Community Health Profile: Ballarat, Victoria

This assignment requires a comprehensive analysis of the community health profile of Ballarat, Victoria. It involves researching various aspects such as demographics, access to healthcare, crime rates, government policies impacting health, and environmental influences. The student needs to gather data, compare it with regional and Victorian averages, and present a well-structured report with observations, comparisons, resources, and a final summary of their findings.

2017 NURBN1004 Fieldwork Workbook
Instructions:
ALL elements (12) are to be completed throughout the 8 week fieldwork period and this
workbook is then to be submitted for assessmentby 5pm, Friday 22nd Septemberalong with
your Community Profile Fact Sheet.
The elements are grouped strategically so you are addressing 3 elements each field work
session; which is every fortnight. They are grouped into topics, which are:
 People and Culture
 Environment and Accessibility
 Socioeconomic State and Connection
 Services and Resources
You will notice that each template has a coloured section at the bottom of the page and
each fieldwork session has agroup of elements that is in one particular colour. Eg: Week 2
elements are green, Week 4 elements are orange, and so on. ALL element groups are to be
completed within the 8 week period allocated.
During your fieldwork, you are to collect relevant observations and statistical evidence and
document them in the appropriate column inDOT FORM within the space provided. Be
succinct.ONE page per element ONLY is to be created.You may use smaller text, but no less
than size 10 font is to be used. Photos can be included and shrunk down in size. Photos are
to be referenced by stating YOU as the photographer, location and the date it was taken.
Data must be current, relevant and referenced correctly. NO PHOTOS are to be taken
directly of people.
Once you have gathered your evidence, you then need to step back and interpret what all
the information means- What does this all mean in terms of health for this population?
Make a short summary and demonstrate your understanding of the overall impact of each
element on this population, by answering the question in the coloured box at the bottom of
each page. Use the marking guide to ensure you are meeting all assessment requirements.
NOTE: The observations and evidence you can use during your fieldwork can include
information from all your senses. What do you see? What do you hear? What can you smell?
Also use other resources such as local television, newspapers or radio; what does this tell you
about this community? Look on local notice boards, newsletters, etc.
Fieldwork Workbook: weeks 1-2
People and Culture

Element1: HISTORY
This element is about exploring the history of this community. When was it established?
What determined the name? What significant buildings exist? How did the population come
to be here? What was the community founded on- industry, geographic location, etc? What
significant events has impacted on the development of this community today? How long
have residents lived here- long term or transient population? Can you discover anything else
that ‘paints a picture’ about the history of this community?
Observations (include photos) Data and Comparisons
(LGA)
Resources&
References
 The City of Ballarat is largest inland
centre at Victoria.
 Aboriginals inhabited the area prior
to 1837.
 The name has been derived from 2
words “Balla” and “Arat”, which
mean resting place.
 The area was subjected to rapid
immigration from August 1851 due
its development into a goldfield and
mining activities.
 Got its present name due to
amalgamation of local government.
 Major buildings are the Art gallery,
Australian exprisoners of war
memorial, arch of victory, ballarat
old general cemetery, kryal castle
and the gold museum.
 Acknowledges Wathaurung people
as traditional custodians of the
land.
 Victoria was
home to many
indigenous
populations
prior to
European
settlement.
However, the
City of Ballarat
had Dja Dja
Wurrung and
Wadawurung
indigenous
people living in
it for more than
40,000 years.

Sturt Street, 29/07/17, clicked by self.
Wildlife park, 31/07/17, clicked by self.
Ballarat high school, 02/08/17, clicked by
self.

Summary and Analysis:What does this history tell you about the people in your
community? Can you see any indirect links to health?
The community was started by aboriginals and indigenous people. Aboriginals suffer from
higher mortality due to cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, tobacco consumption aqnd
kidney related diseases.
Element 2: DEMOGRAPHICS
For this element you are required to examine the type of people that make up your
population. Here you may need to look at the larger population here (LGA data) to paint a
true picture. Think about the spread of ages across the population- young /old, gender
ratio, marital status, family units- single parent family/extended families in one dwelling,
etc.
*How does YOUR population compare to other LGAs or to Victoria as a whole?
Observations (include photos) Data and Comparisons
(LGA)
Resources &
References
 Estimated total population-
103,407.
 Estimated resident population-
101,686; living in 45,231 dwellings.
 Average household size- 2.38.
 Males- 48,864 (48.1%).
 Females- 52,821 (51.9%)
(Censusdata.abs.gov.au, 2017).
 44.9% people were married, 36.89%
unmarried, 9.26% divorced and
6.11% widowed.
 25,509 families were available
during the census.
 41.02% families were with children,
38.5% without children, 18.19%
single parent family and 1.56%
others.
 Out of 40,582 families, 2.11%
households were identified with
indigenous persons.
 Rest 97.89% households had people
belonging to other race and creed.
 Occupied private dwellings were
40,616.
 Victoria-5,926,624
resident population,
2,525,540 in
dwellings.
 Males- 2,908,077.
 Females- 3,018,549.
 Married- 2,344,107;
unmarried-
1,720,887; divorced-
382,544 and
widowed- 251,674
(Censusdata.abs.gov
.au, 2017).
 559,717 families
without children;
709,965 with
children and
234,596 one parent
families.
 Occupied private
dwellings-
2,112,699.

 Nonprivate dwellings were 3,405.
 There were 89.6% Australian
citizens.
 Population above 15 years of age
was 80.9%.
Sunday gathering, 01/08/17, clicked by self.
House at Brown Hills, 02/08/17, clicked by
self.

