The Diverse Communities of Brimbank Profile - Brimbank City Council

The Diverse Communities of 

Brimbank 

Community 

Planning & 

Development

Contents 

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

An Overview of the History and Geography of the City of Brimbank . . . 3 

Map of City of Brimbank, Districts and Urban Villages . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Community, Population and People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

An Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

Popuation Demographics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

• Population Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

• Drivers of Population change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

• Age demographics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

• Household Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 

• Disability and Need for Assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

• Religion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Local Culture, Immigration and Indigenous Heritage . . . . . . . . . 16 

• Ethnicity and Cultural Diversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

• Language and Literacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

• Immigration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

Healthy and Safe People and Places . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 

• Health and Wellbeing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 

• Births, Breastfeeding and Immunisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

• Food and Nutrition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

• Personal and Community safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 

• Participation in Community life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

Environment/Community infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

An Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

Environment and Open Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

• Environmental Behaviours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

• Open Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

Transport and Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

• Method of Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

• Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

Personal and Community Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 

• Housing and Personal Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 

Economy/Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

An Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

Education and Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

• Participation in Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

• Internet Connection in the Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

• Volunteering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Workforce and Local Economy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 

• Industry and Occupations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 

• Labour Market Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 

Income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 

• Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 

• Disadvantage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

• Electronic Gaming Expenditure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

2

Introduction 

An Overview of the History and Geography 

of the City of Brimbank 

The City of Brimbank is home to the peoples of the Kulin Nations, which is 

made up of five related tribes (language groups): the Woiworung (Wurundjeri), 

Boonerwrung, Taungurong, Djadjawurrung and Wathaurong. The peoples of the 

Kulin Nations are recognised as the traditional custodians of the land.. 

Following colonisation, Brimbank was settled by Europeans in the 1830’ and 

40’s as farming land. Keilor was established in the late 1840’s, whilst St Albans 

was established in the late 1880’s. A rapid growth phase occurred across 

the municipality after the Second World War, with the development of many 

suburbs around the original settlements of Keilor, Sunshine and St Albans 

expanding to house many overseas migrants. The City of Brimbank was named 

after Brimbank Park whose name was derived for the practice of driving stock 

around the brim of the banks of the Maribyrnong River. 

Through the 1970s and 1990s many migrants arrived in Brimbank from Southern 

European shores, establishing businesses, homes and vibrant communities. 

During later years Brimbank continued to be a significant Western Region 

gateway for overseas migrants, although in more recent years residents from 

India, China, Vietnam and African countries have increased and migration from 

the Southern European countries has slowed. 

The City of Brimbank is located in the western and north-western suburbs 

of Melbourne, between 11 and 23 kilometres west and north-west of the 

Melbourne GPO. Brimbank is the second most populous municipality 

in metropolitan Melbourne, and the largest in the Western Region with 

approximately 185,000 residents as of June 2009. Population growth across the 

municipality is forecast to increase to over 200,000 by 2031. 

The City of Brimbank is bounded by the City of Hume in the north, the Cities 

of Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley in the east, the Cities of Hobsons Bay and 

Wyndham in the south and the Shire of Melton in the west. Brimbank has 21 

suburbs divided into five local Districts. Each District has been established 

based on the resident’s demographic characteristics and key infrastructure and 

environmental features. Given that Brimbank is one of the largest and most 

diverse local government areas in Metropolitan Melbourne, utilizing a localized 

approach assists council to plan and develop services and facilities that more 

accurately reflect the communities they service. 

Each local District is defined as follows. 

• Sydenham District: Including the suburbs of Calder Park, Delahey, Keilor 

Downs, Keilor North, Sydenham and part of Hillside, Keilor Lodge and Taylors 

Lakes; 

• Keilor District: Including the suburbs of Keilor, Keilor Park and part of Keilor 

East, Tullamarine, Keilor Lodge and Taylors Lakes; 

• St Albans District: Including the suburbs of St Albans, Kings Park and Kealba; 

• Deer Park District: Including the suburbs of Albanvale, Cairnlea, Deer Park 

and Derrimut; 

• Sunshine District: Including the suburbs of Albion, Ardeer, Sunshine, 

Sunshine North and Sunshine West, and part of Brooklyn. 

Data Notes 

The following data book is based 

on a variety of original data sources 

believed to be correct and reliable 

at time of accessing. All efforts 

were taken to ensure analysis of 

data is undertaken in an objective 

manner. A list of data sources used 

in development of this profile can be 

found in the reference list at the end 

of the document. Data sources are 

updated at different points in time 

(e.g. ABS Census updated every 

five years, whilst labour market and 

employment data is updated every 

three to four months). The reference 

list contains direct web links to original 

data sources to enable access to the 

latest data. 

The data book does not seek to 

provide policy, project or program 

solutions. Data topics should be read 

in conjunction with other data areas to 

provide of ‘whole’ picture of the rich 

diversity, strengths and challenges 

within the City of Brimbank. 

For further information 

please contact: 

Community Planning – 

Policy and Research 

Brimbank City Council 

communityplanning@brimbank. 

vic.gov.au 

or by telephoning 9249 4000 

3

Introduction 

Map of City of Brimbank, Districts and Urban Villages 

Calder Park 

Sydenman 

SYDENHAM 

DISTRICT 

Keilor North 

Keilor 

Lodge 

Hillside 

Taylors Lakes 

Tullamarine 

Keilor 

Keilor Park 

Delahey 

Keilor Downs 

KEILOR 

DISTRICT 

Kings Park 

ST ALBANS 

DISTRICT 

Kealba 

Keilor East 

Albanvale 

St Albans 

Cairnlea 

Sunshine North 

Deer Park 

DEER PARK 

DISTRICT 

Ardeer 

Albion 

SUNSHINE 

DISTRICT 

Sunshine 

Derrimut 

Sunshine West 

Brooklyn 

4

Community, Population and People 

The Community/ Population profile 

theme contains three key data areas: 

• Population Demographics 

• Local Culture, Immigration 

and Indigenous Heritage 

• Healthy and Safe people and 

Places 

An Overview of the Population and Communities 

of the City of Brimbank 

A Diverse Community… 

The City of Brimbank has developed as one of the most culturally diverse 

municipalities in Australia. Brimbank has a small proportion of Indigenous 

residents, although residents of indigenous heritage have a strong local identity. 

Over 150 different languages are spoken across the municipality, with more 

than half the population speaking a language other than English. 

Through the 1970s and 1990s, many migrants from Southern European shores 

arrived in Brimbank, establishing businesses, homes and vibrant communities. 

Over the years Brimbank has continued to be a significant Western Region 

gateway for overseas migrants, although in more recent years residents from 

India, China, Vietnam and African countries have increased and migration from 

the Southern European countries has slowed. The rate of new arrivals with low 

or no English literacy has increased in recent years, describing one of the many 

challenges new arrivals face. 

Families and Households… 

Brimbank has quiet large average household sizes compared to other Metro 

Melbourne areas. Families with children are the most significant household 

type, and of those families, one parent families make up a large proportion. 2 

By 2031, families (both as couples and single parent families) are expected 

to remain the dominant household type for Brimbank. Although with growth 

in apartment and townhouse living, lone person households are expected to 

increase, whilst the overall proportion of family households will decline. 

Faith and Religion… 

Faith and religion factor strongly in the lives of many Brimbank residents, with 

over three-quarters of residents affiliating with a religion or faith. Of those that 

practice a faith, Catholic, Buddhist and Orthodox traditions were the most 

commonly practiced. 

Health and Wellbeing… 

The City of Brimbank has a number of health and wellbeing challenges. A high 

rate of obesity and a significant proportion of residents with complex physical 

and mental health needs. Family violence continues to be an issue across 

Brimbank, with Brimbank having the highest rate of incidence in the Western 

Region and a significantly higher rate then the State average. Alcohol related 

accidents and serious injury caused by road accidents continue to be issues 

that occur across Brimbank at a higher rate than the State average. In contrast, 

the rates of alcohol related assaults; alcohol related family incidents and medical 

hospital admissions for Brimbank have all dropped and are currently at levels 

lower than the State average. 

One in five Brimbank residents is affected by some form of Disability. 

Considering the aging population by 2031, Brimbank is expected to have a 

50% increase, or over 4,000 more residents requiring assistance with their 

daily activities. Almost all of this increase is forecast to be concentrated among 

residents aged 60 years and over, due to 

the higher level of need in this group. 

5

An Overview of the Population and Communities of the City of Brimbank 

The Future of Brimbanks 

Population… 

The attraction of the Brimbank 

municipality is reflective of the 

significant amount of residential 

housing opportunities and the 

affordability of the area, as well as 

the relative close proximity to central 

Melbourne. A large proportion of the 

municipality has older housing stock, 

although newer housing estates have 

grown in the last 10 years. Over the 

next 10 years, residential development 

in the suburbs of Cairnlea, Deer Park, 

Derrimut and Sunshine North, as well 

as general infill sites will increase 

housing stock. 

The various suburbs within Brimbank 

have developed different roles, 

reflecting the variety of needs or 

aspirations of different populations. 

Areas such as Keilor and Taylors 

Lakes are attractive to mature families 

looking to upgrade to their second 

and third home. Albion, Sunshine and 

St Albans have a significant stock of 

rental housing, which attracts a large 

share of overseas migrants, as well as 

a more youth-oriented market seeking 

affordable housing opportunities. 

Delahey and Sydenham-Hillside are 

just completing their rapid suburban 

growth cycles, while other areas 

such as Albanvale, Kings Park and 

Keilor Park were developed rapidly in 

previous decades and currently have 

larger homes of older styles. 

