The Together We are Brimbank Plan outlines Brimbank's vision for a welcoming, safe and supported community.
What does a safe community look like?
Based on feedback from our community, a safe community is:
- Welcoming and inclusive
- Somewhere people feel safe and comfortable in public
- Feel free from crime and violence
- A place where everyone is looking out for one another.
How we support community safety
Our aspiration is for Brimbank to be a safe and welcoming community where everyone belongs and can live a life free from harm.
Community safety is a shared responsibility across all levels of government, police, service providers, business and the community. Council plays an important leadership role that is dependent on partnerships and collaboration to promote safe, healthy, and connected communities.
Our Statement of Commitment for a Safe and Inclusive Brimbank outlines our approach. This includes a focus on three strategic priorities:
1. Stronger Communities – Commitment to building a community where people feel safe, welcome and included through social inclusion.
2. Safer streets and public spaces – Commitment to the design and maintenance of Council owned and managed public places to promote safety and social connection.
3. Preventing gender-based violence – Commitment to preventing family violence, improving health outcomes and ensuring gender equity in our facilities and programs
Partnership and Governance Model
We coordinate a partnership model that brings together key stakeholders to build and maintain a safe and inclusive community.
The Brimbank Safety and Wellbeing Partnership, co-chaired with Victoria Police, provides strategic oversight to improving community safety and wellbeing outcomes. This is supported by the Brimbank Hotspots Working Group that provides a place-based service coordination approach to safety issues.
What you can do
There are many ways we can feel safer and be inclusive.
Get friendly
Knowing your neighbours is one of the best ways to improve safety and connection within your community. Knowing each other means we look out for each other. Consider hosting a neighbourhood event, getting involved at your local Neighbourhood House or Community Centre, or simply introduce yourself. More ideas are on our Get neighbourly page.
Get reporting
Become the ‘eyes and ears’ of your community. Our Report it section can help you identify what to report and who to contact.
It's important to always report:
- An emergency, by ringing 000 where life or injury is threatened.
- Any crime, or if you see something suspicious, by contacting Crime Stoppers Victoria Ph: 1800 333 000. Or, you can call the Police Assistance Line 13 14 44.
- A maintenance issue, e.g.: damaged footpaths; broken lights; dumped rubbish.
Get support
The Orange Door provides help for people who need support with the care and wellbeing of children and young people, or who are experiencing family violence. In an emergency, call 000.
The Orange Door Sunshine
15-19 Service Street
Sunshine VIC 3020
1800 271 046
bma@orangedoor.vic.gov.au
Get informed
Have you ever assessed the safety of your home or business? Check out these resources:
- Royal Children’s Hospital Safety Around the Home.
- Victoria Police's Business Security Information eKit; Residential Information Kit; and Your Safety webpage with important tips to help prevent crime against yourself or your property.
- To access up to date crime statistics by location, visit the Crime Statistics Agency
- Prepare your finances for emergencies with Insure It, It's Worth It Guide
Get active
The appearance of private buildings and property affects perceptions of safety. Make sure your property presents well through regular maintenance, cleaning, and litter removal. We also offer vouchers for graffiti removal supplies to assist you to remove graffiti from your private property. For further details, see Council’s Graffiti website.
