Alerts

Community wellbeing and human rights

Human rights

We value and respect the human rights of every member of our community. We have a responsibility to make sure human rights are always being upheld, both in Merri-bek and the wider community.

The Merri-bek Human Rights Policy sets out what we will do over 10 years to support human rights.

Read the Merri-bek Human Rights Policy (PDF 5KB)
Merri-bek Human Rights Policy (DOC 1MB)

There are specific groups of people who are at greater risk of discrimination, which impacts their social, economic and political life. These are:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
  • migrant and refugee communities
  • people with disability
  • women
  • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Gender Diverse, Intersex, Queer and Asexual and Aromantic (LGBTIQA+) communities

Our Policy recognises these groups and gives priority to their needs. The policy also allows us to consider future needs of different groups.

We aim to always deliver programs, services and processes that are accessible, fair and inclusive. Our policy helps us do this.

The Human Rights Policy:

  • helps us meet our human rights obligations in a real way
  • recognises that many people face more than one form of discrimination, and this makes things more complex
  • encourages better use of resources by working with others on local, shared priorities across different areas.

Victoria's Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities

Our Human Rights Policy has the same aims as Victoria's Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006. This Act sets out the basic rights, freedoms and responsibilities of all people in Victoria. It is about the relationship between government and the people it serves. It says that governments, local councils and other public authorities need to consider human rights when they make laws, develop policies or provide services.

More information

The following organisations provide more information on human rights in Australia:

For more information contact our Community Development and Social Policy Unit on 9240 1111.

Community support resources

  • Beyond Blue provides confidential and professional mental health support.

    Phone: 1300 22 46 36

  • Centre for Muslim Wellbeing is a free culturally appropriate and sensitive counselling for trauma, grief, experiences of Islamophobia, and stress.

    Phone: 0472 668 010

    Hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

    Address: 12 Dimboola Rd, Broadmeadows, VIC, 3040

  • Foundation House delivers specialist trauma focussed services, including free specialised counselling, that work with the strengths and resilience of refugees, their families and communities, to rebuild lives shattered by torture and other traumatic events.

    Phone: 9389 8900

  • Hayat Line is a free and confidential crisis support line for Muslims in Australia supporting individuals when experiencing a personal crisis or emotional distress.

    Phone: 1300 993 398

    Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

     

  • Report incidents of Islamaphobia atIslamaphobia Register Australia.

  • JewishCare offers counselling and other services to the Jewish Community of Victoria.

    Phone: 8517 5777

    After hours phone: 1300 133 660

  • Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free (even from a mobile), confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.

    Phone: 1800 55 1800

  • Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

    Phone: 13 11 14  

  • Merri Health offers free counselling to deal with anxiety, trauma, stress or grief and loss.

    Phone: 1300 637 744

  • Mind Australia supports people experiencing mental health and wellbeing concerns to find help, hope and purpose in their lives.

    Phone: 1300 375 330

    Walk-ins available: Fridays 10am to 4pm, 20 Murray Road, Coburg North VIC

  • Shifa Project is a collaborative initiative born out of the partnership between non-profit organizations and mental health practitioners in Australia. Their mission is to provide support and resources to our Muslim community.

    Visit their website to get in touch.


Gender equality

Gender equality means that people of all genders enjoy equal rights, opportunities and responsibilities. Promoting gender equality prevents family violence and other forms of gender-based violence.

Our Gender Equality Commitment means that we will promote equality and inclusion in the Merri-bek community through collaboration across Council and partnerships with organisations and people in the community.

We consulted with the community in 2018 to 2019 and identified 7 key action areas in the following years to promote mote gender equality:

  1. Equal visibility, self representation and leadership opportunities
  2. Accessible and safe public spaces, including for sports and recreation
  3. Equal pay for equal work
  4. Safe and affordable housing
  5. Access to formal and community education
  6. Empowering everyone to support the Gender Equality Commitment
  7. Accountability.