As housing development slows 

after 2015, a change in the type of 

development will occur, with greater 

focus on re-zoning older industrial 

sites, creating higher density infill, 

to cater for smaller household sizes. 

As a result, the areas of Sunshine 

(Sunshine, Sunshine North and 

Sunshine West) are expecting the 

next largest population increase by 

2031 after the fringe growth areas. 

This will change the age structure of 

the Sunshine areas, with increases 

in younger people greater than those 

among the elderly, as younger people 

moving into higher density areas with 

more of an “urban” feel, and in close 

proximity to transport. 

6

Popuation Demographics 

The following data chapter provides 

an overview of the characteristics 

of residents and communities living 

across the Brimbank suburbs and 

districts. 

The data chapter encompasses the 

following information: 

• Population Overview 

• Drivers of Population change 

• Age demographics 

• Household Characteristics 

• Disability and Need for 

Assistance 

• Religion 

Population Overview 

• The total population for Brimbank • Population changes between 2006 

was estimated at 185,890 residents and 2031 are expected to look 

(as of June 2009), increasing by differently across the suburbs of 

2.6% from 2008 1 . 

Brimbank. By suburb, the largest 

• The population’s gender balance population growth is forecast for 

has remained stable over time, with Derrimut (up 77%), Cairnlea (up 

49.6% male and 50.4% female. 2 27%), Deer park (up by 22%), the 

• By 2031, the population is 

Sunshine District (combined area 

expected to grow to over 200,000 of Sunshine, Sunshine West & 

residents or an increase of 8% from North – up 21%) , and the St Albans 

the 2009 total. 3 

District (combined area St Albans 

• The average household size is Central, East & West – up 6.8%). 

expected to decrease to 2.7 persons Suburbs expected to decrease in 

in 2031 from 2.9 in 2006. The 

population size include the suburbs 

decreasing household size reflects of Sydenham and Hillside (down 

the growth of smaller household 4%) and Keilor Downs (down 10%). 3 

sizes (e.g. lone persons and two 

person apartments) being built 

across the City. 3 7


Drivers of Population change 

Births 

• In 2008, there were 2,709 births 

in the City of Brimbank. This is the 

highest number ever recorded in 

the City of Brimbank, with a fertility 

rate of 1.90 babies per female. 

This is a significant increase on 

previous birth rates. And is above 

the Victorian average of 1.83, but still 

slightly below the national average 

of 1.97. 4 

• The number of births in the City 

of Brimbank is expected to remain 

fairly steady over the next 30 years. 

About 2,500 births per year can be 

expected over the next 30 years. 3 

Deaths 

• In 2008, there were 894 deaths 

registered in the City of Brimbank, 

for a standardized death rate of 6.1 

deaths per 1,000 people, very close 

to the Victorian rate of 6.0. 

People moving in and out of the 

municipality 

• Over 8,000 residents moved out of 

Brimbank between 2001 and 2006. 

Almost all residents moving out 

of Brimbank moved to other areas 

within Victoria – most moved to the 

Shire of Melton (8,687 residents) 

and City of Wyndham (1,413 

residents). 2 

• People moving into the Brimbank 

area mostly came from the City of 

Maribyrnong, with 1,809 residents 

migrating into Brimbank. 2 

• Movement out by age analysis 

shows that Brimbank looses 

population across all age groups, 

although the losses are particularly 

large among families with parents 

aged in their 30s and 40s, and 

children of all ages. There is minimal 

loss among 15-24 year olds. In 

all age groups, Melton Shire is 

the main area Brimbank looses 

population to. Among those aged 

55+ years, retirement destinations 

such as the Mornington Peninsula 

and Gold Coast were popular. 2 

• In terms of migration from 

overseas, between 2009 and 2010 

Brimbank welcomed 1,748 new 

residents from overseas immigration 

(or 32.4% of the total number for 

the Western Region). During this 

period Brimbank welcomed the 

highest proportion of new migrants 

for the Western Region. 6 

• Brimbank’s overall growth in 

population is supported by its birth 

rate and significant migration from 

overseas. 

8


Age demographics 

• Brimbank has a significantly higher 

proportion of residents aged under 

25 years (34.9%) compare to Victoria 

(18.7%), and a lower proportion 

of residents aged 55+ (17.7% 

compared to 24.5% for Victoria). 2 

Age Structure for the City of Brimbank compared to Greater Melbourne, 2001 to 2006 2 

2006 2001 

Age 

Group 

Number 


% of total 

population 

% Greater 

Melbourne 

Number 


% of total 

population 

%Greater 

Melbourne 

Change 

2001– 2006 

0 to 4 10,846 6.5 6.3 11,411 7.0 6.4 –565 

5 to 11 16,312 9.7 8.8 17,298 10.6 9.4 –986 

12 to 17 14,769 8.8 7.8 14,686 9.0 7.9 83 

18 to 24 17,557 10.5 10.2 17,594 10.8 10.2 –37 

25 to 34 24,278 14.5 14.9 25,442 15.6 16.0 –1,164 

35 to 49 36,986 22.1 22.7 36,853 22.6 22.5 133 

50 to 59 21,874 13.1 12.2 18,933 11.6 11.5 2,941 

60 to 69 13,007 7.8 7.9 10,903 6.7 7.3 2,104 

70 to 84 10,319 6.2 7.5 8,695 5.3 7.3 1,624 

85+ 1,490 0.9 1.6 1,118 0.7 1.4 372 

Total 167,438 100.0 100.0 162,933 100.0 100.0 4,505 

Overview of forecast changes in 

age demographics 

As described earlier, Brimbank 

currently has an above average 

population of young people; however 

the population is forecast to age 

considerably over the next 20 years 

with many residents aging in their 

local neighnourhoods. 3 For example, 

in 2006, the most populous age group 

was residents aged 20–24 year olds, 

with 13,976 residents. By 2021 the 

most populous forecast age group 

will be aged 35–39 years, with 14,163 

residents. 3 

Per cent 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 

Age Profile for the City of Brimbank 

2006 2031 

0–4 5–14 15–24 25–54 55–64 65–74 75+ 

Age (years) 

Forecast age structure of the Brimbank population, 2006, 2021 and 2031 3 

15,000 

12,000 

2031 

2021 

2006 

• By 2021, residents aged 70–74 

years is expected to have the largest 

proportional increase relative to its 

population size, with an increase of 

74.0% to total 8,042 residents. 3 

Persons 

9,000 

6,000 

3,000 

0 

0–4 

5–9 

10–14 

15–19 

20–24 

25–29 

30–54 

35–39 

40–44 

45–49 

Age (years) 

50–54 

55–59 

60–64 

65–69 

70–74 

75–79 

80–84 

85+ 

9


Age Specific changes 

Persons aged 0 to 4 years, City of Brimbank 2006 

0–4 Early years 

(as a percentage of total persons excluding overseas visitors) 

• In 2006, Brimbank had 10,846 residents 

aged 0–4 years (or 6.5% of the total 

population, compared to 6.3% for the 

Melbourne average). Residents aged 

0–4 years decreased by 565 residents 

between 2001 and 2006. 

• By suburb, the highest proportion of 

0–4 year olds were in the suburb of 

Hillside (12.4%), although this was 

only a small number of children as the 

population of this suburb houses only 

about 1,200 people. High proportions 

of 0–4 yrs were also recorded for 

Derrimut (9.4%), Sydenham (9.0%) and 

Cairnlea (8.5%). In contrast, the suburbs 

of Keilor Park (4.2%), Keilor (4.7%) 

and Kealba (4.9%) had the lowest 

proportions. 2 

• By 2031, the number of children 

aged 0–4 years living in Brimbank are 

expected to increase by approx 800 

residents (7%) to total approximately 

11,300 residents. The distribution of 

0–4 year olds will largely be centered in 

the Southern areas of the municipality, 

with the largest growth in the Derrimut 

suburb. 3 



Middle years 

• In 2006, Brimbank had 16,314 

residents aged 5–11 years (or 9.7% 

of the total population, compared to 

8.5% for the Melbourne average). 

Residents aged 5–11 years declined 

by over 1,000 people between 

2001 and 2006. Only the suburbs 

of Derrimut and Cairnlea grew due 

to the suburbs attraction to young 

families. 2 

• Future increases of residents aged 

5–11 years are expected to be 

largely confined to the southern 

part of Brimbank, with populations 

of primary school age children 

expected to peak around 2022, and 

then stabilize and decline slightly 

until 2031. 3 

10


Youth 

• In 2006, 14,789 (or 8.8% of the total 

population) Brimbank residents were 

aged 12–17 years, higher than the 

Melbourne average of 7.8%. 2 

• Between 2001 and 2006 the 

largest increase of 12–17 year olds 

occurred in the Deer Park District, 

and the suburbs of Cairnlea (+438 

people), Taylors Lakes (+229 people) 

and Sydenham (+215 people). The 

largest decreases were recorded in 

older areas, notably St Albans (–316 

people) and Keilor Downs (–378 



people). 2 • The number of residents aged 12–17 

Forecast persons aged 12 to 17 years (change in numbers), 

City of Brimbank 2006 to 2031 

years is expected to be virtually 

unchanged by 2031, although the 

geographic distribution across 

suburbs of this age group will 

change markedly. By 2031, although 

the Sydenham District will still have 

the highest number of 12–17 year 

olds for Brimbank, the number is 

expected to decline. The largest 

increases of residents aged 12–17 

years is expected for the Sunshine 

and Deer Park Districts, with over 

1,500 more residents expected 

across the two Districts. 3 

11


Older residents 

• In 2006, Brimbank had 7,379 

residents aged 75+ years (or 4.4% 

of the total population, compared 

with 6.1% for the Melbourne 

average). Residents aged 75+ 

years increased by 1,572 residents 

between 2001 and 2006. 

