Introduction Map <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brimbank</strong>, 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 <strong>The</strong> Community/ Population pr<strong>of</strong>ile theme contains three key data areas: • Population Demographics • Local Culture, Immigration and Indigenous Heritage • Healthy and Safe people and Places An Overview <strong>of</strong> the Population and <strong>Communities</strong> <strong>of</strong> the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brimbank</strong> A <strong>Diverse</strong> Community… <strong>The</strong> <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brimbank</strong> has developed as one <strong>of</strong> the most culturally diverse municipalities in Australia. <strong>Brimbank</strong> has a small proportion <strong>of</strong> Indigenous residents, although residents <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>Brimbank</strong>, establishing businesses, homes and vibrant communities. Over the years <strong>Brimbank</strong> 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. <strong>The</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> new arrivals with low or no English literacy has increased in recent years, describing one <strong>of</strong> the many challenges new arrivals face. Families and Households… <strong>Brimbank</strong> has quiet large average household sizes compared to other Metro Melbourne areas. Families with children are the most significant household type, and <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>Brimbank</strong>. Although with growth in apartment and townhouse living, lone person households are expected to increase, whilst the overall proportion <strong>of</strong> family households will decline. Faith and Religion… Faith and religion factor strongly in the lives <strong>of</strong> many <strong>Brimbank</strong> residents, with over three-quarters <strong>of</strong> 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… <strong>The</strong> <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brimbank</strong> has a number <strong>of</strong> health and wellbeing challenges. A high rate <strong>of</strong> obesity and a significant proportion <strong>of</strong> residents with complex physical and mental health needs. Family violence continues to be an issue across <strong>Brimbank</strong>, with <strong>Brimbank</strong> having the highest rate <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>Brimbank</strong> at a higher rate than the State average. In contrast, the rates <strong>of</strong> alcohol related assaults; alcohol related family incidents and medical hospital admissions for <strong>Brimbank</strong> have all dropped and are currently at levels lower than the State average. One in five <strong>Brimbank</strong> residents is affected by some form <strong>of</strong> Disability. Considering the aging population by 2031, <strong>Brimbank</strong> is expected to have a 50% increase, or over 4,000 more residents requiring assistance with their daily activities. Almost all <strong>of</strong> this increase is forecast to be concentrated among residents aged 60 years and over, due to the higher level <strong>of</strong> need in this group. 5