Brimbank has one of the highest youth unemployment rate in the state, a new national report has found.
Jobless rates across more than 20 Brimbank suburbs and several on Melton’s eastern fringe averaged 17.3 per cent at January 1, according to a Brotherhood of St Laurence report.
The high numbers, plus a 9.7 per cent annual jump in crime across Brimbank, has sparked fears among community leaders it could lead to significant youth disengagement.
Prominent outreach worker Les Twentyman told Star Weekly daily connection with local sporting clubs would go a long way towards engaging multicultural Brimbank youth, providing employment opportunities and a “sense of belonging”.
The Brotherhood of St Laurence report shows the 17.3 per cent average rate applying across Sunshine, Sunshine north and west, Braybrook, Albion, Albanvale, Ardeer, Ravenhall, Kealba, Kings Park, St Albans, Cairnlea, Burnside, Caroline Springs, Deer Park, Keilor Downs, Keilor Lodge, Taylors Lakes, Keilor, Delahey, Sydenham, Hillside and Taylors Hill.
These suburbs were counted as part of Melbourne’s west, which had the 12th-highest rates of youth unemployment across the nation – up from an average of 16.2 per cent in January last year and 13.6 per cent a year earlier, in 2014.
But Melbourne’s west wasn’t among the 20 worst off last year or in 2014.
Mr Twentyman said regular connections with sport and drama clubs should be a key part of such programs as work for the dole in building networks of opportunity.
“These kids don’t have a sense of belonging. The only way kids get a sense of belonging is through gangs,” he said.
“When I was a kid, I stayed away from trouble because I was involved with footy. Sport creates networks. It keeps you connected with the community.
“Sport has to become almost a daily activity. They don’t have to play; they could score or help with first aid. There is a lack of opportunity for young people. We need to find them meaningful employment, not dead-end jobs.”
He also said there was a dearth of youth workers across Melbourne’s west.
“I’ve got two at the 20th Man [youth fund] … I should have 200,” he said.