• The largest proportion of Brimbanks 

residents aged 75+ were living in 

Sunshine District (7.1%) in 2006. 

The Keilor District and St Albans 

District also have slightly higher 

proportions of those aged 75+ than 

the Melbourne average. 2 

Persons aged 75 years and over, City of Brimbank 2006 


Forecast persons aged 70 to 74 years (change in numbers), 

City of Brimbank 2006 to 2021 

• Unlike other age groups, residents 

aged 75+ are expected to increase 

by 2031 in every District and every 

suburb with the exception of Ardeer. 

At the suburb level, the largest 

growth are expected in the suburbs 

of St Albans (East) (increased 

by 1,880 residents), Deer Park 

(increased by 880 residents) and 

Taylors Lakes (West) (increased by 

760 residents). 3 

• By 2031, the greatest number of 

older residents are expected to live 

in the suburbs of St Albans (East) 

(1,883 residnets), Sunshine (West) 

(1,521 residents), Deer Park (1,307 

residents. 3 

12


Household Characteristics 

The City of Brimbank is home to 

a diverse range of households. 

Households can be made up of 

families (both couple families and one 

parent families), young and older lone 

person households or people sharing 

common spaces in group households. 

Household size 

• The average household size in 

Brimbank is quite large compared 

to other Metro Melbourne 

municipalities, with 2.9 residents 

per household compared with 2.4 

residents for the Metro average. 2 

• Over 35% of Brimbank households 

accommodate four or more 

residents (compared to 27.4% 

across Greater Melbourne). 

Compared to Greater Melbourne, 

Brimbank has a smaller proportion of 

one or two person households and a 

larger proportion of households with 

four or more people. 2 

Couple families with children under 15 years, City of Brimbank 2006 

(as a percentage of total families) 

Household Type 

Families 

• Of the total number of households 

within Brimbank, 52.0% were 

families with children (compared 

to 48.4% for Greater Melbourne). 

Of those families, one parent 

families make up a large proportion 

(19.5% compared to 15.4% for 

Greater Melbourne). 2 

• By 2031, families (both as couples 

and single parent families) are 

expected to remain the dominant 

household type for Brimbank. 

Although with an increase of lone 

person household’s forecast to 

grow across Brimbank, the overall 

proportion of family households will 

decline. 3 

• Brimbank has almost double the 

amount of households with two or 

more families living in a single 

house than Greater Melbourne 

(2.8% compared to 1.3% Greater 

Melbourne). 2 

13


One parent families 

• 10.6% of families living in Brimbank 

were single parent families with at 

least one child under 15, which was 

higher than the Melbourne average 

(7.5%). 2 

• Between 2001 and 2006, the 

number of one parent families 

increased by over 1,700. The highest 

proportion of one parent families 

live in the suburb of St Albans 

(24%), increasing significantly 

between 2001 and 2006. The largest 

increases of one parent families 

were in the suburbs of Sunshine 

West and Albanvale. There is a clear 

trend towards growth of one parent 

families in the lower socio-economic 

southern suburbs of Brimbank. 

However the more affluent northern 

suburbs of Brimbank also had large 

increases, e.g. Taylors Lakes and 

Sydenham, where the numbers 

nearly doubled between 2001 and 

2006. 2 

• About 85% of single parents in 

Brimbank are female, which is close 

to the Melbourne average. 2 

Percentage 

Age distribution of lone parents in Brimbank and Greater Melbourne, 2006 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

15–19 

20–24 

25–29 

30–34 

35–39 40–44 45–49 

Age (years) 

One parent families with children under 15 years, City of Brimbank 2006 

(as a percentage of total families) 

• Lone parents in Brimbank tend 

to be younger, and particularly 

clustered in their early 30s. The 

number of younger lone parents 

living in Brimbank is around double 

the Melbourne average (described Brimbank in 

the below graph). 2 

50–54 

55–59 

60–64 

Melbourne SD 

Melbourne SD 


65+ 

Lone person households 

• Brimbank currently has a smaller 

proportion of residents living in lone 

person households than Greater 

Melbourne (16.7% compared 

to 22.7%). 2 Although by 2021, 

lone person’s households are 

expected to increase to 19.2% of all 

households. 3 

• Between 2001 and 2006’ couples 

without children and lone person 

households increased dramatically. 

Most of these households were 

empty nesters and older lone 

persons, although in some areas 

(such as Sunshine) lone person 

households were more often 

younger people living alone. 2 

14


Disability and Need for 

Assistance 

Current Levels 

• In 2006, one in five Brimbank 

residents was affected by some form 

of Disability. 7 

• As of March 2010, 8,351 residents 

were in receipt of a Disability 

Support Payment (DSP), with the 

highest number of recipients living 

in the St Albans, Kings Park, Kealba 

and Sunshine areas. 33% of DSP 

recipients in the Western Region live 

in the Brimbank area. 8 

• Brimbank has the highest proportion 

of residents in receipt of a Carers 

Support Payment (an Income 

support payment for people who are 

unable to support, themselves while 

caring for someone with a disability, 

severe medical condition or who is 

frail and aged) of all Western Region 

councils. Over 2,700 of Brimbank 

residents were in receipt of a Carers 

Support Payment, or 38% of the 

total of recipients for councils in the 

Western Region. 8 

• In 2006, 8,272 Brimbank residents 

indicate a need for assistance with 

a core daily activity due to a longterm 

severe or profound disability. 

This represented 4.9% of the total 

population, compared to 4.0% for 

Greater Melbourne. 2 

• At a suburb level, Ardeer had the 

highest proportion of residents with a 

disability (8.5%) for the municipality. 

High proportions of residents with 

a disability were also identified in 

the suburbs of St Albans (6.8%), 

Sunshine (6.7%) and Sunshine West 

(6.2%). Keilor in comparison had very 

low proportions (2.2%) of residents 

with a disability. 2 

• At a District level, residents in the 

Sunshine and St Albans Districts 

reported the highest need for 

assistance, both approximately 6.0% 

of the population. Both Districts have 

high proportions of elderly residents, 

and are the most disadvantaged 

areas in Brimbank. The lowest 

proportion of residents reporting 

requiring assistance was in Keilor 

District. 2 

Future Trends 

• Considering Brimbanks future 

population aging and propensity of 

need for assistance, it is expected 

by 2031, Brimbank will have a 50% 

increase in the number of people 

requiring assistance with their 

daily activities, or over 4,000 more 

people across the municipality. 

Almost all of this increase is 

expected to be concentrated among 

residents aged over 60 years, due 

to the higher level of need in this 

group. 3 

• Suburbs expected to have high 

proportions of ageing residents will 

naturally have the largest increases 

in population requiring assistance. 

The suburbs of St Albans (up 26%) 

and Deer Park (up 75%) are expected 

to have the largest increases of 

residents requiring assistance, and 

by District, the Sydenham (up 71%) 

and Deer Park (up 105%) Districts 

are expected to have the largest 

increases. 

Number of total population 

4000 

3000 

2000 

1000 

0 

-1000 

-2000 

-3000 

Religion 

• Faith features significantly in the lives 

of many of Brimbanks residents. 

In 2006, over three-quarters of 

Brimbank residents affiliated with a 

Region or Faith (82.0% compared 

to 68.2% Greater Melbourne). Of 

those that practice a faith, residents 

practicing Catholic, Buddhist and 

Orthodox traditions were the most 

common. 2 

• Between 2001 and 2006 residents of 

Buddhist faith increased significantly, 

with over 3,000 more people (or 

22% more) stating Buddhism as their 

faith. 2 

Change in Religious Affiliation between 2001–2006, City of Brimbank 

Catholic 

Buddhism 

Orthodox 

Anglican 

Islam 

Other Christian 

Uniting Church 

Presbyterian & Reformed 

Hinduism 

Baptist 

15

Local Culture, Immigration and Indigenous Heritage 

Brimbank has a vibrant diversity of 

cultures living across the municipality’s 

suburbs. Culture is reflected in 

values, traditions and rituals. Strong 

cultural practices can strengthen a 

community’s resilience to challenges 

and provide an inclusive sense of 

acceptance and belonging. 

The following data chapter contains 

an overview of the vibrant cultural 

characteristics of the residents and 

communities living across the suburbs 

and Districts of Brimbank. 


following information 

• Ethnicity and Cultural Diversity 

• Language and Literacy 

• Immigration 

Ethnicity and Cultural 

Diversity 

• Brimbank has a strong sense of 

cultural identity, with 88.8% of 

residents agreeing or strongly 

agreeing that cultural diversity is a 

good thing for a society, compared 

to 90.8% in the Northern and 

Western Metro Region and the 

Victorian State average of 89.4%. 9 

• Indigenous residents make up 

a small percentage (0.3% or 

578 residents) of the Brimbank 

population; however residents form 

a significant community with a 

diverse and rich culture. 2 

• Cultural diversity is high, with 43.4% 

of the residents born overseas 

and 53.7% speaking a language 

other than English 6 . Brimbank 

has a large number of second and 

third generation migrants speaking 

their native language at home. The 

Vietnamese population continues 

to increase in Brimbank while the 

population declines elsewhere 

across Victoria. 2 

Top Ten Overseas Countries 

of Birth in Brimbank 2 

Country of Birth % Number 

Vietnam 9.0 15,109 

Malta 3.6 6,025 

Philippines 2.4 4,049 

Italy 2.4 3,985 

Former Yugoslav 2.2 3,726 

Croatia 1.8 3,057 

India 1.8 3,046 

United Kingdom 1.6 2,727 

Greece 1.5 2,582 

Former Fed Republic of Yugoslav 1.3 2,128 

Change in Country of Birth (Top Ten) Between 2001 and 2006, City of Brimbank 

2000 

1500 

Number of persons 

1000 

500 

0 

-500 

-1000 

-1500 

Vietnam 

Malta 

Phillipines 

Italy 

Former Yogoslav 

Rep of Macedonia 

Croatia 

India 

United Kingdom 

Greece 

Former Fed Rep 

of Yogoslavia 

16

Local Culture, Immigration and Indigenous Heritage 

Language and Literacy 

• There are over 150 different 

languages spoken at home in 

Brimbank. 2 

• Of residents born overseas, a 

significant proportion have low or no 

English literacy (24.0% compared 

to 13.9% Greater Melbourne). 