Action Plan Progress

We create action plans as a way of guiding progress on our commitments. The Action Plan 2019-2021 is our way of making sure we meet these 7 commitments. We are currently implementing this Plan and you can read the Action Plan Progress Update. 

Please email Merri-bek Gender Equality or phone 9240 1111 to learn more.

The following resources and related policies provide further information on our commitment to gender equality.

Resources

Family violence prevention and support

We are committed to preventing family violence in Merri-bek and supporting those who have experienced it. Family violence is against the law, and there is never an excuse for it.

Although domestic and family violence can happen to anyone, the evidence shows that in most cases in Victoria, family violence is perpetrated by men against women.

The Victorian Family Violence Protection Act 2008 says family violence as any behaviour towards another family member that is:

  • physically or sexual abusive
  • emotionally or psychologically abusive
  • financially abusive
  • threatening 
  • coercive, controlling or dominating  

Family violence can happen in all kinds of relationships, including:

  • intimate relationships (involving partners, boyfriends and girlfriends, husband and wife, ex-partners)
  • parents or guardians and children (child abuse)
  • older people and their carers or children (elder abuse)
  • parents and their teenage or adult children (adolescent family violence)
  • people with disabilities and their carers.

If you are experiencing family violence, there is help available. If you or someone you know needs emergency help, you should call 000.

Below, we have listed support services that are available to help you or anyone you know.

  • The following services are available for you if you identify as a woman.

    Berry Street Northern Family and Domestic Violence Service

    This service provides family violence support for women in the northern region. You can find out more about the service on the Berry Street website.

    To contact this service call 9540 4700 between 9am to 5pm on weekdays, except public holidays.

    Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre

    This service provides family violence support for women in Victoria, including outreach and accommodation help. You can find out more about these centres on the Safe Steps website.

    Safe Steps also has a specialist Disability Family Violence Program which you can learn about on the Safe Steps website.

    To contact this service call 1800 015 188 any time or day, or use their online chat tool between 9am and 9pm from Monday to Friday on the Safe Steps website.

    Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA)

    The Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) is a Victorian sexual assault crisis response service that includes counselling. You can find out more about this service on the CASA website.
    To contact this service call 9635 3610 between 9am and 9pm from Monday to Friday, or call 1800 806 292 outside of business hours.

    Djirra Aboriginal Women Support Service

    Djirra Aboriginal Women Support Service provides services to Aboriginal women in Victoria, including those who have experienced family violence. You can find out more about this service on the Djirra website.
    To contact this service call 1800 105 303 between 9am and 5pm on weekdays, except public holidays.

    InTouch (Multicultural Centre against Family Violence)

    InTouch (Multicultural Centre against Family Violence) provides culturally appropriate family violence services throughout Victoria. InTouch also provides immigration support. You can find out more about this service on the InTouch website.
    To contact this service call 1800 755 988 between 9am and 5pm on weekdays, except public holidays.

  • The following services are available for you if you identify as a man.

    Mens Line Australia

    Mens Line Australia is a national telephone and online counselling, information and referral service for men with family, mental health or relationship issues. You can find out more about this service on the Men's Line Australia website.
    To contact this service call 1300 78 99 78 or use their online phone and counselling service that is available any time or day on the Men's Line Australia website.

    Men’s Referral Service

    Men’s Referral Service is a men's family violence telephone counselling, information and referral service. You can find out more about this service on the No to Violence website.
    To contact this service call 1300 766 491 between 8am and 9pm on weekdays, or between 9am and 5pm on weekends.

    Dardi Munwurro Strong Spirit Aboriginal Men's Crisis Support

    Dardi Munwurro Strong Spirit Aboriginal Men's Crisis Support provides family violence, healing and behaviour change programs for Aboriginal men. Its aim is to break the cycle of inter-generational trauma in Aboriginal families and communities. You can find out more about this service on the Dardi Minwurro website.
    To contact this service call 1800 435 799 any time or day.

