 3.3 2.9

5.1 5.7 11.9 13.3 9.9 11.3 56.7 50.9 1.8 1.7

4.9 5.5 11.4 12.9 10.2 11.5 59.4 54.6 1.3 1.2

Source: ABS Census compiled by profile.id.

COVID-19 and Education and Learning

As a family’s socio-economic status is the biggest factor influencing children’s educational

opportunities in Australia, children in families experiencing job loss may struggle. Research by the

Mitchell Institute has found children from struggling families are 10-20% more likely to be missing

key educational milestones compared with their peers.

cxxv

A report from the Grattan Institute from June 2020 states that students tend to learn less when their

schooling is done remotely rather than in the classroom and the longer they are away from regular

classes, the worse the damage can be.

cxxvi

The impact on disadvantaged students from low socio-economic backgrounds is even greater.

Remote learning requires students to be motivated and to work independently but disadvantaged

students who are already behind and are often less motivated to learn. Disadvantaged students

often have a home environment that is not conducive to learning, and get less help from parents

compared to their advantaged peers. They often have poorer internet access and fewer

technological devices, and are less likely to have a desk or quiet place to study.

cxxvii

This experience

creates an ‘achievement gap’ between advantaged and disadvantaged students. The Grattan

Institute estimates that the achievement gap grows three times faster during remote schooling.

cxxviii

Brimbank’s Strategic Approach to Education and Learning

While schooling is a State Government responsibility, Council recognises that learning occurs

continuously throughout life and that it can occur simultaneously in all learning contexts (home,

community, workplaces and institutions) as articulated in the

. The strategy aims to improve learning outcomes in Brimbank by building a culture of

lifelong and life wide learning across the municipality, by identifying priorities for better planning

and provision of lifelong learning across all life stages, and targeting support and resources to

achieve equity in learning and education. The strategy take a life course approach and identifies

priorities for early years, school years, young people, adults and those in later life.

Council also operates

(BLF). BLF is a place where young people and

others in the community can get help with questions about training, education and employment.

The BLF model includes three multilingual Outreach Officers with cultural backgrounds of Burmese,

South Sudanese and Somali. The Outreach Officers deepen the Projects’ reach in to the local CALD

communities, gaining understanding of the educational and employment barriers and needs. They

support programs within BLF so that delivery remains culturally safe, accessible and relevant,

increasing the community’s access to learning and employment opportunities.

has a holistic approach to supporting and empowering young

people. It recognises the need to deliver opportunities for young people to be able to ‘learn or earn’

and sees the development of young people’s digital communications and technological capacity as

vital for them to be able to adapt and transition.

71

Income and Employment









Background

Income and employment are key determinants of health and wellbeing. A job with a liveable wage

makes it easier for workers to live in healthier neighbourhoods, provide quality education for their

children, secure child care services, buy more nutritious food and have better mental wellbeing.

Income and Employment Status in Brimbank

Household Income

With regards to household income, Brimbank has a significantly greater number of households in the

lowest and medium lowest quartile groups (55.6%) than the Western region (47.1) and Greater

Melbourne (46.2%). Brimbank also has significantly less households in the highest quartile (19.2%)

than the Western region (26.1%) or Greater Melbourne (28%).

There has been very little change since 2011 which is consistent with other areas, however the slight

change that has occurred has been a worsening of household income levels in Brimbank.

27.6 27.2 28.0 27.3 25.2 25.9 19.2 19.6

22.2 22.7 24.9 24.5 26.8 26.8 26.1 26.0

22.6 22.5 23.6 23.5 25.7 25.6 28.0 28.4

Source: ABS Census compiled by profile.id.

Income by Gender

When looking at income quartiles by gender the impact of existing gender inequalities is apparent

across all areas. In 2016, 37.1% of women in Brimbank are in the lowest income group compared to

26.6% of men. Conversely only 10.3% of women in Brimbank are in the highest income group

compared to 21% of men.

72

Two out of three women in Brimbank are in the two lowest income quartiles (67.6%), while half of

all men are in the top two quartiles (50.2%). This pattern is consistent with the Western region and

Greater Melbourne.

37.1 26.6 30.5 23.2 22.1 29.2 10.3 21.0

Source: ABS Census compiled by profile.id.

Unemployment

25

The Brimbank unemployment rate in June 2020 was 9.4% which is higher than the rate for the

Western Region (7.0%) and Victoria (5.4%). The June quarter covers the period of the first lockdown

and shows an increase in unemployment of 0.6% from March 2020 when the pandemic began.

Overall, since June 2017, Brimbank has consistently had a higher rate of unemployment than either

the Western region of Victoria.

Source: Department of Jobs and Small Business, 2020

In the June 2020 quarter, St Albans North had the highest rate of unemployment, followed Kings

Park, St Albans South, Sunshine North, Sunshine West and Sunshine, all of which had unemployment

rates higher than the Brimbank average of 9.4%

25

The Unemployment data for Brimbank in the July-September 2020 quarter has not yet been released.

Jun-

17 Sep- 17 Dec- 17 Mar- 18 Jun- 18 Sep- 18 Dec- 18 Mar- 19 Jun- 19 Sep- 19 Dec- 19 Mar- 20 Jun- 20

Brimbank

11.5 11.9 11.9 11.7 11.3 10.5 9.6 8.8 8.6 8.4 8.4 8.8 9.4

Western Region

8.1 8.4 8.4 8.2 7.8 7.3 6.6 6.1 6.0 5.9 5.9 6.4 7.0

Victoria

5.9 6.0 6.0 5.8 5.6 5.3 5.0 4.8 4.6 4.7 4.7 4.9 5.4

73

St Albans North

14.1

Kings Park

13.2

St Albans South

13.0

Sunshine North

11.9

Sunshine West

11.7

Sunshine

9.8

City of Brimbank

9.4

Ardeer – Albion

9.3

Deer Park – Derrimut

9.1

Delahey

9.0

Keilor Downs

8.5

Cairnlea

6.5

Sydenham

6.4

Taylors Lakes

3.8

Source: Department of Jobs and Small Business, 2020

Labour Force Participation

As highlighted in the section on ‘Gender Equality’, the labour force participation of women in

Brimbank is significantly lower than men’s participation (50% vs 62.8%) and lower than the averages

for women in the Metro West region (56.7%) and Victoria (55.7%).

