Our community has spoken and their concerns are clear

Over the past few months, MotHs has been gathering survey responses for our annual survey. The results help us understand what issues are most concerning local residents and where we need to direct our efforts. Applying for grant funding hinges on the outcomes of this survey too. We are so grateful to everyone who has participated.

The results of the 2024 Community Survey have provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing our community. To begin, significant family dynamics challenges within our community are highlighted by these results:

  • 10% of respondents are single mothers highlighting the presence of single-parent households in the community.

  • The higher ratio of single mums in the Yarra Valley (18%) than the Hills (8%) correlates with high housing costs and low rental availability in the Hills

  • 4% of respondents identify as part of the LGBTQI+ community

  • 32% are either neurodiverse or have neurodiverse children

  • 12% of respondents are survivors of family violence

  • 2% are living with family violence

There are many compounding factors beyond the scope of our survey contributing to these findings, but the results highlight a distinct need for additional services, education and support.

We heard that MotHs respondents wanted us to continue to advocate on issues while focusing on creating more opportunities for connection and skills development. The consistently high concerns across all areas were climate change and roads and infrastructure. Area-specific concerns also stood out including health services in the Yarra Valley, long daycare in Knox and telecommunications in Casey/Cardinia (Cockatoo, Emerald etc).

Among other questions we asked, we were keen to understand how well the community feel they have recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic and the area’s natural disasters. Although most respondents feel they are no longer affected by Covid-19, it is important to note a significant cohort has not fully recovered.

Many are still feeling the repercussions of the storms. Structural and property damage from the June 2021 and February 2024 storms have left many in our community with ongoing repairs or rebuilds, unable to move home, and/or suffering from trauma. The extensive time that has lapsed since the lockdowns and the June 2021 storm underlines the extended time required for communities to fully recover from disasters and major disruptions.

Over the coming weeks we’ll provide further details of our 2024 Community Survey in the lead up to the council elections. For a more detailed analysis and to read the full 2024 Community Survey report, please follow this link: Read the Full Report.


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All that was July