  • The following services are available for people of all genders, as well as those who do not identify within the gender binary.

    Victims Assistance Program

    The Victims Assistance Program provides help for people who have experienced violence, as well as family members and partners of people who have been victim of crime or violence. You can find out more about this service on the Merri Health website.

    To contact this service you can email vsa@justice.vic.gov.au or call 1300 362 739 between 9am and 5pm on weekdays, except public holidays. You can also call their helpline on 1800 819 817 between 8am and 11pm every day.

    With Respect

    With Respect is a family violence and intimate partner violence service for LGBTIQ+ communities and their families. It can respond to both the person impacted by violence and the person perpetrating violence. More information about this service is available on the With Respect website.

    To contact this service you can call 1800 LGBTIQ (1800 542 847) between 9am and 5pm on weekdays.

    Hume Merri-bek Integrated Family Violence Program

    The Hume Merri-bek Integrated Family Violence Program  provides family violence support to all people, including counselling and support programs. You can find out more about this service on the Uniting Victoria and Tasmania website.
    To contact this service call 9302 6100 between 9am and 5pm on weekdays.

    Northern Community Legal Centre

    The Northern Community Legal Centre provides free and confidential legal advice and assistance to people who live, work, or study in Merri-bek, Hume or Mitchell Shire. More information about this service is available on the Northern Community Legal Center website.

    To contact this service call 9310 4376 between 9am and 5pm on weekdays.

  • The following services are available for seniors.

    Seniors Rights Victoria

    Seniors Rights Victoria provides information, advice and support to prevent and respond to elder abuse. Find out more about this service on the Seniors Rights website.

    To contact this service call 1300 368 821 between 10am and 5pm on weekdays.

    Elder Abuse Prevention Network

    The Elder Abuse Prevention Network for north and west metropolitan regions aims to stop elder abuse through education, resources and campaigns. Find out more about this service on the Merri Health website.

    To contact this service call 1300 637 744.

  • The following services are available for family violence phone counselling support.

    1800 RESPECT

    1800 RESPECT is a national telephone and online sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. Find out more about this service on the 1800RESPECT website.

    To contact this service call 1800 737 732 any time or day.

    Kids Helpline

    Kids Helpline is a phone, email and webchat counselling service for 5 to 25 year olds. Find out more about this service on the Kids Helpline website.

    To contact this service call 1800 551 800 any time or day, or use their online WebChat counselling service on the Kids Helpline website.

  • As part of our gender equality commitment, we partner with organisations across Victoria, the north and Merri-bek to prevent family violence. These organisations include:

  • Our commitment to gender equality means that we will always work to prevent family violence. Our Gender Equality Commitment is guided by the following policies, from all levels of government:

  • The following resources are available for parents:

    • Choosing Positive Paths gives mothers, other protective parents and caregivers information on how to help children affected by family violence. Find out more about this program on the Berry Street website.
    • Koori parenting resources from the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service include booklets, posters and postcards with messages and strategies to help break intergenerational cycles of trauma within their families. Find out more about these resources on the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service website.

  • The following resources are available for young people:

    • Rosie is an online space for young women to find digital resources to help navigate life. Find out more about this onlien space on the Rosie website.
    • What’s OK at Home (WOAH) is a website for young people their adult allies about family violence, why it happens, how to recognise it, and how to help others experiencing it. Find otu more about this resource on the WOAH website.

  • The following resources are available for migrants, refugees and faith communities:

  • The following resources are available for Aboriginal communities:

  • The following resources are available for people with disability:

    • Our Right to Safety and Respect is a video resource and video guide, developed by and for women with disabilities about violence, abuse, safety and respect. You can access this vieo resource on the Women with disabilities Victoria website.
    • Speak up and be safe from abuse is a toolkit to assist people with communication difficulties to identify and report abuse. You can access this toolkit on the Speak up and be safe website.

