Hannah Hammoud
Brimbank council is continuing to tackle unemployment in Brimbank, with the municipality continuing to record rates well above the Victorian average.
Council endorsed its draft Lifelong Learning Strategy 2024-29 at the most recent meeting on August 22, citing shortfalls in learning outcomes among Brimbank residents.
The strategy is a long-term approach taken by council to improve the social and economic outcomes of the community. The strategy recognises learning as a key driver for change.
The strategy also celebrates improvements achieved during the lifespan of the previous 2018-23 strategy such as a 3.7 per cent increase in residents who have completed year 12, and an additional 3.8 percent of residents now holding a Bachelor degree or higher.
Councillor Jae Papalia said it was pleasing to see learning outcomes headed in the right direction.
“We’ve got a long way to go in our community as stated in this report, but it’s important work and I’m glad it’s happening,” she said.
Data from the 2021 census lists the unemployment rate for Brimbank at 7.9 per cent, compared to Victoria’s average of 5 per cent.
Council noted that more work needs to be done to address further areas including high levels of developmental vulnerabilities for children under five, lower literacy and numeracy standards across all tested year levels in Brimbank compared to the state average, and adults in Brimbank recorded as being more than three times as likely not to have attended formal schooling compared to the state average.
Council said the draft strategy has been developed after initial consultations with the community and stakeholders that captured more than 300 voices.
Council is now seeking additional community input before the draft strategy can be finalised, with community consultation open until September 22.
Brimbank mayor Bruce Lancashire said the strategy will be used as a guide for council to better support learning and wellbeing for the community.
“We want to encourage residents to participate in lifelong learning activities; to build better outcomes for social and economic wellbeing; developing skills and building knowledge and to look after their health and wellbeing,” he said.
Details: yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au
