According to our research and data, we know that identified priorty groups experienced increased disadvantage such as: accessing services, structural inequalities, linguistic and cultural barriers, discrimination and stigma, and geographical distance and isolation.

We recognise and commit to addressing barriers experienced by these groups, as well as acknowledging that, within these groups, community members with extraordinary skills, knowledge and leadership exist. Economic and social disadvantage does not preclude resilience, neighbourliness, family unity, development or belonging.

Figure 4: Intersectionality and priority groups

Our Social Equity Framework integrates the concept of intersectionality, where individuals can and do belong to many social groups. We recognise that systems and structures interact or overlap on mulitple levels to create disadvantage, based on these personal characteristics. Intersctionality helps us consider how priority groups may experience compoinded effects of disadvantage.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

We support the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to experience the full range of choice, opportunity and influence in their lives. We acknowledge that historically, government legislation and practices enforced on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have contributed to many being unable to realise their full potential.

These policies have left lasting inter-generational impacts. Various pieces of government legislation and policies have contributed to dispossession of land, racism, social and emotional wellbeing issues, culture loss, family fragmentation, unemployment, poor housing, low literacy and numeracy rates, alcohol and substance misuse and poverty.

We have developed the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan around four key deliverable themes including Relationships, Respect, Opportunities and Governance. It is based on priorities and aspirations identified through consultation with Traditional Owners and members of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

It builds on advancing a positive relationship, demonstrating respect and self-determination for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and ensuring equality of opportunity and access in all dealings with the community.

Culturally and linguistically diverse communities

Our City is strongly committed to respecting and celebrating the cultural, linguistic and religious diversity in our community. It recognises that our multicultural communities face unique barriers to participation, including lack of accessible information, cultural differences, racism and exclusion.

We strive to create inclusive services, places and programs that respond to the needs of all our communities. Greater Geelong values the richness that multicultural communities bring to the social and economic fabric of the community.

LGBTIQA+ communities

We work to ensure that the strength and diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, intersex and asexual people (LGBTIQA+) is valued, celebrated and affirmed.

We recognise that the LGBTIQA+ community face barriers to participation including, vilification, exclusion, lack of safety, poor mental health and health and wellbeing outcomes.

We are committed to working with the LGBTIQA+ community to build a safer and more inclusive community.

People as they age

We understand that everyone experiences ageing differently depending on biological, environmental, geographic, cultural and health factors; access to resources and support; and the inclusiveness of local environments. We address age specific barriers to ensure safe and equitable access to services, infrastructure and community amenities. These experiences can also be shaped by economic and social drivers such as where you live, employment background and housing stability.

People as they age are at higher risk of facing poverty, isolation and exclusion.

We are committed to fostering an age-friendly environment where people feel welcome, respected and connected to other people in their community, including through intergenerational connections, neighbours and social groups. 

People with disability

We recognise the need to reduce barriers created by structures, attitudes, and practices that limit opportunities for all community members to realise their right to fully participate and achieve their aspirations.

For people experiencing disability, including physical, developmental, behavioural or emotional, and sensory conditions, we are committed to supporting and improving access and choice.

We value including an individual’s unique experience and understanding of their disability to create opportunities for access and equal participation.

Refugee and asylum seeker communities

We acknowledge that our refugee and asylum seeker communities face unique and complex challenges, these include possible experiences of persecution, violence, conflict, detention, distance and lack of communication with families, visa insecurity, trauma, genuine fear and ongoing mental health issues, financial difficulties and lack of work opportunities.

These challenges are in addition to linguistic and cultural barriers. We are committed to working with partner agencies to support our refugee and asylum seeker communities and ensure they are included, welcomed and valued in the Greater Geelong community.

Rural and peri-urban communities

Peri-urban communities exist at the boundaries of urban development and rural environments and include those areas making a transition away from rural land use. Rural communities include those in farming areas and those with low population densities, at a distance from regional or urban centres.

These communities face additional challenges with access to facilities, services and places, and exposure to weather, including extreme weather events.

We are committed to addressing the barriers faced by these communities and ensuring there are opportunities for access, inclusion and participation in the social and economic activity of our region.

Young people

We recognise that young people make up a significant percentage of Greater Geelong’s community and are affected by decisions made on their behalf.

We recognise that young people face many challenges relating to health and wellbeing, inclusion, access, voice and safety. We are committed to learning from and working with young people to understand their aspirations and needs, and to shape a sustainable and prosperous future for them.

Socio-economic disadvantage

We recognise that some residents face multi-faceted inequalities due to poverty and low income which, are influenced by structural inequalities and have a community-level impact. The Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) shows the suburbs of Norlane, Corio and Whittington experience higher levels of socio-economic disadvantage compared to Greater Geelong as a whole.

While our municipality has experienced significant growth and change, this opportunity has not been evenly spread and there is a need to address low levels of employment, education, housing and health and wellbeing.

We are committed to addressing these inequalities through various initiatives, including those related to environmental issues, liveability, mobility and transport, neighbourhood activity centres, open space and social infrastructure, as well as crime and safety.

Women

We recognise the power imbalances that exist for different genders, and the impact that this inequity can have on the safety, health and wellbeing, and economic life of women and gender diverse people.

We understand that gender equality is crucial to ending violence against women and children.

To achieve authentic gender equity and address gendered forms of disadvantage, we are committed to addressing barriers, acknowledging and celebrating the crucial role of women and girls in our community and economy, and recognising the importance of working together to create an equitable future for all.