LGBTIQA+ communities 

Merri-bek is proud of the large and diverse Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual plus, Transgender and Gender Diverse, Queer, Asexual and Aromantic and Intersex (LGBTIQA+) communities that call our city home.

Council celebrates LGBTIQA+ communities throughout the year with a range of events and programs. While also working with local service providers, networks and our reference group to make our services, programs and spaces inclusive for LGBTIQA+ communites.

Our Human Rights Policy also aims to create a safe and welcoming city for LGBTIQA+ communites. We will always make sure that services in Merri-bek are accessible to our LGBTIQA+ residents and visitors.

We celebrate and support LGBTIQA+ visibility by flying a number of flags throughout the year:

  • Progress Rainbow flag: Everyday through November – February. IDAHOBIT May 17 

  • Transgender flag: Trans Day of Visibility,  March 31. Trans Day of Remembrance, November 20

  • Intersex Flag: Intersex Awareness Day, October 26. Intersex Solidarity Day,  November 8

  • Merri-bek's LGBTIQA+ Action Plan aims to improve the wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ communities in Merri-bek through various activities and programs. The plan focuses on three priority areas:

    1. Advancing inclusion and social cohesion in the community.
    2. Delivering inclusive and accessible services.
    3. Council is an inclusive organisation

    The action plan encompasses a wide range of initiatives, including council services, programs, and community-driven projects to elevate LGBTIQA+ people. It spans a three-year period from 2023 to 2026, with ongoing review and monitoring to ensure it meets changing community needs.

    The LGBTIQA+ action plan plays a key role in the implementation of the Merri-bek Human Rights Policy and was developed in collaboration with the LGBTIQA+ reference group and through a community engagement process.

    Merri-bek LGBTIQA+ Action plan 2023-2026 (PDF)

    Merri-bek LGBTIQA+ Action plan 2023-2026 (DOC)

    Merri-bek LGBTIQA+ Action Plan 2023 - 2026 Audio recording (mp3.)

  • IDAHOBIT Day
    The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) calls on people across Australia to stand against discrimination and support our LGBTIQ mates, colleagues and families. IDAHOBIT Day takes place on 17 May.

    Learn more on the IDAHOBIT webpage.

    Midsumma
    Midsumma is Victoria's premier three-week LGBTIQ arts and cultural festival celebrating diversity and inclusion. It takes place in January and February across the state. We partner with northern region councils and have a presence at Midsumma Carnival and Pride March. 

    Learn more on the Midsumma webpage

    Diversity Days are all about celebrating or honouring LGBTIQ days of significance and increasing awareness of the LGBTIQ community’s rich and fabulous diversity.

    The Pride in Sport webpage provides a list of each of the days for your business, club and team to learn more about the days or to be able to discuss them with your stakeholders to help increase awareness about upcoming days.

    You can search our What's On events page to find more events happening in Merri-bek.

  • Below is a list of resources that will help you learn more about LGBTIQA+ history and culture. Check out our range of training and professional development materials, and apply for funding support.

    LGBTIQ library resources

    Our libraries have an extensive collection of LGBTIQ resources. Visit our libraries or search the Library Catalogue page.

    Inclusive language guide

    A handy guide that provides advice on respectful language to use when working with LBGTIQ communities. Developed by the Department of Premier and Cabinet for the Victorian public sector.

    Learn more about the Inclusive Language guide on the Victorian Government webpage

    Community grants

    The Merri-bek Community Grants Program gives financial support to community-led initiatives and collaborative projects that have multiple benefits and focus directly on the Merri-bek community.

    Learn more on our Community Grants page.

    The Victorian Pride Centre

    The newly established Victorian Pride Centre website and the Resource Directory page lists many LGBTIQ inclusive services and programs organised by category and location.

    Active Merri-bek 

    Find out how you can create a safe and inclusive sports club for everyone, visit the Active Merri-bek webpage.

    Intersex resources  

    A collection of resources on intersex variations. 

