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Community

Engagement Report:

Executive Summary

This is a summary of the community engagement report which is available for download from www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/healthandwellbeing.

How did we engage with the community?

An extensive program of community engagement activities was conducted from mid

April to mid June 2013. A summary of the activities are below:

i) Health and Wellbeing Survey 2013:

354 surveys completed

264 completed online and 90 hard copies returned

ii) Meetings and Network Briefings

28 external network or organisations briefings and meetings were attended to present the health and wellbeing data and discuss priority areas for action.

208 people took part in these discussions.

iii) Community Vox Pops

Council staff conducted short “vox pop” surveys with 62 individuals

at Council facilities, face to face and by telephone.

iv) Drawing Competition for children up to 12 years

128 entries received

v) Grafitti Boards on Civic Green

3 weeks of comments were photographed and themed

Total individuals involved in the consultation: 752 - plus graffiti board

What did we learn?

i) Health and Wellbeing Survey 2013:

The extensive community survey explored residents’ perceptions of where they live, their connection with the community, access to community services, access to economic resources (employment & housing) and access to education and learning opportunities for all.

The survey also highlights the key health issues identified from available data and asked respondents to identify their priorities for action. In addition, respondents were asked to identify the things that would improve their health.

The survey findings are summarised on the following pages:

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Health and Wellbeing Survey 2013

1: OUR PLACE

Respondents were asked to rate Warrnambool in relation to the quality of the environment in which they live. Most residents believe Warrnambool offers quality public spaces and infrastructure that supports a healthy lifestyle.

Less than 1 in 10 respondents rated Warrnambool’s performance as ‘poor’ in any of the five areas rated.

2: FEELING PART OF THE COMMUNITY

Respondents were asked their level of support for statements about feeling part of the community.

9 out of 10 respondents indicated that they have family or friends who could help them if needed.

Fewer residents indicated they know their neighbours – with 1 in 5 indicating that they don’t know their neighbours.

1 in 4 respondents indicated that Warrnambool is not welcoming to new residents and 4 out of 10 believe that Warrnambool is not accepting of people’s differences (cultural, religious or sexual orientation).

Responses clearly indicate that residents believe Warrnambool has many opportunities to participate in the community as a volunteer, or be part of a club or organisation.

Around 1 in 4 respondents indicate that they don’t feel they can talk to Council about issues that concern them.

3 in 10 respondents indicate that they do not think the internet is accessible and/or affordable.

4 in 10 respondents do not feel safe on the streets in their neighbourhood after dark.

3: ACCESSIBILITY

Respondents were asked how readily available services and access to employment and housing are in the City.

Almost half of all respondents find health services including doctors difficult to access. In contrast, community services which meet the needs of children and older people, and the community in general were perceived as accessible by significantly more respondents.

Approximately half of all respondents feel employment is difficult to access in general, more so for young people.

Approximately 4 in 10 respondents indicated suitable housing and transport (within and to/from Warrnambool) are difficult to access.

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4: LIFELONG LEARNING

Respondents were asked how they find access to educational opportunities in Warrnambool.

9 out of 10 respondents indicated library facilities are accessible.

Only 1 in 3 respondents indicated childcare services are accessible; while around half of all respondents believe kindergarten programs are accessible. In contrast, 3 out of 4 respondents felt primary and secondary schooling is accessible.

Almost 3 in 4 respondents felt opportunities to continue studies after secondary school at either TAFE or University are accessible.

1 in 5 indicate access to study for mature aged students and older adults was limited.

5: PRIORITY ISSUES

The following section identifies the priority issues for the community and the

aspects of their own health and wellbeing that concern them.

A) PRIORITY ISSUES FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY (from the data):

The top 3 responses were: 1. Rate of reported family violence incidents

2. Rate of substantiated child abuse

3. Rate of obesity and overweight

B) THE ONE THING THAT WORRIES YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR OWN HEALTH &

WELLBEING?

Responses were collated from a total of 354 community responses and 68 WCC Staff

surveys.

22 21

14 13

10

5.5 5 4 3 1.5 1.5 1 0.5

0

5

10

15

20

25

% of Respondents

The ONE thing that worries you most about your own health and wellbeing?

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C) Respondents were asked to indicate the most important thing that they (as individuals) could do to improve their own and their family’s health and wellbeing. 192 responses were received.

Note: Graph represents number of times issue was raised by respondents

D) Respondents were asked to indicate the most important thing that Council could do to support their health and wellbeing. 174 responses were received.

