Resilient Wyndham

Resilient Wyndham looks at Wyndham’s long-term resilience and will help to guide and manage the way Wyndham bounces back after the COVID-19 pandemic to adapt, survive and thrive in the face of future events such as climate change, extreme weather, natural disasters, pandemics, cyber-security attacks and economic downturn. Resilience is about being prepared for the unexpected.

Providing a four-year vision to 2025, Resilient Wyndham includes an annual action plan with targets and actions to help strengthen Wyndham's resilience and ability to better prepare for future shocks and stresses. The Strategy captures what is already being done as well as identifying where we can do more.

Resilient Wyndham 2021-2025 is our pledge to work with our diverse communities, businesses and organisations to be better prepared for our uncertain future. Wyndham is a growing and diverse municipality of metropolitan Melbourne, with 96.7% of the population living in urban areas.

We have experienced our fair share of disruption during COVID-19, and although we are proud of our response, it is clear that focusing on our resilience needs to be a priority. Resilient Wyndham sets out our plan to shift the dial on building better resilience across Wyndham, responding to the acute shocks and stresses we may experience. Through a process of internal and external engagement, we have identified five Focus Areas and aligned actions where we have inspiring opportunities to work together to support Our People, Our Environment, Our Places, and Our Future.

Underpinning this work is a strong evidence base that a connected and inclusive community is more resilient to whatever comes its way.

We can all play a part in building resilience. We invite you to work with us to achieve a resilient Wyndham – after all, we are stronger together.

Download Resilient Wyndham Summary Flyer

Download Resilient Wyndham 2021 – 2025

Below you will find some resources to stay informed and find ways to be resilient to the chronic stresses of the Wyndham municipality

Social inequality and mental wellbeing

Research show that many common mental health disorders are influenced by social, economic and political forces over which individuals lack control. To understand social inequality, its link to mental health and the ways wealth can be distributed more equitably:

 

 

As community members, we can help by promoting a national conversation about inequality and its effects, and work together to advance justice, equity, compassion, and respect.

 

Free and confidential counselling support and essential services can make a difference to one’s mental wellbeing. No problem is too small to seek help for, and we encourage you to access these services whenever you feel the need:

  • Wyndham City Community Connector – If you need support, but are unsure of where to start, email us at communityconnector@wyndham.vic.gov.au or call Wyndham Council on (03) 8734 4514 and ask to speak to the Community Connector.
  • Wyndham City Support Services – a directory of direct support services including free Community Counselling, food relief with the Food Bank at the Youth Resource Centre, 24-hour family violence and mental health support, and information and referrals via the Community Connector.
  • Wyndham City Youth and Children Counselling Support - free children’s counselling service  available to children aged 8 – 11 and young people aged 12 – 25 who live, work, study or recreate in Wyndham.
  • Australian Government Health Direct – 24/7 health information, advice and referral for all Australians.
  • Wellbeing toolkit from the Australian Red Cross
  • My Aged Care – aids older people by providing care and taking stress off the family members who provide care; note that there is a long waitlist.
  • Ask Izzy - a website that connects people in need with housing, a meal, money help, family violence support, counselling and much more. It is free and anonymous, with thousands of services listed across Australia.

 

If you need translation or interpreting service: Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)

 

To find books available at Wyndham City Libraries, click on these search terms:

Lack of networks and social capital

Social networks and interpersonal connections strengthen our ability to survive shocks and support each other to thrive.

 

Wyndham City offers learning, recreation and socialisation opportunities for its residents through various activities, events and public spaces, to help foster social connections:

  • Find learning events run by Wyndham City Libraries and Community Learning in Eventbrite
  • Find a huge range of events for all ages across Wyndham using Wyndham What’s On
  • Sports, Parks & Recreation – discover opportunities to get active and learn about upcoming projects, programs and facilities in your local area
  • Volunteering in Wyndham and Volunteer West – Volunteering is a fun and an easy way to explore your interests and passions. As a volunteer you can make a significant contribution to various areas of community life.
  • If you are among the many people who find solace in animal companionship and unconditional love, try Volunteering at Geelong Animal Welfare Society. Interacting with animals has been shown to have therapeutic effects on mental health, and can alleviate feelings of social isolation.
  • Work Integrated Learning (WIL) / Tertiary Student Placements – undertaking a placement at Wyndham City Council is an excellent way to build networks and enhance social interaction.
  • Wyndham Library of Stories – in this project. ‘Living Books’ share stories that celebrate the community, culture and history of Wyndham and provide a safe and welcoming space to learn and exchange ideas through conversations.
  • Book of Stuff (Youth Directory) – a service directory designed for young people aged 12-25 in Wyndham, with information about programs, services, events, facilities, public transport options and more.

 

To understand social capital and its policy implications:

 

To find books available at Wyndham City Libraries, click on these search terms:

Sea level rise

Climate change impacts including sea level rise and erosion, present major challenges for Wyndham's coastal parks, waterways and significant habitat areas with current predictions estimating sea-level rises of 0.8-1.1 meters by 2100. (Resilient Wyndham, p.20).