50.0 62.8 56.7 68.2 55.7 65.5

Source: ABS Census compiled by profile.id.

COVID-19 and Income and Employment

Unemployment data for Brimbank for the September 2020 quarter covering the second lockdown

period has not been released. However, in the first lockdown unemployment rose in Brimbank by

0.6% and was 0.8% higher than the same period a year ago. JobKeeper

26

has played a significant role

in keep the rates of unemployment at this level and the program has been extended until March

2021. However, payments are to reduce over time and a recent report from the Mckell Institute

revealed that Sunshine and St Albans would be most heavily impacted by the payment reduction.

cxxix

Other Brimbank suburbs including Deer Park, Albion and Delahey faced a reduction of between $1.5

million and $2.3 million in fortnightly payments.

The JobSeeker/Youth Allowance rates in Brimbank show a steady increase from the start of the first

lockdown period in March 2020 (7.1%) to August 2020 (13.8%). The rate in Brimbank is also

consistently significantly higher in Brimbank than the rate for Greater Melbourne with the rate for

September 2020 being 13.4% and 8.7% respectively.

26

A support measure that subsidised $1500 of eligible employees’ wages each fortnight

74

13.4 13.8 13.2 12.7 12.8 10.4 7.1 6.6

8.7 9.0 8.5 8.2 8.3 6.6 3.8 3.4

Source: ABS Census compiled by profile.id.

In September 2020, the greater number of JobSeeker recipients in Brimbank were in areas of

existing socio-economic disadvantage as correlated with the SEIFA index scores. This finding

correlates with research conducted on behalf of Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand that found

people on average or lower incomes were more likely to have suffered negative impacts to their

employment during the pandemic, meaning that COVID-19 is compounding existing inequalities.

cxxx

The Good Shepherd research also found that migrants, young people and women were more likely

to have suffered negative impacts to their employment during the pandemic.

cxxxi

Kings Park (Vic.)

17.5

St Albans - North

17.2

St Albans - South

16.8

Sunshine North

16.5

Sunshine West

15.0

Delahey

13.3

Ardeer - Albion

13.2

Sunshine

13.0

Deer Park - Derrimut

12.6

Keilor Downs

12.5

Cairnlea

11.4

Sydenham

10.4

Keilor

7.6

Taylors Lakes

7.4

Source: ABS Census compiled by profile.id.

The VicHealth Coronavirus Victorian Wellbeing Impact Study reported that 24% of respondents

faced some form of financial hardship in the first lockdown, with 40% reporting a reduction in their

hours worked and another 10% stating they had lost their job.

cxxxii

Young people aged 18–24 were more likely to report they had lost their job (17%) compared to 10%

of Victorians overall. However, it is young women who were most impacted with 26% losing their

job, compared to 11% of young men of the same age group. People with a disability (22%) were also

more likely to report that they had lost their job since the coronavirus restrictions started.

Brimbank’s Strategic Approach to Income and Employment

The

has a vision that grows local business,

whilst also recognising the need for economic and social participation to address the significant

75

disadvantage that exists in Brimbank. It states that this requires a strong emphasis on improving

social connection and engagement, and improved access to employment, services and education.

‘A Thriving City’ is one of the six aspirations in the

draft paper. Under this aspiration are three themes focused on jobs, business

and tourism. It also has a strong emphasis on Sunshine as driving much of this transformation as it

has been identified as a Priority Precinct, Metropolitan Activity Centre and National Employment

and Innovation Cluster.

In response to COVID-19, Council established a

that has

developed a range of initiatives to support business and providing financial relief. Actions to date

include a business support hotline, business recovery grants, and waivers on many fees and charges,

In Brimbank’s

, Brimbank is advocating

for a dedicated economic response package to support local industries, businesses, workers and

residents. A local economic package would seek provide funding towards shovel-ready local projects

across the municipality that can create immediate jobs, whilst also supporting community health

and wellbeing outcomes.

76

Housing and Homelessness





Background

Housing is a key social and economic determinant of health.

cxxxiii

Research suggests that there are

three elements of housing that have an impact on health: suitability;

27

affordability;

28

and security of

tenure.

29

Precarious housing and its health impacts are unevenly distributed in the Australian population.

Lone parents and single people are much more likely than other household types to be living in

precarious housing. Young people are more likely than people of other age groups to be living in

unaffordable housing, private rental, overcrowded households, and to have recently experienced a

forced move. Older (people older than 65 years) private renters are particularly vulnerable to

unaffordable housing.

cxxxiv

Housing and Homelessness Status in Brimbank

Housing affordability

Affordable Housing is defined as ‘housing, including social housing that is appropriate for the

housing needs of very low, low and moderate income households’.

cxxxv

Residents typically pay no

more than 30 per cent of their income on housing costs.

In Brimbank there is an increasing need for affordable housing for the reasons outlined below:



There is an overarching mismatch of housing supply with household types, with a lack of one

and two bedroom dwellings



Median house prices have increased by 110 per cent, and the unit median price has

increased by 83 per cent, between 2008 and 2018.



An estimated 62 per cent of Brimbank households (41,932 households) were living on very

low, low and moderate incomes in 2016



An average 10.8 per cent (545 dwellings) of all new private rentals made available in

Brimbank were affordable for households on a statutory (government) income in 2019



There are high levels of housing stress for lower income households (see below)



There are high levels of homelessness and people in marginal housing (see below)

27

Housing suitability includes housing hardware (such as heating and cooling, insulation and cooking and

washing facilities), as well as neighbourhood location and related amenities.

28

Affordability affects people’s ability to spend money on other daily living costs and health, education and

personal care.

29

With regards to housing security and tenure, a wide range of research has found better health outcomes for

home owners compared to those of renters.

77

Housing Stress

The official measurement of housing stress is those households paying more than 30% of their gross

income in housing costs.

30

However, the impact of paying more than 30% of total income on housing

costs clearly affects those on lower incomes more significantly. The measures below are for lower

income households (bottom 40%) paying over 30% of income on housing costs.

In 2016, over one in ten lower income households (13.6%) in Brimbank were paying more than 30%

of their income on housing costs. This was a slight increase from 13.1% in 2011, equivalent to 753

low income households.

In 2011 and 2016, the percentage of low income households in Brimbank experiencing housing

stress significantly higher than Greater Melbourne, the Western Region and Victoria.

13.6

13.1

12.3

11.7

11.7

10.7

11.4

10.6

Source: ABS Census compiled by profile.id.