Between 2001 and 2006, the 

number of migrants arriving with 

very low literacy increased by 6.5% 

(or 1,071 people). 2 

Speak a Language other than English 

Immigration 

• Between 2001 and 2006, residents 

of non-English speaking 

backgrounds increased at twice the 

rate of English speaking residents. 

Much of that increase was among 

residents speaking Vietnamese, with 

over 4,000 more people moving into 

the City. 2 

• Between 2001 and 2006, the 

number of residents born in 

Southern European countries 

lessened, whilst migration from 

India (+77%) and Vietnam (+12%) 

increased. 2 

• More established Southern 

European migrants are currently 

concentrated in the North of 

Brimbank, whilst more recent 

migrants are living in the South of 


• During the 2009–2010 period the 

Western Region welcomed 5,763 

new migrants. Brimbank welcomed 

the highest proportion of migrants 

for councils in the Western Region, 

with 1,857 new residents (or 32.2% 

of the total number for the Western 

Region) settling in Brimbank. The 

City of Maribyrnong welcomed 

the second highest number of 

new arrivals, with 13.1% of new 

migrants. 6 

• Of the 1,857 new residents 

welcomed into Brimbank, the 

greatest number arrived under the 

Family migration stream (46.8%). 

35.1% arrived as Skilled migrants 

and 18.0% arrived as Humanitarian 

migrants. 6 

• Of the 936 humanitarian migrants 

arrived in the Western Region in 

the 2009- 2010 period, Brimbank 

welcomed the highest proportion, 

with 35.7% of the total number. In 

comparison the City of Maribyrnong 

welcomed 11.5%, and Moonee 

Valley welcomed 3.4% of the total 

number for the Western Region. 6 

• Of the number of people arriving on 

humanitarian visas, many arrived 

as families with children. This is 

described when looking at the ages 

of those that arrived (see graph). 6 

• The gender balance of those who 

arrived as humanitarian entrants was 

almost equal, with 50.7% male and 

49.3% female. 6 

Humanitarian Visa Entrants by Age 

Group 2009–2010 6 

40 

35 

36% 

Melbourne SD 26.3% 

30 

27% 

25 

Percent 

20 

19% 

18% 

15 


53.7% 

10 

7% 

5 

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 

0 

0–5 

6–17 18–24 25–44 

Age (years) 

45+ 

17

Healthy and Safe People and Places 

A healthy community is defined by 

a broad range of measures including 

economic, social, environmental 

(natural and built), civic and cultural 

life dimensions. All these dimensions 

influence overall wellbeing of 

communities. Poor health may 

have several social and economic 

consequences, including loss of 

earnings, loss of ability to work and 

social isolation or exclusion. Breast 

feeding, immunization, protection 

from violence, access to affordable 

and nutritious foods and active 

participation in community life all 

contribute to improved health and 

wellbeing outcomes. 

The following profile chapter has a 

number of key data areas to provide 

an overview of the wellbeing of 

residents across the communities of 

Brimbank. 



• Health and Wellbeing 

• Births, Breastfeeding and 

Immunization 

• Food and Nutrition 

• Personal and Community Safety 

• Participation in Community Life 

Health and Wellbeing 

• Heart disease, Depression and Type 2 Diabetes and Stroke, are the four 

largest causes of Years of Life Lost for the Brimbank population, and are all 

above the State average. 10 

• The rate of obesity in males and females (15+ years) in Brimbank is higher 

than the Victorian average. 10 

• Drawing from Burden of Disease data (2001 latest data) – Life expectancy 

for Brimbank residents has improved over time and is comparable with the 

rest of the State. 10 

Age (years) 

84 

82 

80 

78 

76 

74 

Expected average life span in years 

Males – Victoria 

Females – Victoria 

Males – Brimbank 

Females – Brimbank 

1996 1999 2001 

• There are 10.6 registered mental health clients per 1,000 population 

in Brimbank, which compares favourably with Victoria at 11.1 per 1,000 

population. 11 

• 50.8% of persons living within Brimbank reported their health was either 

excellent or very good, compared to 53.8% for the Northern and Western 

Metro Regions and 54.3% for Victorian State average. 9 

• Compared to the State average, Brimbank has a lower rate of low care aged 

care places per 1,000 eligible population (30.1 per 1,000 eligible population 

compared to 41.1 places). And a slightly lower rate of high care places with 

40.1 places per 1,000 population compared to 41.1 places for the State. 11 

• Brimbank has a lower number of general practitioners per 1,000 population 

compared to the State average, with Brimbank having 0.77 practitioners per 

1,000 residents compared with 1.03 for the State. The number of general 

practitioners in Brimbank has decreased from 0.85 per 1,000 population over 

the 12 month period. 11 

18


Births, Breastfeeding and 

Immunisation 

• For the 2008/09 financial year there 

were 2,718 birth notifications, 

of which 41.5% were for first time 

mothers. Of the total number of 

birth notifications in the Western 

Region, Brimbank had the largest 

proportion (22%) of babies born in a 

municipality. 

• Of the 2,543 babies/ children 

enrolled in Maternal and Child 

health services in Brimbank 

2,512 were enrolled from birth 

notifications from the 2008/09 

period, and 31 were enrolled from 

the 2007/08 period. 12 

• Brimbank has the second lowest 

rate of babies fully breastfed across 

Western Region councils. Of the 

babies born in Brimbank, 52.6% 

were breastfed at two weeks of 

age, whilst by three months of age 

only 36.4% were being breastfed. 12 

• By six months of age, only 26.4% 

of babies attending maternal and 

child health services in Brimbank 

were being fully breastfed. Brimbank 

has the second lowest rate of • 90.1% of babies In Brimbank were 

breastfeeding at six months of age fully immunized at 24–27 months 

in the Western region, after Melton compared to 92.5% for the State. 

(21.3%). 12 Although the immunization rate 

across Brimbank is relatively high, 

babies living in Brimbank aged 

24–27 months have the lowest rate 

of immunization in the Western 

Region. 12 

• Child health assessments are 

routinely undertaken by Maternal 

and Child Health Services to assess 

various developmental milestones 

such as growth, physical movement, 

behaviour, play, hearing, vision, and 

interactions. The final assessment 

(the 10th) occurs at 3.5 years of age. 

During the 2008/09 period 41.8% of 

children aged 3.5 years participated 

in health assessments, the second 

lowest rate of participation in the 

Western Region after Wyndham. 12 

Food and Nutrition 

• 4.8% of persons living in Brimbank 

report experiencing food insecurity, 

compared to 6.3% in the Northern 

and Western Metro Region and the 


• The median cost of a basket of 

healthy fresh foods (including 

fruit and vegetables) for a family of 

four in Brimbank was $391.81 per 

fortnight. The average cost varies 

across Brimbanks suburbs, from 

$448 at the most expensive store in 

Keilor, to $248 at the least expensive 

store in Sunshine. 14 

• Ten not-for-profit services providers 

distribute emergency food relief 

(free meals, food parcels or 

vouchers to buy food) in Brimbank. 

Over 2000 food parcels, 400kg of 

fresh produce and over 50 free 

meals are provided every week to 

residents across the community. 

• There were 59 food outlets 

supplying fresh fruit and 

vegetables in 2006, by 2009 there 

were 80 stores (a 35% increase), 

although eight out of Brimbank’s 21 

suburbs (or 38% of the municipality) 

have no fresh fruit and vegetable 

suppliers. 

19


Personal and Community 

safety 

Crimes against persons 

• In recent years issues of crime and 

personal safety have fluctuated 

across the municipality, with the 

2006/07 and 07/08 periods showing 

improvements. More recently there 

has again been a spike in crime rates, 

although this is reflected similarly 

across many Metro areas. 

• During the 2009/ 2010 year there 

were 1,517 crimes committed 

against person or 816 per 100,000 

population recorded for Brimbank, 

compared to 815.9 per 100,000 for 

the North West Region and 825 for 

the Victorian State average. The rate 

of offences has decreased by 4.8% 

from the previous year. 

• The most common crimes recorded 

in Brimbank were for assault (575 per 

100,000 population- down 5.1% from 

the previous year) and robbery (120 

per 100,000 down 11.8% from the 

previous year). 15 

• In the 2009/10 period there was an 

increase in crimes of abduction (up 

95.3% from the previous year) and 

rape (up 54.8% from the previous 

year). The main decreases in crimes 

across Brimbank against person were 

for homicide (decreased 30.2%) and 

sex non rape (decreased 34.0%). 15 

Crimes against property 

• During the 2009/10 period there were 

10,561 crimes against property 

or 5,682 or per 100,000 population 

recorded, compared to 5,475 per 

100,000 for the North West Region 

and 4,739.7 per 100,000 for the 

Victorian State average. The rate of 

offences in Brimbank has decreased 

by 4.6% since the previous year. 15 

• During the 2009/10 period there was 

an increase in aggravated burglary 

(up 21.6% from the previous year) 

and residential burglary (up 3.8% 

from the previous year). The main 

decreases in crimes against property 

across Brimbank were for handling 

stolen goods (decreased 40%) and 

arson (decreased 22.3%). 15 

Illicit drug use 

• Between the 2007/08 and 2008/09 

periods, drug offences increased 

by 31% or 441 per 100,000 people. 

