A UNIVERSITY study claiming Brimbank residents are Melbourne’s biggest “sinners” has sparked a local backlash.
The study, commissioned by a daily paper and undertaken by RMIT University, suggested Brimbank residents were the most likely to be guilty of the seven deadly sins.
The findings caused a flurry of angry responses on social media and a rebuke from council chairman Peter Lewinsky, who said the study reinforced inappropriate stereotypes of the west and ignored the area’s long-term neglect.
“The west has long been neglected by governments of all persuasions, which has resulted in social and economic disadvantage for our community,” he said. “The majority of our community are hard-working, highly aspirational and committed to creating a better life for themselves and their families, many of whom are newly arrived or under financial strain.”
He pointed to the large number of seniors, sports clubs and other volunteer groups, and the success of community events such as the recent Brimbank Festival.
RMIT statistician Associate Professor Anthony Bedford said his analysis provided insights into behaviour and opinion across different areas.
“The results do reveal the places across the city where people have a greater propensity towards exhibiting certain behaviours and holding particular attitudes.”
LeadWest’s manager of business and projects, Craig Rowley, said the study naming Brimbank “sin central” was seriously flawed. “There is no validity to an index that uses fertility rates as a proxy for the ‘sin of lust’ and lower church attendance rates as a proxy for the ‘sin of wrath’.”
He said the study could be a blow for vulnerable people, particularly the young.
“People who live in Melbourne’s west know it is not a ‘sinful’ place,” Mr Rowley said.
“We know in this region the reality of struggle, hard work, overcoming of adversity and achievement despite the odds.”