Housing stress was unevenly distributed across the suburbs of Brimbank. In 2016, the number of

households experiencing housing stress was highest in St Albans North (1,200), Deer Park (911), St

Albans South (871) and Sunshine West (832).

Homelessness

Brimbank has the highest incidence of homelessness in Melbourne’s west, and the largest number of

people accessing specialist homelessness services in Victoria.

cxxxvi

In 2016, there were 1460 people

who were experiencing homelessness under the Australian Bureau of Statistics definition for

homelessness

31

. This is an increase of 340 people or 30% from 2011 where there were 1,120 people

experiencing homelessness. Of the six homeless operational groups under the ABS definition, the

largest number of homeless people were living in ‘severely’ crowded dwellings (1000 people),

followed by people in supported accommodation for the homeless (313 people).

In 2016, the official ABS data suggested that there were no people sleeping rough in Brimbank.

However, based on extrapolations from statewide data, as well as direct observations and

interventions from Council staff and specialist homelessness services in the region, this is almost

certainly inaccurate, and more likely based on limitations in the data collection process.

cxxxvii

Persons living in improvised dwellings, tents, or sleeping out 14 0

-14

30

Housing costs include rent, mortgage payments (including both the principal and interest), rates, taxes,

household insurance, repairs and maintenance. (Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, 2020)

31

A person is counted as homeless when they don’t have suitable alternatives and their current living

arrangement: is in a dwelling that is inadequate; or has no tenure, or if their initial tenure is short and not

extendable; or does not allow them to have control of, and access to space for, social relations (ABS 2018).

Using this definition, there are six homeless operational groups that allow people to be identified on the basis

of their actual living arrangement.

78

Persons in supported accommodation for the homeless

293 313 +20

Persons staying temporarily with other households

91 95

+4

Persons living in boarding houses

42 52

+10

Persons in other temporary lodgings

0 0

0

Persons living in ‘severely’ crowded dwellings

678 1000 +322 (+47%)

Source: ABS Census in ‘From At Risk to At Home’, 2020

The areas in Brimbank with the highest concentrations of homelessness are St Albans North, St

Albans South, Sunshine West and Deer Park-Derrimut. Delahey showed the greatest proportional

increase (from 3 to 49 persons) but off a very low base. Given that these figures are dominated by

people living in ‘severely overcrowded dwellings’ it should be noted that this is a more hidden form

of homelessness and therefore not correlating with those areas typically associated with rough

sleeping or marginal housing such as rooming houses.

Ardeer – Albion

69

115

+46 (+66%)

Cairnlea

64

72

+12 (+12.5%)

Deer Park – Derrimut

103

181

+78 (+76%)

Delahey

3

49

+46 (163%)

Keilor Downs

50

32

-18

Kings Park

109

101

-8

St Albans North

173

228

+55 (+32%)

St Albans South

102

192

+90 (+88%)

Sunshine

169

104

-65

Sunshine North

98

119

+21 (+21%)

Sunshine West

126

218

+92 (+75%)

Sydenham

29

28

-1

Taylors Lakes

16

24

+8 (+50%)

Source: ABS Census in ‘From At Risk to At Home’, 2020

Marginal Housing

In 2016, there were 1962 people in marginal housing which is an increase of 700 people or 55% from

2011 where there were 1262 people in marginal housing. By far the largest category of people in

marginal housing was people living in crowded dwellings with 1948 people in 2016.

Persons living in other crowded dwellings

1248 1948 +700 (+56%)

Persons in other improvised dwellings

3 0

-3

Persons who are marginally housed in caravan parks

11 14

+3

Source: ABS Census in ‘From At Risk to At Home’, 2020

COVID-19 and Housing and Homelessness

Impacts of COVID-19 such as loss of income and employment, and restrictions on auctions has

exacerbated housing stress and homelessness.

79

Nationally, housing stress doubled in the first lockdown period

32

with housing stress particularly

higher for renters than those with a mortgage.

cxxxviii

The VicHealth Coronavirus Victorian Wellbeing

Impact Study conducted in the first lockdown showed that one in five respondents (19%) were

concerned about the stability of their housing with this highest for people who spoke a language

other than English at home, unemployed people and young people.

cxxxix

The Brimbank Community Survey – Health and Wellbeing Impacts of COVID-19, undertaken during

the second lockdown period, showed that 39% of respondents in Brimbank were experiencing

reduced household finances. Because of this it is expected that housing stress would increase for

many households, with 12% of respondents reporting that they had either reduced or deferred

home loan repayments.

cxl

With regards to homelessness, the Western Metro Homelessness Services, the primary assessment

and intake point for the Brimbank-Melton area, has experienced increased demand for their services

since the crisis began.

cxli

Brimbank’s Strategic Approach to Housing and Homelessness

In June 2020, Council endorsed a

that will guide its response to

homelessness during the response and recovery phases of the COVID-19 crisis. The plan is built on

the recommendations of a homelessness research report and includes actions relating to advocacy,

data collection, community awareness, Council protocols and training.

The

identifies housing insecurity as a barrier to social justice, and

highlights that people experiencing insecure housing or homelessness are more vulnerable to

inequality or discrimination. Similarly, the

recognises the need for improved access to diverse and affordable housing.

The Brimbank

highlights that housing in Brimbank is dominated by

detached dwellings with three or more bedrooms while demographic trends show almost one in five

people live in single households. Therefore, encouraging diversity and adaptability in housing, in

terms of housing type, size, form and affordability is identified as major issue. The Municipal

Strategic Statement also encourages the provision of affordable housing in new larger scale

residential developments, as well as student accommodation within walking distance of tertiary

institutions at Victoria University campuses at Sunshine and St Albans.

highlights the need for resilient housing and states

that new buildings need to be built to higher environmental standards, and existing buildings need

to be collectively retrofitted, to help people adapt to climate change and the impacts on health.

Buildings also need to be energy positive in that they produce more energy than they consume, and

that can easily be taken apart at their end of life so that the materials can be reused.

32

The data shows that between April and May this year, the proportion of Australians reporting that they had

not been able to pay their mortgage or rent on time increased from 6.9 per cent in April to 15.1 per cent in

May 2020.

80

Gambling Harm





Background

Australians are the most prolific gamblers in the world. In 2017, Australians lost an average of

US$958 per adult, more than 20 per cent higher than second-placed Hong Kong ($768).

cxlii

For some

people, gambling is a manageable and socially acceptable activity. However, for others, it causes

harm and can have negative effects on health.