During the 2009/10 period. 756 

offences or 406.7per 100,000 

population were reported. The 

1000 

800 

600 

400 

200 

0 

Rate (per 100,000 population) Offences Against Property 2004–2010 

10,000 

8,000 

6,000 

4,000 

2,000 

0 

500 

400 

300 

200 

100 

0 

Rate (per 100,000 population) Offences Against Person 2004–2010 

737 

667 

2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 

6069 

5838 

number of offences recorded 

deceased by 5.6% from the 2008/09 

period. Compared to the North West 

Region (350.4 per 100,000) and the 

State average (265.3 per 100,000), 

Brimbank has a higher rate of 

recorded drug offences. This may be 

reflective of increased numbers of 

police focusing on crime in 

the Western Region. 15 


Metro Melbourne 



4955 

2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 

352 

275 

Rate (per 100,000 population) of Drug Offences 2004–2010 



2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 

817 

803 

5682 

407 

274 

20


Reported Incidences of family 

violence 

• During the 2009/10 period 3,930 

family violence incidents were 

recorded across the Western 

Region. The number of incidents 

reported in the Region has increased 

by 10.1% since the 2008/09 period. 

Of the number reported in the 

Region, 1,412 (or 35.9%) incidents 

of family violence were recorded for 

the Brimbank municipality. Of that 

number 323 (or 22.8%) resulted in 

charges being laid. 15 

• During the 2009/ 2010 year a high 

rate of family incidents were reported 

in Brimbank,with 759.6 incidents 

(per 100,000 population) recorded, 

compared to 718.0 for Melton, 684.0 

for Wyndham, 580.7 for Hobsons 

Bay, 553.6 for Moonee Valley and 

429.2 for Maribyrnong. 649.9 

incidents (per 100,000 population) 

was recorded for the Victorian 

State. 15 

• Between 2008–2010 the rate of 

reported incidents increased in 

Wyndham (up 22.3%), Melton (up 

4.2%) and Brimbank (up 3.5%), 

whilst reports during the same period 

decreased in Maribyrnong (down 

13.9%), Hobsons Bay (down 0.1%) 

and Moonee Valley (down 6.5%). The 

rate of reports increased by 3.2% for 

the Victorian State during the same 

period. 15 

• Between 2008 and 2009, over 400 

women accessed family violence 

services across the Western Region. 

Of that number approximately 

150 women living in Brimbank 

were assisted by Women’s Health 

West family violence services. 

Compared to other Western Region 

municipalities, Brimbank had the 

highest number of women accessing 

services, with Wyndham (130) and 

City of Maribyrnong (80) registering 

lower numbers. 16 

1,000 

800 

600 

400 

200 

0 



1999/00 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 

Hobsons Bay 30 

Wyndham 


Moonee Valley 30 

Melton 

Marybrynong 

Rate (per 100,000 population) of police call outs 

for family violence incidents 1999–2010 

Number of Women Accessed Family Violence Services 

across the Western Region 2008/09. 16 

70 

80 

0 30 60 90 120 150 180 

• 30.9% of residents surveyed in 

the 2009 Annual Community 

Survey believed family violence was 

common in the community. 26 

Alcohol and road safety 

• Brimbank has the forth highest 

number of serious injury caused 

by road accidents in the State, 

with 241 people seriously injured 

(or 3.6% of State total) during 2008. 

Persons traveling as driver (50.3%), 

passenger of car (13.6%) or as a 

pedestrian (10.7%) were most likely 

to be injured. 18 

130 

150 

• Brimbank has a higher rate (4.13 per 

10,000 people) of alcohol related 

serious road accidents, compared 

with both the State (3.42) average 

and for the Western Region (3.44). 

In comparison, the rates of alcohol 

related assaults (7.44 compared 

to 9.65), alcohol related family 

incidents (11.99 compared to 15.80) 

and medical hospital admissions 

(19.59 compared to 26.92) are all 

significantly lower for Brimbank than 

the State average. 17 

21


Participation in community 

life 

Social support and sense of 

community 

• 91.5% of persons living within 

Brimbank reported that they could 

definitely get help from friends, 

family or neighbours when they 

needed it, compared to 91.3% in 

the Northern and Western Metro 

Region. 9 

• Residents were asked to rate their 

satisfaction with feeling part of 

their community according to a 

0–100 range. Residents in Brimbank 

recorded an average score of 69.3, 

while the Northern and Western 

Metro Region average was 68.3 

and the Victorian State average was 

70.7. 9 

Participation in arts and cultural 

events 

• 41.7% of persons in Brimbank 

had participated in at least one of 

the selected artistic and cultural 

activities in the previous month, 




Participation in citizen engagement 

• Brimbank has a relatively low 

proportion of residents participating 

in civic activities. 40.2% of persons 

in Brimbank had participated in 

civic activities (i.e. attended a town 

meeting or public hearing, met, 

called or written to a local politician, 

or joined a protest or signed a 

petition) in the previous 12 months, 




Participation in recreation 

• Only one third of residents reported 

participating in organised sport 

compare to the Melbourne average 

of almost 50%. 9 

22

Environment/Community infrastructure 

The Environment/Community 

infrastructure profile theme contains 

three key data areas: 

• Environment/open spaces 

• Transport and Connectivity 

• Community Infrastructure 

An overview of the City of Brimbanks Environment 

and Infrastructure 

A sustainable community is based on the relationship between 

sociodemographic characteristics of the community and the level of access 

a community has to services and facilities such as housing, employment, 

education, health services, recreation facilities, accessible and safe public 

transport, and the opportunity to establish and maintain social networks through 

both planned activities and informal, spontaneous meetings. The communities 

of Brimbank enjoy a diverse range of environments – from semi rural agricultural 

properties abutting natural waterways and spaces, to urban areas with 

increasing housing densification. The diversity of areas across Brimbank attracts 

a diversity of households and individuals. 

Brimbank is a large area with pockets of the municipality without easy access 

to public transport options. Brimbank has a high car ownership rate relative to 

Greater Melbourne, with many residents utilizing a car to travel to work rather 

than other transportation methods. Reducing car dependency in the face of 

peak oil and climate change, by supporting residents to live, work, play and shop 

locally is critical to support sustainable communities. Housing growth in newer 

and establishing suburbs is particularly at risk of car dependency as public 

transport infrastructure is limited. 

Brimbank’s residents are relatively efficient energy users, with many 

households producing a smaller ecological footprint than households across 

Victoria. Although, higher water consumption across the municipality indicates 

water conservation needs to be encouraged for Brimbank to come into line with 

sustainable consumption patterns. 

Communities across Brimbank have lower rates of civic participation and 

participation in arts and culture activities, and lower rates of participation 

in sporting and recreational opportunities than the State average. Issues of 

connectivity across the municipality restricting easy access to destinations may 

be a contributing factor in lower rates of participation. 

Compared to Greater Melbourne house prices in Brimbank are relatively 

affordable, although significant increases in housing prices have been seen 

over the past 10 years and mortgage stress in Brimbank is particularly high. 

Despite having relatively high incomes, households have relatively high levels 

of mortgage. This is a concern, as it indicates that those on the higher incomes, 

who by definition are not susceptible to housing stress, are paying very high 

mortgages and may have low rates of financial resilience in the event of job 

loss or large increases in interest rates. This appears to be a trend in many 

first home buyer areas, and may indicate that investment in support services 

for these communities is needed. Higher costs of living, in combination with 

high mortgages, and lower than average incomes leave many residents across 

Brimbank susceptible to financial stress. 

23

Environment and Open Spaces 

A healthy environment directly impacts 

a community’s health and wellbeing. 

Clean air and accessible open spaces 

promote active living behaviours. A 

healthy environment is also dependant 

on the behaviours and practices of 

the people enjoying natural settings. 

Positive environmental behaviours 

can support local resilience to climate 

change and contribute to a stronger 

sense of community. 


a variety of demographic information 

related to the natural environment, 

and environmental strengths and 

challenges of communities living 

across the Brimbank suburbs. 



• Environmental behaviours 

• Open Spaces 

Environmental Behaviours 

• Households in Brimbank conserve 

water at a higher than average rate, 

and produces less green house 

pollution than the Victorian average. 

• 80.6% of households in Brimbank 

collecting waste water, compared 

to 75.3% in the Northern and 

Western Metro Region and the 


• Water consumption per person/ 

per/year is higher than the Victorian 

average, with Brimbank households 

using 780,000 litres per person/per/ 

year compared to 750,000 litres for 

the State and 722,500 litres for the 

National total. 

• Brimbank’s Ecological Footprint is 

slightly less than the state average 

with 5.95 hectares/person/year 

compared to 6.04 for the State. 

Although the total for Brimbank 

is lower than the State this is 

still nearly three times the figure 

required for a sustainable planet. 19 

• 36% of household waste collected 

in kerbside collections in Brimbank 

was recycled in 2005–06, compared 

to the Victorian State average 

kerbside recycling rate of 40%. 

