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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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