A landmark 2016 study identified a diverse set of gambling-related harms that were grouped into six

domains: decrements to health, emotional or psychological distress, financial difficulties, reduced

performance at work or study, relationship conflict or breakdown, and criminal activity.

cxliii

While so

called ‘problem gamblers’ are more likely to report poor health, severe psychological distress,

clinical alcohol abuse and poor social connections,

cxliv

moderate and 85% of gambling harm is

associated with low and moderate risk gambling. There is also an emerging body of research

showing a relationship between gambling and domestic violence. For example, a 2016 study found

that postcodes with fewer than 75 EGMs per 10,000 residents have 20 per cent fewer family

incidents and 30 per cent fewer domestic violence assaults.

cxlv

Gambling Harm Status in Brimbank

Gambling harm is a significant social issue in Brimbank. There are 15 gaming venues located in

Brimbank and a total of 952 EGMs, which is a 100% of the municipal cap allowed. Seven of the 15

venues are classed as high loss venues ($10 million or more) and most of the venues are located in

areas of socio-economic disadvantage.

Brimbank has recorded the state’s highest losses on electronic gaming machines (EGMs) every year

for the past decade ($1.36 billion between July 2010 and June 2020). Losses in 2019/2020 were $102

million.

City of Brimbank

$101,974,223

City of Casey

$98,000,778

City of Whittlesea

$91,066,518

City of Greater Geelong

$89,137,264

City of Greater Dandenong

$87,430,092

City of Hume

$85,935,114

City of Monash

$80,541,622

City of Wyndham

$75,755,561

Shire of Mornington Peninsula $63,053,341

City of Kingston

$62,080,320

Source: Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation 2020

81

Excluding 2019/20, losses in Brimbank for the past six years have been an average of $140 million

per year. Since 2015/16 losses have reduced slightly but Brimbank has still had the highest losses

across the state.

2019/20

102.0

2018/19

142.9

2017/18

139.5

2016/17

134.1

2015/16

143.0

2014/15

141.6

2013/14

138.5

Source: Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation 2020

National research has shown that more than 40 per cent of people who regularly use EGMs (i.e. at

least once per month) experience harm from gambling.

cxlvi

Research has found that all levels of

gambling, including low, moderate and high risk gambling, results in some harm. Indeed, 85 per cent

of gambling harm in Victoria is associated with low and moderate risk gambling, contrary to the

popular view that most harm is associated with high risk gambling.

cxlvii

The Victorian population gambling and health study 2018-2019 found that people aged 65 and

above make up almost 40 per cent of those who regularly use EGMs.

cxlviii

This group is also most at

risk of serious health impacts from COVID-19.

A higher proportion of participants were male, aged 30–49, single, lived alone or in a family with

children, lived in a home they rented, and drew their main source of income from a welfare

payment.

cxlix

Gamblers in the lowest income households spent the greatest proportion of their

household income on gambling (27%), this is equivalent to four times the average yearly household

utility bills, and more than half the grocery bills, of that income group.

cl

COVID-19 and Gambling Harm

COVID-19 resulted in the closing of venues where EGMs were located resulting in a significant drop

in losses for the financial year of 28.6% ($102 million in 2019/20 down from $142.9 million in

2018/19). However, Brimbank was still the municipality with the highest EGM losses in Victoria.

While losses on pokies were temporarily halted during this period, losses on online gambling sites

have increased. National Weekly Consumer Spending data shows that spending has been higher

than the ‘normal weekly average’ for every week since mid-April, with recent figures showing a 73

per cent increase in August 2020.

cli

While local data is not available for online gambling expenditure,

it is likely that Brimbank is experiencing similar trends. As restrictions ease, there is also a

substantially increased risk of gambling harm based on evidence from New South Wales where

losses were at pre-COVID levels despite the limits on numbers of machines and patrons in venues.

clii

Brimbank’s Strategic Approach to Gambling Harm

aims to reduce the economic, social and health harm

associated with EGMs and other forms of electronic gambling in Brimbank. It has three broad

objectives (Advocacy; Harm Reduction and Alternate Activities; Awareness and Action) and is based

on three principles (Public Health; Harm Minimisation; Social Justice). The Policy is implemented via

Annual Action Plans and is reported to the community via annual Report Cards.

82

The Brimbank

states that Council will manage the recreational and

leisure values of gaming with the responsibility to protect vulnerable communities within Brimbank.

In highlights two strategies: discourage an increase or relocation of gaming machines in areas of high

socio economic disadvantage; and ensure that responsible gaming is promoted in venues through

the provision of information regarding support services for problem gambling, counselling services

and alternative recreation and leisure opportunities.

83

Conclusion

Council faces a number of challenges to enable all residents to achieve positive health and wellbeing

outcomes. The underlying social determinants of health inequities affect a broad range of Brimbank

residents, while the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been substantial.

Prior to COVID-19, mental wellbeing was a significant issue in Brimbank with residents reporting

significantly lower levels of subjective wellbeing than Victoria and women in particular experiencing

more psychological distress, anxiety and depression than men. COVID-19 has had, and continues to

have, a significant negative impact on resident’s mental wellbeing and exacerbates it for people who

are already suffering. While COVID-19 has impacted most people’s mental wellbeing, some groups

have experienced significant distress, in particular young people, newly-arrived migrants,

unemployed people and women.

The key drivers of mental ill-health during COVID-19 are financial stress and a lack of social

connection. Recent research identified social connection as a public health issue that needs to be

addressed to support economic and social participation,

cliii

with a need to focus on social inclusion

just as much as job creation in enabling community recovery from the pandemic.

Psychological and relationship harm arising from gambling is a significant mental wellbeing issue in

Brimbank. The municipality has recorded the highest losses on electronic gaming machines (EGMs)

in Greater Melbourne for the past decade and 85% of gambling harm is associated with low and

moderate risk gambling. While COVID-19 has reduced the amount of EGM losses in Brimbank due to

venue closures that occurred during lockdowns, the impact on online gambling is unknown.

However, as COVID-19 restrictions ease it is likely that gambling harm will increase to pre-COVID

levels as has been the case elsewhere.