Open Spaces 

Brimbank residents on average travel 

2.2km to open spaces versus 4.5km 

for the Melbourne Metro area. 9 

Sustainability in Brimbank, 2008 

Greenhouse 

pollution, tonnes/ 

person/year 

18.3 

19.7 


Victoria 

Participation in 

household water 

conservation 

80.6% 

74.8% 

Water 

consumption 

litres per 

person/year 

750,000 

775,000 

24

Transport and Connectivity 

Accessible and safe transport is 

vital to people being connected to 

their broader communities, being 

able to access employment and 

educational opportunities, as well as 

having an impact on the environment. 

Accessible walking and bike paths also 

contribute to a well connect, healthy 

and safe community and a sense 

of belonging and community pride. 


a variety of demographic information 

which describes travel methods, 

and issues related to transportation 

and connectivity experienced by 

the communities living across the 

Brimbank suburbs and Districts. 



• Method of Travel 

• Connectivity 

Method of Travel 

• Car dependency in Brimbank is 

high with households 30% more 

likely to have 3+ cars, and residents 

11% more likely to drive to work 

than the Metro Melbourne average. 

• Although residents accessing 

sustainable transport options are 

increasing. Residents which utilised 

public transport (train and bus) 

services to travel to work increased 

by 23%. 2 Between 2001 and 2006, 

whilst residents that utilised a car 

(as driver) increased by 3%. 

• Although Brimbank is a major work 

destination for manufacturing and 

wholesaling industries, the majority 

of the population travel outside of 

Brimbank for work. 2 

Public 

transport 

Mode of Travel to Work Brimbank compared to Greater Melbourne 

10.3% 

Greater Melbourne 


11.8% 

Walked 

only 

1.1% 

3.1% 

Bicycle 

0.3% 

1.1% 



Connectivity 

• Pedestrian and cycling is hindered 

in parts of Brimbank due to a 

fragmented Municipality segregated 

by main roads, railway lines, creeks 

and cul de sac layout subdivisions. 

• 18.6% of persons living in Brimbank 

had experienced transport 

limitations in the previous year, 




25

Housing 

Safe, appropriate and affordable 

housing is a prerequisite for health. 

An area that has a diverse array of 

housing options suitable for resident’s 

life stage encourages a diverse array 

of people to form a strong sense of 

community. Flexible housing options 

including low, medium and high 

density living allow people to move 

into an area as young people, stay to 

raise families and grow older. This is 

called ‘aging in place’ and is vital a 

sustainable community. 


information that describes current and 

future housing options, affordability of 

housing across the municipality and 

housing tenure trends. 

• Housing and Personal 

Infrastructure 

Housing and Personal 

Infrastructure 

Dwelling stock 

• There were 60,034 dwellings across 

Brimbank in 2006. 94.3% were 

occupied and 5.7% unoccupied. 

Between 2001 and 2006, over 5,000 

new dwellings were built across the 

municipality. 2 

• Of the new dwellings built 

between 2001 and 2006, over three 

quarters were built as medium 

density housing (including semidetached 

and apartments of one 

or two storeys), whilst 5% were 

separate houses. 2 

• Although medium density housing 

development has grown across 

Brimbank, the municipality remains 

mainly single stand alone dwellings 

of three bedrooms on a standard 

block. Compared to Greater 

Melbourne, Brimbank currently 

has a larger proportion of separate 

houses and a smaller proportion of 

medium and high density housing. 

• There is significant pressure 

for residential expansion within 

Brimbank from both existing 

residents’ movements and from 

overseas migration, as well as 

residents moving into Brimbank 

from municipalities to the east (in 

particular the Cities of Maribyrnong 

and Moonee Valley). Between 2007 

and 2031, Brimbanks dwelling 

stock is anticipated to increase by a 

further 13,000 dwellings taking the 

total number of households to over 

73,000 dwellings across the City. 3 

60 

50 

Dwelling type and size, Brimbank and Melbourne SD, 2006 2 

Brimbank (C) 

Melbourne (SD) 

Share (percent) 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 

Small: Medium: Large: Small: Medium: Large: Other 

0–2br 3br 4+br 0–1br 2br 3+br Dwelling 

Separate house 

Medium & High Density 

26

Personal and Community Infrastructure 

Housing tenure 

Dominant tenure type, City of Brimbank 2006 

• Compared to the Melbourne average, 

the City of Brimbank is predominantly 

an area dominated by home 

ownership. Current home ownership 

is high in Brimbank with three out of 

every four homes owned or being 

purchase by the occupant. Whilst 

one out of every five households rent 

their home. 2 

• More established suburbs have a 

higher proportion of fully owned 

properties, such as Keilor Downs 

with 45.3% fully own. Whilst, areas 

more recently developed including 

the suburbs of Delahey, Cairnlea and 

Derrimut have the highest proportion 

of households with a mortgage. 2 

• There are a relatively lower proportion 

of renters in Brimbank (19.1%, 

compared to 24.5% for Greater 

Melbourne). People renting are 

dominant in the lower socio economic 

suburbs, particularly Sunshine (31.3%) 

and Albion (38.0%). 2 

Households with high mortgage repayments (>$2000 per month). 

City of Brimbank 2006 

Housing loan repayments 

• Housing loan repayments 

across Brimbank are relatively 

low, with 31.8% of households 

paying within the lowest loan 

payment quartile (0- $11,042) 

compared to 25% for Greater 

Melbourne. Between 2001 and 

2006, households repaying loans 

in the lowest quartile increased by 

51%. Whilst, households paying the 

highest quartile of loan repayments 

increased by 23%. 2 

• Even in the most affluent area in 

Brimbank, such as Taylors Lakes, 

home loan payments are below the 

Melbourne average. The highest 

mortgage repayments were in 

Cairnlea, and are predominantly 

first home buyers, who bought in 

at a time of significant house price 

inflation, and have a large mortgage. 2 

27

Personal and Community Infrastructure 

Housing prices 

• In March 2010, the median house 

price in Melbourne was $524,000 

(up by 29.5% from March 2009). In 

comparison, Brimbank has lower 

than average housing prices. For 

example, the median household 

prices in the suburbs of Sunshine 

$452,000 (up 35% from 09), St 

Albans $378,000 (up 28% from 09), 

Deer park $344,250 (up 21% from 

09) and Sydenham $365,000 (up 3% 

from 09). 

• Between March 2005 and March 

2010, housing prices across the all 

Brimbank suburbs increased. During 

the 2009/10 period the suburbs 

of Sunshine, St Albans and Deer 

Park underwent significant price 

increases, and to a smaller degree 

Sydenham. 20 

Housing stress 

Housing stress is defined as the 

proportion of households who are 

living on a low income (bottom 40%) 

and paying more than 30% of their 

income on housing costs. 

• 19.7% of households in Brimbank 

are experiencing housing stress, 

with many spending 30% or more 

of gross household income on rent 

or mortgage payments, compared to 

20.2% in the Northern and Western 

Metro Region and the Victorian State 

average of 17.7%. 9 

• Mortgage stress in Brimbank is 

particularly high, with 17.6% of 

all households with a mortgage 

experiencing financial stress. The 

highest proportions are in the lower 

income suburbs of St Albans and 

Albanvale, where mortgage stress 

was around 23–25%, followed by 

Cairnlea where 19% of households 

reported experiencing mortgage 

stress. 2 

• There is small proportion (1.9%) of 

households paying high private rental 

in Brimbank (defined in 2006 as over 

$350 per week). The top quartile 

accounts for only 5.4% of Brimbank 

renters, while 73% of households 

pay rents in the bottom half. 2 

• Although the rental market in 

Brimbank is relatively low priced, 

low income renters make up most 

of the rental market, and as such are 

susceptible to housing stress. 31.7% 

of renters in Brimbank reported 

rental stress in 2006, compared to 

the Melbourne average of 25.6%. 2 

• The highest proportions of rental 

stress are in some of the lowest 

socio-economic suburbs, such as 

St Albans East (37.1%), Sunshine 

(35.3%) and Sunshine North (34.8%). 

Albion (33.1%). 2 

• Of the 35,227 residents in receipt 

Centrelink Rent Assistance benefits 

living in Western Region council 

areas, 27.7% were living in the City 

of Brimbank. 8 

Social and public housing 

• Despite the high proportion of 

disadvantaged groups in Brimbank, 

there is a very low proportion of 

public housing in the municipality. 

Public housing makes up 2.9% of 

total housing in Brimbank compared 

to the State average of 3.9%. 2 

• Brimbank has 1,695 public housing 

dwellings, largely comprised of 

separate houses and a number of 

medium density units. 2 

• As of December 2009, 322 people 

were waiting for early housing 

(emergency housing and housing for 

people with specific needs), and 565 

people were on the public wait turn 

list. In total 887 people were waiting 

for public housing on the Sunshine 

office wait list. Of the over 4,000 

people in the North West Region 

waiting for public housing, 20% 

of applications were lodged at the 

Sunshine office. 

Public housing as a percentage 

of total housing 

$450,000 

$400,000 

Deer Park 

St Albans 

Sunshine 

Sydenham 

Housing Prices across Selected Suburbs of Brimbank 

Melbourne SD 

3.9% 

$350,000 

$300,000 

$250,000 


2.9% 

$200,000 

Mar 05 

Jun 05 

Sep 05 

Dec 05 

Mar 06 

Jun 06 

Sep 06 

Dec 06 

Mar 07 

Jun 07 

Sep 07 

Dec 07 

Mar 08 

Jun 08 

Sep 08 

Dec 08 

Mar 09 

Jun 09 

Sep 09 

Dec 09 

Mar 10 

Copyright 2010 Real Estate Institute of Victoria Ltd. 

28

Economy/Education 

The Economy/ Education profile 

theme contains three key data areas: 

• Education and Learning 

• Workforce and Local 

Economy 

• Income 

An Overview of the City of Brimbanks Local Economy 

and Patterns of Education. 

