| As part of a regional, state and international network of "Safe Communities", Great Lakes Safe Communities Partnership brings together over 30 organisations and the local community, identifying local issues requiring attention. Four taskforces are in place to prevent injuries and promote safety in our area:
Great Lakes Safe Communities is actively working to:
- Improve actual and perceived safety within our community - facilitating projects and programs that promote safety and prevent injury;
- Identify, engage and build the capacity of grass-roots community leaders and local service providers - supporting taskforces that promote safety and prevent injury. Taskforces include Crime Prevention, Falls Prevention, Healthy Minds/Suicide Prevention, Child Safety and Road Safety;
- Provide a community advocacy role, representing the community and service providers to agencies and government alike.
Great Lakes Council is currently preparing for World Health Organisation Accreditation as a "Safe Community".
The purpose of the Crime Prevention Taskforce is to coordinate the development, implementation and review of the Great Lakes Crime Prevention Plan to ensure responsiveness to changing needs. The plan will coordinate a multi-agency strategy engaging all the relevant local services, community groups, government agencies and concerned citizens.
Achievements to Date include:
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Contributing to the campaign for 24 hour policing.
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"Report It, Don't Ignore It' campaign
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Identity Theft campgaign
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Assisting with administration of funding from NSW Department of Justice and Attorney General to tack Break & Enter (Dwelling)
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The Falls Prevention Taskforce works to increase the awareness of falls prevention and to increase enrolments in physical activity programs to develop strength, balance and social interaction. Its achievements to date include:
- "Live It Up" physical activity directory
- Falls Injury Prevention expo, with over 200 participants
- Bounce Back Ball & Falls Injury Prevention expo, with over 140 participants
- Seniors Weeks functions
Falls Injury Prevention Taskforce meetings are held bi-monthly. Members of the public who have an interest in this area are welcome and encouraged to attend these meetings. Call Council for details of the meeting dates, times and venues.
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Healthy Minds Taskforce
One in five people have some form of mental illness. Between 1995 and 2001 suicide was the main cause of injury related deaths and the fourth highest cause of hospitalisation in the Great Lakes area.
The Healthy Minds Team was formed for the purpose of:
- Building partnerships between service providers and the community with a focus on mental health and well being;
- Supporting and initiating mental health promotions and community education programs;
- Raising awareness in the community of available services and programs;
- Building resilience and developing understanding within individuals and the community;
- Providing an advocacy role for improved services and resources for the Great Lakes community.
Great Lakes Council convenes the Healthy Minds Taskforce on a bimonthly basis. Representatives from organisations who work in the field of mental health in the Great Lakes, as well as concerned community representatives, meet to identify issues, priorities and strategies targeting mental health issues in our area. If you are interested in becoming involved please contact Council's Community Services Coordinator on 02 6591 7222 or council@greatlakes.nsw.gov.au.
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Contact Details:
council@greatlakes.nsw.gov.au
Last Updated: 08/12/2011