Heatwaves are a substantial issue for health and wellbeing and is the biggest risk associated with

climate change in Brimbank. Heatwaves are expected to increase with an average annual

temperature increase of up to 2.4 degrees and double the number of very hot days. Brimbank’s

vulnerability to the negative health impacts of heatwaves is due to being highly susceptible to the

urban heat island effect (due to high levels of impervious surfaces, low levels of tree canopy cover

and a strong car based culture) and existing socio-economic inequalities, which limits people’s

adaptive capacity and resilience.

Mitigating climate change and building community resilience through adaptation strategies in

general is critical to support positive health and wellbeing outcomes and should be prioritised.

Climate change is also a cross-cutting issue and a health and wellbeing analysis should be applied to

mitigation and adaptation strategies as there may be significant health co-benefits that can be

strengthened. For example, enabling a plant-rich diet or supporting active transport will both

mitigate climate change and increase healthy eating and active living.

The indicators show that Brimbank residents do not consume enough healthy food or engage in

sufficient physical activity. This combination can lead to preventable chronic health conditions like

obesity, Type 2 diabetes, strokes and heart disease, all which are significantly higher in Brimbank

than in Victoria as a whole.

While all Brimbank residents need to engage in more physical activity, women in particular reported

significantly high levels of sedentary behaviours. Women can often face multiple barriers to

participating in physical activity such as transport, childcare considerations, time, money and safety

84

and it is important to address these systemic barriers in addition to encouraging women to be more

physically active.

The municipal scan highlights that Brimbank has low levels of gender equality which is a critical

determinant of health and wellbeing. COVID-19 has also had a significant gendered impact with

more women than men losing jobs, experiencing mental health issues and bearing more

responsibility for unpaid care. Gender inequality is also the key driver of gender-based violence

which has been increasing in Brimbank over the last three years and is higher than the Melbourne

Metropolitan West average.

Improving gender equality is also linked to improving sexual and reproductive health. Brimbank has

higher rates of sexually-transmitted infections and there is a significant need for increased

community education that challenges discourses of gender, power and sexuality that marginalise

women, transgender and gender diverse communities.

The impact of COVID-19 has compounded existing socio-economic inequalities with steadily

increasing numbers of residents on JobSeeker since the start of the pandemic in areas of existing

socio-economic inequities and at higher rates than in Greater Melbourne. The economic impacts of

COVID-19 have particularly impacted young people, migrants and women.

The financial stresses related to COVID-19 are exacerbated by housing stress, which itself has

doubled nationally during the first lockdown period from March to June 2020. The need for

affordable housing is a significant issue in Brimbank, particularly for households experiencing socio

economic disadvantage.

Education is also a key component of economic and social inclusion. Brimbank’s level of schooling

has been increasing with more people completing Year 12 or equivalent and less people with lower

levels of schooling. However, it has lower rates of residents completing Year 12, more early school

leavers and higher levels of disengaged young people than the Western region or Greater

Melbourne. In addition, COVID-19 may have widened the ‘achievement gap’ and may increase youth

disengagement.

Early childhood is arguably the most critical life stage and Brimbank has less children assessed on

track for language and cognitive skills than Greater Melbourne and has more children being

developmentally vulnerable.

Addressing these significant health and wellbeing issues can seem an overwhelming challenge.

However, Council has been undertaking a range of evidence-based approaches that build upon the

existing capabilities and strengths in the Brimbank community. Identifying the key health and

wellbeing priorities and working in partnership with government, service providers and community

groups will help address the social determinants of health inequities with the aim of maximising

overall community health and wellbeing.

85

References

i

Department of Premier and Cabinet, 2016, Safe and Strong: Victorian Gender Equality Strategy, State of

Victoria

ii

VicHealth, 2020, Masculinities and Health: A framework for challenging masculine gender stereotypes in

health promotion

iii

The Men’s Project & Flood, M, (2018) The Man Box: A Study on Being a Young Man in Australia. Jesuit Social

Services: Melbourne.

iv

Dept. of Human Services, 2001, Environments for Health Promoting Health and Wellbeing through Built,

Social, Economic and Natural Environments Municipal Public Health Planning Framework, Victorian

Government

v

CSDH (2008). Closing the gap in a generation: health equity through action on the social determinants of

health. Final Report of the Commission on Social Determinants of Health. Geneva, World Health Organization.

vi

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2020, ‘Social Determinants of Health’ webpage,

https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/social-determinants-of-health. Accessed 28 October 2020.

vii

VicHealth 2015, About Fair Foundations and promoting health equity. Victorian Health Promotion

Foundation.

viii

VicHealth 2015, About Fair Foundations and promoting health equity. Victorian Health Promotion

Foundation.

ix

Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016 in Brimbank Community Profile compiled by profile.id

(https://profile.id.com.au/brimbank). Accessed 25 September 2020.

x

Public Health Information Development Unit (PHIDU). The Brimbank Atlas of Health and Education 2nd

Edition. Adelaide: PHIDU, Torrens University Australia, 2019.

xi

Ibid

xii

Dept. of Health and Human Services, 2019, Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2019–2023

xiii

Ibid

xiv

Victorian Women’s Health Atlas. https://victorianwomenshealthatlas.net.au/#!/ Accessed 28 August 2020

xv

VicHealth, 2010, Opportunities for social connection

xvi Fisher JRW, Tran TD, Hammarberg K, Sastry J, Nguyen H, Rowe H, Popplestone S, Stocker R, Stubber C,

Kirkman M. Mental health of people in Australia in the first month of COVID-19 restrictions: a national survey.