Income is one of the most important socio-economic indicators. The amount of 

income a household generates is linked to several factors such as the number 

of employed workers, the type of jobs held and the number of people on 

government benefits. 

The City of Brimbank is one of the lowest socio-economic areas in Melbourne 

(second only to Greater Dandenong). It houses many low income and 

disadvantaged groups, with high proportions of single parent families and with 

poor English proficiency. However, as the Brimbank population is extensive 

and accommodates a large and diverse population, levels of advantage and 

disadvantage differ across the suburbs and local areas. 

Over half of Brimbank incomes are in the bottom half of all Melbourne household 

incomes. Very low income areas within the bottom half are offset by more 

affluent areas within the municipality which have household incomes above the 

Melbourne average. There is a general increase in incomes in Brimbank as you 

move North across the municipality. In contrast, suburbs in the South of the 

municipality that have higher proportions of elderly people and people with poor 

English proficiency also have greater numbers of households on lower income 

levels. Change in income over time in Brimbank shows a very clear trend towards 

increases in lower income groups in the Southern areas. 

The City of Brimbank has the education profile of a low socio-economic area 

with emerging patterns of gentrification. Although education levels across 

Brimbank are generally much lower than the Melbourne average, the proportion 

of Brimbanks residents attending University has grown by nearly 30% in the 

last ten years. Residents with vocational qualifications, usually a prerequisite for 

trade occupations are slightly more highly represented in Brimbank than Greater 

Melbourne. The participation of Brimbanks residents in the TAFE and vocation 

education sector fulfills a critical employment role in the local, State and National 

economy. 

Differences in education attainment across the suburbs of Brimbank are very 

apparent; with more affluent areas in the Northern suburbs showing significantly 

higher proportions of vocational qualifications than the Melbourne average. The 

Northern areas also show higher than Brimbank average levels of residents with 

University level qualifications. 

Brimbank is a significant employment destination, employing many residents in a 

broad range of industries including manufacturing, and associated industries such 

as wholesale trade and transport industries, all of which are located primarily in 

the large industrial estates around Sunshine. Brimbank is an employment hub for 

many living in the Western Region, with many residents traveling into the area 

for employment. Reflecting educational qualifications across the municipality, 

residents from Brimbank are largely employed in Blue Collar occupations such as 

Labourers, Elementary Service Workers and Production and Transport Workers, 

whilst, service industries such as Education, Finance and Health Care are 

under-represented across Brimbank, indicating a resident workforce with lower 

education levels. 

Relative to Greater Melbourne, Brimbank has seen large increases in 

households in the lowest income quartile, reflecting a growing 

population aging in place, and growth of newly arrived 

migrants on low incomes. 

29

Education and Learning 

Education and participation in learning 

can determine the types of industries 

and occupations many are employed 

in. Education and learning can open 

new doors to economic participation, 

and may contribute to strengthened 

wellbeing outcomes. 


an overview of the learning 

opportunities Brimbanks residents and 

communities participate in. 



• Participation in Education 

• Internet Connection in the Home 

• Volunteering 

Participation in Education • More than two thirds of 15 to 19 

• Education participation rates in year old school leavers in Brimbank 

Brimbank are lower than average, are fully engaged in work or study 

with 24.1% of 15–24 year olds activities, however nearly 1/5 are 

attending educational institutions not involved in any work or study 

compared to nearly 30% for the rest activities at all. 9 

Melbourne. 2 

• Of residents who completed year 

• A significant number of Brimbanks 12 in 2008, a lower proportion 

residents have lower rates of 

went on to enrol in further study 

educational attainment. 13% than the Victoria average (44.0% 

of residents have year 8 or below compared with 63.6%). Both 

education (compared in 7.8% 

University and TAFE study were 

Greater Melbourne), whilst 41% popular choices of further education, 

completed year 12 (compared to with 44% undertaking University 

48.6% Greater Melbourne). 2 

study, whilst 29% sought TAFE and 

• Residents seeking further 

vocational training opportunities. Of 

education are much lower in 

students completing year 12, 13% 

Brimbank than the Melbourne 

moved directly into employment, 

average. In 2006, the proportion of compared to 12% for the Victorian 

people with a Bachelor or Higher average, whilst a greater proportion 

Degree was 9.9%, around half of Brimbank students were 

the Melbourne average. Vocational unemployed and looking for work 

qualifications, usually a prerequisite (6% compared to 3% for Victoria). 22 

for trade occupations were also 

represented in lower numbers than 

the Melbourne average. Residents 

with a Degree or Diploma were also 

low, nearly half the State average. 2 



Highest level of schooling completed (persons aged 15 years and over) 2 

Year 8 

or below 

7.8% 

13.1% 

Year 12 

41% 

48.5% 

Degree 

or Diploma 

15% 

27.3% 



30

Education and Learning 

Internet Connection in the 

Home 

• 50% percent of households in 

Brimbank have internet connection 

compare to 60% for the rest of 

Melbourne. 9 

Volunteering 

• Residents participating in voluntary 

activity are low, with 8.7% of 

residents volunteering their time 

compared to 15.5% Greater 

Melbourne and 12% for the Western 

Region.9 It is worthy to note, 

offering time voluntarily to assist 

neighbours and family members is 

often highly characterised across 

CALD populations, although many 

people may not acknowledge it as 

volunteering in a formal sense. 

31

Workforce and Local Economy 

Brimbank has a vibrant local economy. 

The City is a significant employment 

destination in the Western Region, 

with many people travelling to 

employment from other areas. 

The following data chapter contains an 

overview of the variety of industries 

and occupations many residents living 

in Brimbank are employed in, and 

labour market dynamics of Brimbank. 



• Industry and Occupations 

• Labour Market Participation 

Industry and Occupations 

• Manufacturing is the largest 

employer in Brimbank, accounting 

for almost 20% of the total 

workforce. The retail, education, 

heath and transport are also 

significant employers in Brimbank. 

In combination, the manufacturing; 

retail trade and property and 

business sectors employ 44.7% of 

employed persons in Brimbank. 

• Although the manufacturing sector 

is a significant employer within 

Brimbank, between 2001 and 2006 

there was a loss of 2,433 jobs in this 

sector. 2 

• Compared to Greater Melbourne, 

Brimbank has a significantly larger 

proportion of residents employed in 

the manufacturing, transport and 

business sectors, and a smaller 

proportion employed health and 

community services. 2 

• The three most popular 

occupations across Brimbank were: 

1. Clerical, sales and services 

workers (17.9%); 

2. Production and transport workers 

(14.5%) 

• Brimbank accounts for just under a 

3. Tradespersons and related 

quarter of workers who live and 

workers (13.2%). 

work in Brimbank (24.7%), while 

• Combined these three occupations many residents commute to the 

account for over 45% of employed City of Melbourne (16.1%), and the 

residents. 

Cities of Maribyrnong (7.5%) and 

• Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hume (7.1%). 2 

Brimbank has a larger proportion of 

residents employed in service and 

labour orientated occupations and 

significantly lower proportions of 

those employed as professionals 

(11.4% compared to 21.7%) and 

as managers (4.3% compared to 

8.4%). 2 

32

Workforce and Local Economy 

Labour Market Participation 

• Brimbank labour market 

participation rate in 2006 was quite 

low, with 56.1% for the population 

participating in the labour force. 

Participation rates were lowest in 

the lower socio-economic areas, 

and areas which have large elderly 

populations such as Ardeer (45.5%) 

and St Albans (46.6%). 2 

Victoria 


Percent 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

Unemployment Rate March 08 to March 10 


• In the March quarter 2010, the 

Brimbank unemployment rate was 

8.8% compared to 5.6% for Victoria. 

As seen below, between the June 

08 and December 09 quarters the 

unemployment rate rose for both 

Brimbank and Victoria, showing job 

losses across the State during this 

period. 23 The unemployment rate for 

Brimbank peaked in December 09 

at 9.4%; this has decreased to the 

current rate of 8.8%. 

0 

March 

2008 

December 

2008 

September 

2009 

December 

2009 

Victoria 

March 

2010 

• Unemployment is varied across the 

City, with 6.8% unemployment in 

the Northern areas, and 11.3% in the 

Southern areas of Brimbank. 23 

33

Income 


an overview of the economic 

characteristics of residents and 

communities living across the 

Brimbank municipality. 



• Income 

• Disadvantage 

• Electronic Gaming Expenditure 

Income 

• In 2006, the median gross weekly 

income for singles in Brimbank 

was $358 6 which is a little more than 

$20 above the poverty line. 24 

• The median gross weekly 

household income for Brimbank 

was $506, compared to the Victorian 

State average of $600. 2 

• 58.3% of Brimbank households 

were in the bottom half of all 

Melbourne household incomes. 

Very low income areas such as 

Ardeer (with 70% in the bottom 

half) are offset by more affluent 

areas such as Taylors Lakes, which 

has household incomes above the 

Melbourne average. 2 

Median individual income ($/weekly) 

$456 

$358 

$333 


Poverty Line 

Victoria 

Median weekly household income, the City of Brimbank 2006 

34

Income 

• Change in income over time for 

Brimbank shows a very clear trend 

Change in household income quartiles, Cityof Brimbank, 2001 to 2006 

towards lower income groups. 