    Intersex awareness day resources (PDF)

    Intersex awareness day resources (Doc)

    • Switchboard – Community based not for profit organisation that provides peer-driven, support services for LGBTIQA+ communities. 
      Visit the Switchboard website.
    • Rainbow Door - free, specialist LGBTIQA+ helpline. Experienced peers provide information, referral, and support to enable LGBTIQA+ people, their friends, and their families to navigate the system and access the supports they need within a safe environment.
      Contact 1800 729 367. Visit the Rainbow Door website.
    • Qlife - Australia-wide anonymous, LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. 1300 555 727. Visit the Qlife website.
    • Intersex Human Rights Australia – A national charity by and for people with innate variations of sex characteristics.
      Visit the Intersex Human Rights Australia website.
    • Transgender Victoria – The leading peak body for trans and gender-diverse people in Victoria. Visit Transgender Victoria website.
    • Bi Alliance – Volunteer run, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the acceptance of bisexuals in LGBTIQA+ and mainstream societies. Visit the Bi Alliance website.     
    • Australian Asexuals - Network of Asexual and Aromantic groups from across Australia. Visit Australian Asexuals website.
    • Koorie Pride Victoria - building visibility, strength and connection for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQAS&B+ people, across all of Victoria. Visit the Koorie Pride webpage.
    • Pacifique X  -  Celebrates Pacific Island LGBTIQA+ communities and allies by providing brave spaces, capacity building, and meaningful connection whilst honouring cultural and gender identities. Visit the Pacifique X website.
    • Many Coloured Sky – Queer refugee and asylum seeker peers (QRASP) - is a growing community of LGBTQI+ refugees and people seeking asylum. Providing peer-led support and range of activities including excursions and workshops. Visit the Many Coloured Sky website. 
    • Thorne Harbour Health – Is a leading LGBTIQA+ health organisation that provides HIV/AIDS support and other care services. Visit the Thorne Harbour Health website.

  • On Trans Day of Visibility in 2023, Council released a statement of support for trans and gender diverse people in sport: 

    In Merri-bek we recognise the power of sport. It has the ability to unite, build community connections, and improve our wellbeing.

    Sport is also a human right. We believe everyone has the right to feel safe and enjoy the benefits of sport and community.

    That is why we support trans and gender diverse sportspeople to safely enjoy, participate, compete and flourish in all sporting organisations. 

    There is no place for transphobia or transmisogyny in sport or within the Merri-bek community.

    We will work with our clubs, leagues and teams to ensure the diversity of City is represented in our sporting organisations.

    Council is proud of the sporting clubs and organisations that call Merri-bek home. Many of whom have worked to improve participation and social change in their organisations.

    We encourage sporting organisations and clubs to explore and implement practices that support the inclusion of trans and gender diverse people.

    Clubs and organisations that promote diversity are strong on the field, create an environment that is safe, and foster a healthy and happy community.

    If you’re a sporting club, looking to explore how you can create a safe and welcoming space for trans and gender diverse athletes we encourage you to explore resources on the Active Merri-bek website.

Public health and wellbeing plan

Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plans are required by the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008. Councils need to prepare a plan within 12 months after each local election.

The vision for 2017-21 is that 'Moreland is a healthy, liveable and sustainable city'.

There are two focus areas in the Plan - Healthy Communities and Liveable Neighbourhoods. Through these focus areas, we aim to deliver long term outcomes for the Merri-bek community.

Health and wellbeing profile 

The Merri-bek Health and Wellbeing Profile 2020 was updated in December 2020.

In collaboration with our external partners we use the Profile to help guide our long-term planning for the community.

You can download the health and wellbeing profile below:

If you have questions about the research we have done for the Health and Wellbeing Profile, please contact the Research Coordinator on 9240 1111.

