Focus on community safety

Council is calling on community members to reflect on what it means to feel and be safe in Greater Geelong.

Community safety plays an important role in health outcomes, social connectedness, accessibility and participation levels for residents and visitors in the Geelong region. The more connected a person is to their local community, the safer they feel.

From tomorrow, community members can have their say on the Draft Community Safety Framework which outlines a shared understanding of what community safety is and the role of the City and stakeholders in shaping a safer region.

The document also aims to increase awareness of reporting mechanisms and to support and empower the community to take responsibility for their own sense of safety.

In shaping this draft framework, feedback was gathered from the community, stakeholders such as Victoria Police and the Department of Justice and Community Safety, council advisory committees and City staff. The consultation identified what characteristics of places and spaces make community members feel safe and unsafe, and where there are areas of concern.

Greater Geelong Mayor Peter Murrihy;

Safety can mean feeling confident to exercise outdoors at any time of the day, having a sense of belonging or there being facilities that are accessible to people with lived experience of disability.

Given that the Draft Community Safety Framework will play a role in informing council on creating and maintaining safe, accessible and well-maintained places and spaces, I encourage the community to share its thoughts.

Councillor Sarah Mansfield, chair of the Community Health and Aged Care portfolio;

The draft framework takes a holistic approach by incorporating the responsibilities of the City of Greater Geelong, external partners and the broader community to build a safer region together.

Community safety is a key driver to achieving a more inclusive and socially connected community, that is resilient and healthy.

By understanding residents’ values, perceptions and aspirations, we can further embed community safety practices and projects that benefit priority groups such as LGBTQIA+ residents, as well as the broader community.

Community members can have their say at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au from Wednesday 28 September 2022.