(Enumerated data) 

Relative to Greater Melbourne, 

3000 

the overall increase between 2001 

2,500 

and 2006 in Brimbank was almost 

entirely concentrated in the lowest 

2,000 

income quartile. 2 

1,500 

• Households in Brimbank on a low 

income were most prevalent in the 1,000 

St Albans (38.9%) and Sunshine 

500 

(37.9%) Districts. In contrast, the 

Sydenham District had only 18.7% 

0 

of households in the lowest income 

-500 

group. It is worthy noting St Albans 

Lowest group Medium lowest Medium highest Highest 

and Sunshine Districts have had 

Income quartile group 

increases in residents ageing in 

place – usually associated with 

decreasing incomes. 2 

• Residents living in the Sydenham 

and Kelior Districts earn the highest 

income, while the St Albans and 

Percentage of households classified as low income, by Local Area, 2006 

Sunshine Districts earn the lowest. 45 

All Districts, however, show the 

40 

trend of decreasing relative incomes 

35 

over time. Only the Deer Park 

District had any significant growth 30 

in the top quartile income groups 

25 

between 2001 and 2006. 2 

20 

• By suburb, the differences in low 

15 

income area are more obvious, with 

10 

! 

St Albans having 42.1% low income 

households, and Derrimut only 

5 

8.6% – although in Derrimut most 

0 

Local Area 1 

households are first home buyers 

Local Area 2 Local Area 3 Local Area 4 Local Area 5 

– North West – North East – Central – South West – South East 

and probably need two incomes to 

pay off higher mortgages. 2 

Number of households 

Percent 

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2006 and 2001 Census of Population and Housing (Enumerated) 

! 

35

Income 

Low income households, the City of Brimbank 2006 

(as a percentage of total households (b)) 

• For those born overseas and living 

in Brimbank, 29.8% were counted in 

low income households, compared 

to 20.4% of Australian-born. 

Nationally, the figures are 25% and 

20% respectively, so while those 

born in Australia are no more likely 

to be low income in Brimbank, those 

born overseas were significantly 

more likely. 2 

Percent 

45 

40 

35 

30 

25 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

Germany 

Percentage of Low income households by country of Birth, 2006 

Greece 

Italy 

Sudan 

Poland 

Malta 

South Eastern Eurpope, nfd 

Croatia 

Cyprus 

Egypt 

China 

Bosnia and Herzegovina 

United Kingdom 

VietNam 

Macedonia (FYR) 

Australia 

India 

New Zealand 

Philippines 

• Apart from residents from Sudan, 

who are a more recent refugee 

group, higher proportions in low 

income households are seen in 

southern European communities 

who have aged in place – Germans, 

Greeks, Italian, Polish, Maltese – 

describing a correlation between 

income and Brimbanks aging 

populations. 2 

36

Income 

Centrelink Benefits 

• As of March 2010, over 6,000 of 

Brimbank residents were in receipt 

of a low income health care card. 

• Of the total number of people in 

receipt of low income health care 

card across Western Region councils, 

over 33% were living in the Brimbank 

municipality. 8 

• Although there is a small number 

of Brimbank residents receiving a 

special benefit payment for people 

in severe financial difficultly, nearly 

40% of recipients living in across 

Western Region councils in recipient 

of the payment were living in the 

Brimbank municipality. 8 

• Over 14,000 residents living within 

Brimbank were in receipt of a 

Health Care Card. Of the number 

of recipients living across the 

Western Region, 32% were living in 


• Reflecting the number of older 

residents across Brimbank, over 

17,000 of Brimbank residents were 

in receipt of the Aged Pension. Of 

the number of residents in receipt of 

the aged pension, 63% were living in 

the combined suburbs of St Albans, 

Kings Park, Kealba and Sunshine. Of 

the number of recipients of the aged 

pension living across Western Region 

councils, 29% were living in the 

Brimbank municipality. 8 

Disadvantage 

• According to the SEIFA Index 

of Disadvantage, Brimbank is 

the second most disadvantaged 

municipality in Greater Melbourne 

(after Greater Dandenong), and third 

most disadvantaged in Victoria. 2 

• Disadvantage is unevenly distributed 

across the suburbs of Brimbank. 

Higher rates of disadvantage 

occur when an area has greater 

numbers of low income families, 

and people with little training and 

in unskilled occupations. The areas 

Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage, the City of Brimbank 2006 

of St Albans (Central, West and 

East); Sunshine (West and North) 

and Kings Park recorded higher 

levels of disadvantage, whilst the 

areas of Keilor (Lodge and North); 

Taylors lakes and Derrimut were 

characterised by lower levels of 

disadvantage. 2 

Electronic Gaming 

Expenditure 

• Gambling expenditure per adult 

is over 60% higher in Brimbank 

compared to the State average, 

$981 versus $611 respectively. 25 

• Brimbank has 6.93 electronic 

gaming machines, per 1000 

population, which is higher than the 

Victorian average of 6.28. 25 

• Across the 15 gaming venues with 

953 electronic gaming machines 

within Brimbank, patrons spent 

over $134 million between the 

09/10 period, $136 million between 

the 2008/09 period, and $127 

million during the 2007/ 08 periods, 

showing a 6% increase in spending 

between 07- 09, and a small 

decrease from the previous period. 25 

• 49.2% of residents surveyed in the 

2009 Annual Community Survey 

reported there were too many 

gaming machines in their local area, 

compared to 22.8% who thought 

the number was accessible and 

1.5% who felt there were too few. 

• Of residents surveyed in the Annual 

Community Survey and were 

frequent users of gaming machines, 

6.6% thought there were too few 

gaming machines in the local area, 

whilst only 0.7% of non users 

thought there were too few. 26 

37

References 

1 ABS, Estimated Residential Population June 2009 

http://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/3235.0 

2 Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and 

Housing, 2006 

http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/D3310114.nsf/home/ 

Census+data 

3 Brimbank Population forecasts by Forecast 1.d 

http://forecast2.id.com.au/default.aspxid=103&pg=5000 

4 ABS (2007) 3301.0 Births Summary by Local 

Government Areas 2003- 2007 

http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/3301.0 

5 ABS (2007) 3302 Deaths Summary by Local government 

Areas 


6 Department of Immigration & Citizenship (2009) 

Settlement Reporting Facility 

http://www.immi.gov.au/settlement/ 

7 2003 National Survey of Disability, Aging and Carers 


8 Centrelink Data (March, 2010), Payment Type by 

Postcode. Snapshot in Time Data (data requested) 

9 Community Indicators Victoria (2006), McCaughey 

Centre, VicHealth Centre for the Promotion of Mental 

Health and Community Wellbeing, University of 

Melbourne 

http://www.communityindicators.net.au/ 

10 Victorian Burden of Disease Study, Mortality and 

Morbidity in 2001 

http://www.health.vic.gov.au/healthstatus/bod/bod_reg. 

htm 

11 Dept of Human Services, 2009 

12 Dept of Education and Early Childhood Development 

(2008/09), Maternal and Child Health Services Annual 

Report 

http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/publications/ 

annualreport/default.htm 

13 Emergency food relief register (2010), Brimbank City 

Council (internal document) 

14 Brimbank City Council Food Security Profile (2009) 

(internal document) 

15 Victorian Police (2009/10), Crime Statistics 

http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.aspa=internetBridg 

ingPage&Media_ID=59800 

16 Women’s Health West (2007/08; 2008/09) Women’s 

Health west Annual Report 

http://www.whwest.org.au/about/annualreport08.php 

17 Transport Accident Commission (2009), Serious Injury 

Statistics by Local Government Area 

http://www.tac.vic.gov.au/jsp/statistics/reportingtool.doa 

reaID=23&tierID=1&navID=7&globalNavID=7 

18 Australian Conservation Foundation (2008) Consumption 

Atlas by Local Government Area 

http://www.acfonline.org.au/consumptionatlas/ 

19 REIV (2010), Property Update Median House Prices 

http://www.reiv.com.au/home/inside. 

aspID=1048&nav1=652&nav2=165 

20 Department of Human Services (Dec, 2010) Housing 

Wait List 

http://www.housing.vic.gov.au/applying-for-housing 

21 Department of Education and Early Childhood 

Development (2009), On Track Report 

http://www.education.vic.gov.au/sensecyouth/ontrack/ 

data.htm 

22 Dept of Education, Employment and Workplace 

Relations (December, 2009 & March 2010 Quarters), 

Unemployment and Labour Force Estimates by Small 

Area Labour Market 

http://www.workplace.gov.au/workplace/Publications/ 

LabourMarketAnalysis/SmallAreaLabourMarkets- 

Australia.htm 

23 POVERTY LINES: AUSTRALIA, Melbourne Institute 

of Applied Economic and Social Research, Melbourne 

University, ISSN 1448-0530, JUNE QUARTER 2006 

http://www.melbourneinstitute.com/labour/inequality/ 

poverty/default.html 

24 The Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation 

(2010), numbers of EGM by Local Government Area 

http://www.vcgr.vic.gov.au/CA256F800017E8D4/ 

Statistics/AC79FC0C1BB66EFCCA2577A1001AC876Op 

enDocument 

25 Brimbank City Council (2009) Annual Community Survey 

http://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/Page/page.aspPage_ 

Id=2745&h=1 

38

Language link 

Arabic 9209 0131 

Croatian 9209 0132 

Greek 9209 0133 

Italian 9209 0134 

Macedonian 9209 0135 

Serbian 9209 0136 

Spanish 9209 0137 

Turkish 9209 0138 

Vietnamese 9209 0139 

All other languages 9209 0140 

English 9209 0141 

local call costs apply 

Brimbank City Council 

Sunshine Office 

Alexandra Avenue, Sunshine, Victoria 3020 

T 9249 4000 

F 9249 4351 

W brimbank.vic.gov.au 

Community 

Planning & 

Development

The Diverse Communities of Brimbank Profile - Brimbank City Council

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?