 

To find ways to deal with the adverse effects of climate change on our coast and to get involved in providing solutions:

 

To find books available at Wyndham City Libraries, click on these search terms:

Urbanisation and loss of natural environment

Nature in Australia has suffered large and rapid declines since European colonisation, and continue to suffer major losses due to urbanisation and other factors. Here are some resources to help us understand the state of our environment and find ways to protect the natural environment:

 

  • The major causes of nature loss in Australia – Biodiversity Council explains the main causes of large and rapid declines in Australia’s biodiversity.
  • Australia State of the Environment 2021 – combining scientific, traditional and local knowledge, Indigenous and non-Indigenous people have worked together to create this first holistic assessment of the state of Australia’s environment.
  • Built environment and health – the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare explains what a built environment is, and how it influences our health in many ways.
  • Delivering on nature positive: 10 essential elements of national environmental law reform – published by Biodiversity Council (2023), this report identifies 10 essential elements necessary for new environmental laws, policies and institutions to deliver on Australia’s nature positive commitment.
  • Rewilding Australia – an initiative by the World Wildlife Fund Australia, Rewilding Australia unites Traditional Ecological Knowledge with modern science, to protect vulnerable wildlife and build thriving ecosystems.
  • Wyndham City’s Greening the Pipeline – a state-funded project transforming the heritage listed MOS pipeline reserve, along the Federation Trail bike path, into parkland and community space for Melbourne’s growing west.

 

To find books available at Wyndham City Libraries, click on these search terms:

Transport options, access and congestion

Transport is an essential part of everyone’s lives and is mostly delivered through a network of roads, rails, and pathways, supporting a range of modes and everyday activities. The transport system connects us to work, school, shops, and services; enables us to take part in social and recreational activities; and moves people and goods to support businesses and industries. Connecting people and places is key to ensuring that Wyndham is accessible for everyone to enjoy.

 

Here are resources that can help us understand principles of sustainable and accessibile transport, and how policymakers and communities can respond to current transport challenges.

 

 

To find books available at Wyndham City Libraries, click on these search terms:

Drought and insecure water supply

Climate change and population growth pose challenges to water systems and supply. Here you will find water outlook tools, priority water projects in and around Wyndham, and toolkits to save water and be drought-resilient.

 

  • Current water snapshot – a weekly snapshot of the status of Victoria's water resources, hosted by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
  • Annual water outlook – to keep Victorians informed about the state’s water supplies, also hosted by DEECA.
  • Werribee Catchment Integrated Water Management Plan – actions for delivery to ensure water is at the centre of the land-use planning process to protect the natural character  of the region, including its nationally significant irrigation districts, and the backbone of Werribee: the Werribee River.
  • Delivering Water for Victoria -- Victoria's long-term plan for our water resources and reporting against set targets.
  • Drought Resilience Self-Assessment Tool – supplied by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, this free tool enables farmers to assess their resilience against climate change including drought and other climate risks. 
  • Day Zero and pathways to water security for regional towns -- Day Zero marks the day when residential taps are turned off — a reality for some regional and rural towns across Australia. When this current drought breaks, another drought will inevitably come. CSIRO outlines ways on how we can prepare now.
  • Ways to save water – you can help Victoria secure its water supply for future generations by using water responsibly at home and work.

 

To find books available at Wyndham City Libraries, click on these search terms:

Financial stress and cost of living

Many Australians are strapped right now due to inflation and cost of living pressures. Here you will find information to understand the cost of living crisis, as well as useful helplines and toolkits to prevent or deal with financial stress.

 

 

To find books available at Wyndham City Libraries, click on these search terms:

Housing affordability

Housing is a basic human right, essential to the health and wellbeing of individuals and families and the social and economic growth and liveability of the community. It is now widely accepted that Australia is experiencing a severe problem with housing. The following resources will help us understand the problem and look at some proposed solutions:

 

 

Free 24-hour phone lines for urgent assistance:

  • Are you homeless or at risk of homelessness? Call 1800 825 955
  • Are you escaping family violence? Call 1800 015 188
  • Victorian Statewide Homelessness Line: 1800 825 955

 

For information on housing and housing assistance:

  • Unison - one of the largest providers of services for homeless people or those at risk of homelessness in Melbourne’s north and west. Their Werribee office can be contacted between 9 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) at 03 9216 0300.
  • Wyndham Health, Homelessness and Housing (H3) Alliance - a partnership of service providers working collectively within the Wyndham City Council municipality, to address issues that lead to housing vulnerability for the Wyndham community.
  • Wyndham City Support Services – a directory of direct support services and referrals via the Community Connector. Go to the Housing and Homelessness Accommodation tab for housing support.
  • HousingVic – a source of information for current public housing renters, potential social housing renters and anyone wanting to know about housing in Victoria.
  • Interpreter services – this website lists telephone numbers for assistance in 11 languages.
  • The Home Guarantee Scheme – includes information on government initiatives to support eligible home buyers to buy a home sooner, such as the First Home Guarantee (FHBG), Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee (RFHBG) and Family Home Guarantee (FHG).

 

To find books available at Wyndham City Libraries, click on these search terms:

Economic downturn

An economic downturn is a decline in the growth rate of goods and services within a country, seen by a decline in income, industrial production, wholesale, retail sales and employment. Economic downturns generally occur in cycles – and extended downturns can lead to recession – so it is important to be resilient through tough economic times.

 

To find books available at Wyndham City Libraries, click on these search terms:

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