Med J Aust 2020

xvii

VicHealth Coronavirus Victorian Wellbeing Impact Study (2020), Victorian Health Promotion

Foundation, Melbourne (https://doi.org/10.37309/2020.PO909)

xviii

VicHealth Coronavirus Victorian Wellbeing Impact Study (2020), Victorian Health Promotion

Foundation, Melbourne (https://doi.org/10.37309/2020.PO909)

xix

Brimbank City Council, 2020, Brimbank Community Survey – Health and Wellbeing Impacts of COIVD-19,

Draft report, Brimbank City Council

xx Women's Mental Health in the context of COVID-19 Factsheet, Gender Equality Victoria, 2020

(https://www.genvic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Women%E2%80%99s-mental-health-in-the

context-of-COVID-19_FA-WMHA.pdf). Accessed 1 September 2020.

xxi

COVID-19 Community Impact Analysis, Brimbank City Council, August 2020

xxii

Ibid

xxiii

World Health Organization. Climate change and human health: WHO; 2015 [Available from:

https://www.who.int/globalchange/global-campaign/cop21/en/].

xxiv

Watts N, Adger WN, Agnolucci P, Blackstock J, Byass P, Cai W, et al. Health and climate change: policy

responses to protect public health. The Lancet. 2015;386(10006):1861-914.

xxv

Tackling climate change and its impacts on health through municipal public health and wellbeing planning

Guidance for local government, Department of Health and Human Services, 2020

xxvi

DELWP, 2019, Victoria’s Climate Science Report 2019, State of Victoria

xxvii

Department of Health and Human Services, 2020 Tackling climate change and its impacts on health through

municipal public health and wellbeing planning. State of Victoria

xxviii

Ibid

xxix

Sustainability Victoria, 2020, Linking Climate Change and Health Impacts: Social research exploring

awareness among Victorians and our healthcare professionals of the health effects of climate change.

xxx

Ibid

xxxi

Brimbank Municipal Emissions Snapshot, snapshotclimate.com.au. Accessed 23 September 2020.

86

xxxii

Ibid

xxxiii

Urban Forest Strategy 2016 – 2046, Brimbank City Council, May 2016

xxxiv

Sun C, Hurley J, Amati M, Arundel J, Saunders A, Boruff B, Caccetta P (2019) Urban Vegetation, Urban Heat

Islands and Heat Vulnerability Assessment in Melbourne, 2018. Clean Air and Urban Landscapes Hub

xxxv

Ibid

xxxvi

Urban Forest Strategy 2016 – 2046, Brimbank City Council, May 2016

xxxvii

Brimbank City Council Heat and Social Vulnerability Mapping, Urban Forest Consulting, November 2017

xxxviii

Sun C, Hurley J, Amati M, Arundel J, Saunders A, Boruff B, Caccetta P (2019) Urban Vegetation, Urban Heat

Islands and Heat Vulnerability Assessment in Melbourne, 2018. Clean Air and Urban Landscapes Hub

xxxix

Brimbank City Council, 2016, Urban Forest Strategy 2016 – 2046

xl

Urban Forest Strategy 2016 – 2046, Brimbank City Council, May 2016

xli

Sustainability Victoria, 2020, Linking Climate Change and Health Impacts: Social research exploring

awareness among Victorians and our healthcare professionals of the health effects of climate change.

xlii

Ibid

xliii

Ibid

xliv

Emergency Preparedness Booklet, Council Collaboration group (Frankston City Council, Greater Dandenong

City Council, Kingston City Council and Mornington Peninsula Shire), 2018

xlv

Brimbank Climate Emergency Plan, Brimbank City Council, 2020

xlvi

Brimbank City Council, 2016, Urban Forest Strategy 2016 – 2046

xlvii

Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2019–2023, 2019, Dept. of Health and Human Services

xlviii

Lee et al. 2016 cited in the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2019–2023, 2019, Dept. of Health

and Human Services

xlix

Victoria University, 2017, Brimbank Spatial Map of Physical and Social Infrastructure, Brimbank City Council

l

VicHealth Coronavirus Victorian Wellbeing Impact Study (2020), Victorian Health Promotion

Foundation, Melbourne (https://doi.org/10.37309/2020.PO909)

li

Ibid

lii

Dept. of Health and Human Services, 2019, Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2019–2023

liii

Dept of Health, 2019, Australia's Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines and the Australian 24-

Hour Movement Guidelines, The Australian Government.

liv

VicHealth Coronavirus Victorian Wellbeing Impact Study (2020), Victorian Health Promotion

Foundation, Melbourne (https://doi.org/10.37309/2020.PO909)

lv

Ibid

lvi

Brimbank Physical Activity Strategy, Brimbank City Council, 2018

lvii

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2019. Australian Burden of Disease Study: impact and causes of

illness and death in Australia 2015. Australian Burden of Disease Study series no.19. AIHW

lviii

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2019 cited in the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan

2019–2023, 2019, Dept. of Health and Human Services

lix

Banks et al. 2015 cited in the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2019–2023, 2019, Dept. of Health

and Human Services

lx

Jones et al. 2011 cited in the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2019–2023, 2019, Dept. of Health

and Human Services

lxi

Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2019–2023, 2019, Dept. of Health and Human Services

lxii

VicHealth Coronavirus Victorian Wellbeing Impact Study (2020), Victorian Health Promotion

Foundation, Melbourne (https://doi.org/10.37309/2020.PO909)

lxiii

Brimbank City Council, 2018, Local AOD Profile: Alcohol and Other Drug Issues in Brimbank, Brimbank City

Council

lxiv

The Men’s Project & Flood, M, (2018) The Man Box: A Study on Being a Young Man in Australia. Jesuit Social

Services: Melbourne.

lxv

de Visser and Smith, 2007 cited in The Men’s Project & Flood, M, (2018) The Man Box: A Study on Being a

Young Man in Australia. Jesuit Social Services: Melbourne.

lxvi

Towns, Parker, Chase, 2012 cited in The Men’s Project & Flood, M, (2018) The Man Box: A Study on Being a

Young Man in Australia. Jesuit Social Services: Melbourne.

lxvii

Brimbank City Council, 2018, Local AOD Profile: Alcohol and Other Drug Issues in Brimbank, Brimbank City

Council

87

lxviii

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2017, cited in Brimbank City Council, 2018, Local AOD Profile:

Alcohol and Other Drug Issues in Brimbank, Brimbank City Council

lxix

Ibid

lxx

Brimbank City Council, 2018, Local AOD Profile: Alcohol and Other Drug Issues in Brimbank, Brimbank City

Council

lxxi

Ibid

lxxii

Ibid

lxxiii

Ibid

lxxiv

Law Reform, Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee 2014 cited in Brimbank City Council, 2018, Local AOD

Profile: Alcohol and Other Drug Issues in Brimbank, Brimbank City Council

lxxv

Ibid

lxxvi

Brimbank City Council, 2020, Community Impact Analysis (August 2020), Brimbank City Council

lxxvii

Ibid

lxxviii

VicHealth, 2017, Gender Equality, Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2017-2019. Victorian Health Foundation

lxxix

Ibid

lxxx

Ibid

lxxxi

Brimbank Gender Equality Factsheet, Victorian Women’s Health Atlas,

https://victorianwomenshealthatlas.net.au/reports%2Ffactsheets%2FGender%20Equality%2FBrimbank%2FV