Gambling help

If gambling is a problem for you or someone you know contact:

Gambling in Merri-bek Strategy 2015-2020

We are committed to reducing the harmful impacts of gambling on our community. Gambling in Merri-bek 2015-2020 sets out how we will do this. We have identified electronic gaming machines and pokies as a source of great harm for communities and individuals based on:

  • the level of gambling losses in Merri-bek 
  • the number of people with problem gambling behaviours who play pokies.

  • We are a foundation partner of the National Alliance for Gambling Reform. As a partner, we call for stronger industry controls to protect consumers and reduce the damage that gambling products can bring to families and communities.

  • Gambling Harm Awareness Week runs yearly and is hosted by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation

    During Gambling Harm Reduction Week, people are encouraged to:

    • talk about the effect gambling is having on health and wellbeing
    • share stories to connect with others, enhance mental health, and build resilience
    • seek support for gambling harm, or offer support to someone experiencing gambling harm.

Community safety

Part of being supported in your community is feeling safe as you move around it. We want everyone in Merri-bek, whether they are a resident of visitor, to feel safe at all times.

What do we do to keep our community safe?

We have taken the following steps to improve community safety. 

  • We meet with Victoria Police every month to discuss issues around public safety. We also meet with licensed venues on Sydney Road to talk about keeping the public safe.

  • There are 9 CCTV cameras along Sydney Road Brunswick. These were set up in September 2014. The cameras are connected to the Brunswick Police Station and are fully operational 24 hours a day. Victoria Police officers and employees have been trained to operate the new CCTV camera system.

    The installation of CCTV security cameras was a more complex and lengthy process than we first thought. Learn about the progress of this project through the Moreland Council CCTV timeline. Download a map of Brunswick CCTV locations.

  • In 2015, nearly 3000 local street and laneway lights were converted to LED in Brunswick, Brunswick East and Brunswick West. In 2016, we signed a contract with Jemena, which manages street lights north of Merri-bek Road. An additional 5500 street lights were changed to LEDs in these suburbs. These streets are now much, much brighter.

    These new LED lights also reduce carbon emissions and reduce both the electricity and maintenance cost for us and the community.

  • Our goal is to light up the whole Upfield Bike Path and to get more people cycling.

    Download a map of Upfield Bike Path lighting upgrades.

  • We have installed illuminated late-night taxi ranks in Sydney Road, Brunswick to make it safer for you to get a taxi at night. These taxi ranks are available on Friday and Saturday nights, from 10pm–7am, and will provide a well-lit space to wait.

    You can find these taxi ranks at:

    • Eastbound: Brunswick Road, Brunswick, immediately west of Sydney Road
    • Southbound: 108-132 Sydney Road, Brunswick, near McDonalds
    • Northbound: 165-173 Sydney Road, Brunswick, near The Cornish Arms Hotel
    • Southbound: 412-420 Sydney Road, Brunswick, near The Penny Black and The Mess Hall

    You can download the Illuminated taxi rank locations map to see where these spots are located.

  • If you are feeling unsafe, or if you witness a crime, please call police on 000 or your local police station.

    Brunswick Police
    620 Sydney Road, Brunswick
    Phone: 8378 6000

    Fawkner Police
    1151 Sydney Road, Fawkner
    Phone: 9355 6000

Housing, food and employment relief

Emergency housing relief updates

Homelessness can impact anyone at any stage of their life. Merri-bek City Council acknowledges the dignity and human rights of individuals facing homelessness, recognising that homelessness, including people who are sleeping rough, is often the result of systemic issues. Secure housing is a fundamental human right and a necessity, crucial for individuals and families to contribute positively to society and maintain their health and well-being.

View our Homelessness Strategy 2024-2034 (PDF 415KB)

  • If you are experiencing homelessness or are in immediate crisis there are a number of services that can assist you to find safe housing.

    For assistance, contact:

Food relief

There are a number of services that provide food parcels to Victorians who need them. Click on the heading below that best suits your needs and find a service.  To find out more about food security in Merri-bek visit our food access and security page.