1

2

2

2

3

3

3

3

3

3

4

4

10

12

22

29

86

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Improve dental care

Quit smoking

Move to another community

Volunteer

Nothing needs to change

Reduce alcohol consumption

Manage stress better

Lose weight

Get a job

Prioritise health

Improve lifestyle / take better care /look after self better

Reduce cost of living pressure/worry about money less

Connect with people more/talk about issues and concerns

Mentor and educate others/ lead by example/positive role…

More free time/ improve work life balance / more family time

Eat well/better

Exercise more/be more active

The most important thing that respondents could do .....

1 1 1 1

2 2 2 2 2 2

3 3 3

4 4

7 7

8 8

9 10

11 17

20 23

26

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Welcome new residents better

Increase volunteering options

Support small local businesses

Develop a reconciliation action plan

Ban/restrict pokies

Provide services on evenings/weekends

More flexible work conditions for employees

Increase employment opportunities

Good job already being done

Health and Wellbeing is not a council responsibility

Support Community Theatre/more art & entertainment

Support education (schools and options)

Stricter policy on smoking and alcohol

Support community initiatives

Support Young People better

Better public transport

Communicate with residents better (including listen)

Well lit/safer public areas

Better access to services for disadvantaged, aged, childcare etc

More events/ farmers market

Better cycling facilities

AquaZone and Outdoor Pool - longer season, cheaper membership,…

Advocate for better access to health services - eg bulk billing doctors,…

Health Education and Promotion/Prevention Programs

More and Better infrastructure - accessible parks, trails & paths, upgrade…

More free and low cost/affordable opportunities for physical activities/…

Number of responses

The most important thing Council could do ........

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E) Barriers for people with a disability in Warrnambool: Respondents were asked do you know of any barriers to access and inclusion in Warrnambool? 78 responses were received and are themed below.

ii) Meetings and Network Briefings 28 external network or organisation briefings, and meetings were attended to present the health and wellbeing data and discuss priority areas for action. 208 people took part in these discussions.

Groups were asked what data surprised them; what should be the priorities for the plan and what areas align with their work or interest.

Family violence and child abuse rates featured highly in the responses to what data surprised them. Issues identified for action and alignment generally were dependent on the area of interest or work of the organisation.

A full list of the stakeholders and meeting records are included in the full report available at www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/healthandwellbeing.

Physical access – footpaths, shops,

facilities, businesses, road crossings, steps, kerbs, signage, rails,

shop aisles, bus shelters

40%

Social stigma/ discrimination/

intolerance/ attitudes/lack of understanding

26%

Public transport 18%

Lack of awareness of disability/issues faced

by people with a disability

10%

Funding/cost/ lack of staff

6%

Top 5 barriers to access for people with a disability

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iii) Community Vox Pops

63 vox pops were completed either face to face or via phone at Council facilities across the City. These included City Assist at Civic Centre, Archie Graham Centre, Children’s Services Centre and other venues.

Those surveyed were asked …. “If you could change one thing to improve the health and

wellbeing of people in Warrnambool what would it be?”

iv) Drawing Competition

128 drawings were submitted by children from schools, kindergartens, day care and playgroups across the city. All entrants received a voucher for a free swim at AquaZone and 6 entries were drawn at random and awarded Fun4Kids Family passes, tickets to Lighthouse Theatre and family passes to the Capitol Theatre.

Children were asked to draw what makes them feel healthy and key themes were healthy foods (fruit and vegetables), playing, running, sport, being outside,

etc

Issue to address Number %

Improve Access - early years 6 8

Improve Access - health 5 6

Improve Access - social connection 3 4

Affordability of activities 10 13

Alcohol 2 3

Education 2 3

Equity 1 1

Fluoride 1 1

Gambling 4 5

Nutrition 6 8

Improve recreational infrastructure 9 12

Physical activity 4 5

Safety 8 10

Smoking 1 1

Weight 2 3

Young people’s needs/issues 12 16

Nothing 1 1

Total comments received 77 100

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v) Grafitti Boards “I would feel healthier if ……”

Two large blackboards were attached to the façade of the Warrnambool Art Gallery on the Civic Green in Warrnambool’s main street from 20th May to 7th June 2013.

Residents were invited to write or draw about what would make them feel healthier. Photos of the boards were taken daily to record the comment and these were grouped/themed for analysis

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Grafitti Boards “I would feel healthier if ……” Comments written on the boards were collated and are illustrated in the graphic below. The larger the words, the more times these comments appeared in the comments.