WHAtlas%20Fact%20Sheet%20Gender%20Equality%20Brimbank.pdf. Accessed on 15 September 2020.

lxxxii

Brimbank Gender Equality Factsheet, Victorian Women’s Health Atlas,

https://victorianwomenshealthatlas.net.au/reports%2Ffactsheets%2FGender%20Equality%2FBrimbank%2FV

WHAtlas%20Fact%20Sheet%20Gender%20Equality%20Brimbank.pdf. Accessed on 15 September 2020.

lxxxiii

Time of our lives? Building Opportunity and capacity for the economic and social participation of older

Australian women, 2016, Feldman, S & Radermacher, H, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation

lxxxiv

Brimbank Gender Equality Factsheet, 2020, Victorian Women’s Health Atlas, Women’s Health Victoria

https://victorianwomenshealthatlas.net.au/reports%2Ffactsheets%2FGender%20Equality%2FBrimbank%2FV

WHAtlas%20Fact%20Sheet%20Gender%20Equality%20Brimbank.pdf. Accessed on 15 September 2020.

lxxxv

Brimbank Violence Against Women Factsheet, 2020, Victorian Women’s Health Atlas, Women’s Health

Victoria,

https://victorianwomenshealthatlas.net.au/reports%2Ffactsheets%2FViolence%20Against%20Women%2FBri

mbank%2FVWHAtlas%20Fact%20Sheet%20Violence%20Against%20Women%20Brimbank.pdf. Accessed on 15

September 2020.

lxxxvi

Ibid

lxxxvii

ABS payroll data cited in Brimbank City Council, 2020, ‘COVID-19 Community Impact Analysis – August

2020’. Brimbank City Council

lxxxviii

Gender Eqaulity Victoria 2020 cited Brimbank City Council, 2020, ‘COVID-19 Community Impact Analysis –

August 2020’. Brimbank City Council

lxxxix

Pfitzner, N, Fitz-Gibbon, K, True, J, 2020, Responding to the ‘shadow pandemic’: practitioner views on the

nature of and responses to violence against women in Victoria, Australia during the COVID-19 restrictions,

Monash University

xc

Brimbank City Council, 2020, ‘COVID-19 Community Impact Analysis – August 2020’. Brimbank City Council

xci

World Health Organisation, 2010 cited in Lorrimar, S. and Timmins, S., 2020, Sexual and reproductive

health: priorities for regional and municipal health planning, Women’s Health West

xcii

Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2019–2023, 2019, Dept. of Health and Human Services

xciii

Women’s Health Victoria, 2020 cited in Lorrimar, S. and Timmins, S., 2020, Sexual and reproductive

health: priorities for regional and municipal health planning, Women’s Health West

xciv

Brimbank Sexual and Reproductive Health Factsheet, 2020, Victorian Women’s Health Atlas, Women’s

Health Victoria,

https://victorianwomenshealthatlas.net.au/reports%2Ffactsheets%2FSexual%20and%20Reproductive%20Heal

th%2FBrimbank%2FVWHAtlas%20Fact%20Sheet%20Sexual%20and%20Reproductive%20Health%20Brimbank.

pdf. Accessed 6 October 2020.

xcv

Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2019–2023, 2019, Dept. of Health and Human Services

xcvi

Fisher et al., 2019 cited Lorrimar, S. and Timmins, S., 2020, Sexual and reproductive health: priorities for

regional and municipal health planning, Women’s Health West

xcvii

Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2019–2023, 2019, Dept. of Health and Human Services

88

xcviii

Lorrimar, S. and Timmins, S., 2020, Sexual and reproductive health: priorities for regional and municipal

health planning, Women’s Health West

xcix

DHHS, 2019 cited Lorrimar, S. and Timmins, S., 2020, Sexual and reproductive health: priorities for regional

and municipal health planning, Women’s Health West

c

Timmins, S., 2020, Personal Communication from observations in Women’s Health West COVID-19 Impacts

Workshop.

ci

Cancer Council, 2020, https://www.cancer.org.au/media-releases/2020/new-data-shows-life-saving-cancer

screening-participation-at-risk-during-covid

cii

Reeve, R., Marjolin, A., Muir, K., Powell, A., Hannigan, N., Ramia, I. and Etuk, L. (Eds.) (2016) Australia’s Social

Pulse. Centre for Social Impact: UNSW Australia, Sydney and UWA, Perth. Pg 102.

ciii

Morgan, A, Boxall, H, & Anderson, J 2012, Effective crime prevention interventions for implementation by

local government, Australian Institute of Criminology, Australian Government,

https://aic.gov.au/publications/rpp/rpp120

civ

The Men’s Project & Flood, M, (2018) The Man Box: A Study on Being a Young Man in Australia. Jesuit Social

Services: Melbourne.

cv

Redshaw, 2006 cited in The Men’s Project & Flood, M, (2018) The Man Box: A Study on Being a Young Man in

Australia. Jesuit Social Services: Melbourne.

cvi

Safe and Inclusive Brimbank 2020-2024, Brimbank City Council, 2020

cvii

Safe and Inclusive Brimbank 2020-2024, Brimbank City Council, 2020

cviii

Baum et al. 2009, as quoted in VicHealth ‘Safety Indictor Overview’ 2012 https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/-

/media/Indicators/Overview

sheets/16/VH_IO_Safety.pdf?la=en&hash=D191E0E965A5C8C6D5CD4FFC5C2A870AFE4830B

cix

Maynard, J 2012, National Crime Prevention Framework, Australian Institute of Criminology, Canberra.

cx

HealthWest Partnership, 2019, Meaningful Engagement for Social Inclusion: A Practice Guide.

cxi

Public Health Information Development Unit (PHIDU), 2019, ‘The Brimbank Atlas of Health and Education’

2nd Edition. Adelaide: PHIDU, Torrens University Australia.

cxii

VicHealth, 2010, Opportunities for social connection

cxiii

Public Health Information Development Unit (PHIDU), 2019, ‘The Brimbank Atlas of Health and Education’

2nd Edition. Adelaide: PHIDU, Torrens University Australia.

cxiv

profile.id, 2016, Brimbank Community Profile. https://profile.id.com.au/brimbank/home. Accessed 21

September 2020

cxv

Ibid

cxvi

Public Health Information Development Unit (PHIDU), 2019, ‘The Brimbank Atlas of Health and Education’

