Hobsons Bay residents can have their say on Council’s policy that aims to make their city a fairer and more inclusive place.
Council has drafted an update of A Fair Hobsons Bay for All – an integrated social policy that aims to ensure that fairness is embedded in all Council decisions and activities. The policy focuses on groups in the community who are at higher risk of social disadvantage, including:
children (0-11 years)
young people (12-25 years)
older people (60 years and over)
people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities
First Nations people
people with a disability
women and girls
people from the LGBTQIA+ and gender diverse communities, and
people in low-income households.
The update also adopts the concept of ‘intersectionality,’ which recognises that people in more than one of these groups can experience multiple forms of discrimination and disadvantage at the same time.
The draft policy has considered a number of new and emerging issues – which were identified through preliminary consultation – including cost-of-living challenges, access to mental health services and opportunities for employment and volunteering.
The draft policy is available for feedback until Monday 16 October 2023. People can go to participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/fairhb to view the draft policy, give their thoughts and see details of drop-in consultation sessions at various Council facilities. All feedback will help shape the final draft.
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Cr Tony Briffa:
“There are some great examples that show this policy has had a significant impact on the lives of many people in Hobsons Bay over the past four years.
“We’ve integrated universal design principles into community infrastructure, delivered inclusive events and programs, supported business owners who speak English as a second language during the COVID pandemic and developed an action plan that supports gender equity within the council organisation.
“This draft update will guide us through to 2028 to make sure everything we do considers the needs of every part of our community. I encourage our residents to take a look at the update and provide their feedback so we can make it even better.”