2nd Edition. Adelaide: PHIDU, Torrens University Australia.

cxvii

CSDH (2008). Closing the gap in a generation: health equity through action on the social determinants of

health. Final Report of the Commission on Social Determinants of Health. Geneva, World Health Organization.

cxviii

Public Health Information Development Unit (PHIDU), 2019, ‘The Brimbank Atlas of Health and Education’

2nd Edition. Adelaide: PHIDU, Torrens University Australia.

cxix

Public Health Information Development Unit (PHIDU), 2019, ‘The Brimbank Atlas of Health and Education’

2nd Edition. Adelaide: PHIDU, Torrens University Australia.

cxx

Ibid

cxxi

Ibid

cxxii

Noble, k., Hurley, P. & Macklin, S., 2020, ‘Number of Australia’s vulnerable children is set to double

as COVID-19 takes its toll’, The Conversation, https://theconversation.com/number-of-australias-vulnerable

children-is-set-to-double-as-covid-19-takes-its-toll-140057. Accessed 14 October 2020.

cxxiii

Ibid

cxxiv

Public Health Information Development Unit (PHIDU), 2019, ‘The Brimbank Atlas of Health and Education’

2nd Edition. Adelaide: PHIDU, Torrens University Australia.

cxxv

Noble, k., Hurley, P. & Macklin, S., 2020, ‘Number of Australia’s vulnerable children is set to double

as COVID-19 takes its toll’, The Conversation, https://theconversation.com/number-of-australias-vulnerable

children-is-set-to-double-as-covid-19-takes-its-toll-140057. Accessed 14 October 2020.

cxxvi

Sonnemann, J. and Goss, P. (2020). COVID catch-up: helping disadvantaged students close the equity gap.

Grattan Institute.

cxxvii

Ibid

cxxviii

Ibid

89

cxxix

Cavanough, E. 2020 cited in Star Weekly, 2020, ‘JobKeeper cuts hit hard’.

https://brimbanknorthwest.starweekly.com.au/news/jobkeeper-cuts-hit-hard/. Accessed on 14 October 2020.

cxxx

Article: ‘Pandemic’s economic pain worse for the young, migrants and women’, 12 Aug 2020, Good

Shepherd Australia New Zealand. Accessed 25 September 2020.

cxxxi

Article: ‘Pandemic’s economic pain worse for the young, migrants and women’, 12 Aug 2020, Good

Shepherd Australia New Zealand. Accessed 25 September 2020.

cxxxii

VicHealth Coronavirus Victorian Wellbeing Impact Study (2020), Victorian Health Promotion

Foundation, Melbourne (https://doi.org/10.37309/2020.PO909)

cxxxiii

VicHealth (2011) Housing and Health Research Summary https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/media

andresources/publications/housing-and-health-research-summary; Johnson, R., Craig P., Susan E., Tabashir S.,

Mercedes D. and Paula B. (2008). Where We Live Matters for Our Health: The Links Between Housing and

Health http://www.commissiononhealth.org/PDF/e6244e9e-f630-4285-9ad7-

16016dd7e493/Issue%20Brief%20 2%20Sept%2008%20-%20Housing%20and%20Health.pdf

cxxxiv

Ibid

cxxxv

Planning and Environment Act 1987 cited in Affordable Development Outcomes, 2020, ‘Affordable

Housing in the City of Brimbank: Final Research Report’, Brimbank City Council

cxxxvi

Black Ink Writing and Consulting, 2020, ‘From At Risk to At Home: Brimbank City Council Homelessness

Research Project’, Brimbank City Council

cxxxvii

Ibid

cxxxviii

Biddle, N, Edwards, B, Gray, M & Sollis, K, 2020, COVID-19 and mortgage and rental payments, Australian

National University.

cxxxix

VicHealth Coronavirus Victorian Wellbeing Impact Study (2020), Victorian Health Promotion

Foundation, Melbourne (https://doi.org/10.37309/2020.PO909)

cxl

Brimbank City Council, 2020, Brimbank Community Survey – Health and Wellbeing Impacts of COIVD-19,

Draft report, Brimbank City Council

cxli

Brimbank City Council, 2020, ‘COVID-19 Community Impact Analysis – August 2020’. Brimbank City Council

cxlii

Letts, S. (2018) ‘Chart of the Day: Are Australians the world’s biggest gambling losers? You can bet on it’,

ABC 20 November 2018, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-20/australians-worlds-biggest-gambling

losers/10495566?nw=0

cxliii

Browne, M. et al (2016), Assessing gambling-related harm in Victoria: a public health perspective, Victorian

Responsible Gambling Foundation, Melbourne.

cxliv

Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (2014). The Victorian gambling study; a longitudinal study of

gambling and health in Victoria 2008-2012. http://www.responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_

file/0008/10016/A-LONGITUDINAL-STUDY-OF-GAMBLING-AND-HEALTH-IN-VICTORIA-20082012.pdf

cxlv

Markham et al (2016) The relationship between electronic gaming machine accessibility and police

recorded domestic violence: A spatio-temporal analysis of 654 postcodes in Victoria, Australia, 2005-2014,

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0277953616302891?via%3Dihub

cxlvi

Armstrong, A., & Carroll, M. (2017). Gambling activity in Australia. Melbourne: Australian Gambling

Research Centre, Australian Institute of Family Studies

cxlvii

Browne, M., Greer, N., Armstrong , T., Doran, C., Kinchin, I., Langham, E., et al. (2017). The Social Cost of

Gamling to Victoria . Melbourne: Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation .

cxlviii

Rockloff, M, Browne, M, Hing, N, Thorne, H, Russell, A, Greer, N, Tran, K, Brook, K & Sproston, K 2020 cited

in Brimbank City Council, 2020, ‘COVID-19 Community Impact Analysis – August 2020’. Brimbank City Council

cxlix

Ibid

cl

Armstrong, A., & Carroll, M. (2017). Gambling activity in Australia. Melbourne: Australian Gambling Research

Centre, Australian Institute of Family Studies

cli

Brimbank City Council, 2020, ‘COVID-19 Community Impact Analysis – August 2020’. Brimbank City Council

clii

Ibid

cliii

Smith BJ, Lim MH 2020 cited in Brimbank City Council, 2020, Community Impact Analysis (August 2020),

Brimbank City Council

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