Summary and Analysis: What do the demographics tell you about the people in your
community?
There are more number of females than males. Most of the families have children and
occupy private dwellings. There are more indigenous households.
Element 3: CULTURE/RELIGION
This element explores the diversity of the people in your population. Here you need to
explore the ethnicity/race of the people (country of birth), what languages are spoken, what
religions are followed or celebrated, are there cultural festivals held, review buildings, shops
and restaurants, etc., in your community that may tell you about the culture of the people
who live here. Is your community of mainly one culture or a mixed one?
*How might this compare to other areas or to Victoria as a whole?
Observations (include photos) Data and Comparisons (LGA) Resources &
References

 1,473 aboriginals and Torres
strait islander people found.
 The maximum ancestries were
English, Australian and Irish.
 English- 42,457 (41.8%)
 Australian- 40,281 (39.6%)
 Irish- 16,063 (15.08%)
 Scottish- 12,431 (12.2%)
 German- 4,383 (4.3%)
 Dutch- 2,661 (2.6%)
 Italian- 2,512 (2.5%)
(Censusdata.abs.gov.au, 2017)
 Chinese- 1,632 (1.6%)
 Indian- 1,132 (1.1%)
 Welsh- 643 (0.6%)
 Total people born overseas
were 9,630 (9.5%).
 They belonged to non-English
speaking countries (5.5%), main
English speaking countries
(3.9%) and Australia (83.7%).
 Most of the overseas born
population belonged to the U.K
followed by New Zealand, India
and China.
 The number of non-religious
people experienced more
change when compared to
Christians and non-Christians in
2016.
 Christians- 24,725 (24.3%)
 Anglican- 10,823 (10.6%)
 Uniting Church- 6,930 (6.8%)
 Presbyterian and reformed-
2,800 (2.8%)
 Christian, nfd- 1,820 (1.8%)
 Churches of Christ- 958 (0.9%)
 Baptist- 900 (0.9%)
 Buddhism- 759 (0.7%0
 Pentecostal- 646 (0.6%)
 Hinduism- 616 (0.6%)
(Censusdata.abs.gov.au, 2017).
 Several cultural events like
ANZAC day, Australia day,
Children’s week, Ballarat
Backyard tasters, Harmony fest,
 47,788 indigenous
people.
 1,377,134 Catholic;
530,710 Anglican and
204,587 Eastern
Orthodox.
 Ancestry- 22.6%
English, 21.1%
Australian, 7.6%
Iriswh, 6.3% Scottish
and 4.7% Chinese.
 Overseas birth
ancestry- 64.9%
Australia, 2.9% for the
U.K and India, 2.7%
for China and 1.6% for
New Zealand.
Censusdata.abs.g
ov.au.
(2017). 2016
Census
QuickStats:
Victoria. Censusda
ta.abs.gov.au.
Retrieved 15
September 2017,
from
http://www.censu
sdata.abs.gov.au/
census_services/g
etproduct/census
/2016/quickstat/
2?opendocument

Christmas, Summer Sundays
and White Ribbon days are
held.
 Different shopping markets like
the Bridge mall, Central Square
Ballarat, Stockland Wendouree,
Mill market house a number of
speciality stores that offer a
wonderful retail experience.
 Widely visited restaurants are
The Forge Pizzeria, Yellow
Espresso, L’Espresso, Fu Man
Lou Dumpling Bar, Meigas and
Kambei Japanese Restaurants.
 The most important buildings
are the Arch of Victory, Olympic
Precinct, Chinese open
monument, Federation
University, Ballarat Base
hospital, Tramway Museum,
Sovereign hill and Australian Ex-
POW memorial.
Ballarat Central Uniting Church,
04/08/17, clicked by self.

Arch of Victory, 05/08/17, clicked by
self.
Bridge mall, 06/08/17, clicked by self.
Summary and Analysis:How can the diversity of the population influence health?
Diversity has a profound influence on health. Ethnic diversity and variations in culture and
language make few people more likely to get affected by certain hereditary diseases. The
communication and cultural barriers between a healthcare professional and a patient
should be removed for proper treatment procedures.
Fieldwork Workbook: weeks 3-4
Environment and Accessibility

Element4: PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
This element looks at the location and physical surrounds of this community. What climate
does this community have? What is the quality of the air, the water, etc.? What sort of
topography is it surrounded by? How accessible is the location (rural, remote, metro, etc)
and what natural disasters might it be prone to? What else can you tell me about the area
or environment where this community lives?
*How does this compare to other areas or to Victoria?
Observations (include photos) Data and
Comparisons (LGA)
Resources &
References
 Mean maximum temperature is 25.1°C for
January.
 Mean minimum temperature is 10.9°C for
January.
 Mean maximum temperature is 10.0°C for July.
 Mean minimum temperature is 3.2°C for July.
 Maximum rainfall occurs during the month of
July and August amounting to 60-75 mm rain.
 Air quality is good with 92-93% air quality
objectives being met on most days.
 All pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, ozone and
carbon monoxide met all air quality objectives
during the monitoring time period.
 Drinking water accessibility is moderate (59%)
 Water quality is not of very high standards
(67%)
 Drinking water pollution and its inaccessibility is
moderate (40%)
 General water pollution is low.
 It is located 110 kilometres north west from
Melbourne.
 The city lies at the foothills of the Great Diving
ranges.
 The area is also known as Central Highlands due
to absence of any gentle hills.
 The region is surrounded by undulating midland
plains of the Creswick and Rokewood region in
the south.
 Volcanic flows and alluvial sediments form the
soil.
 Located on the Yarrowee catchment alluvial
basin.
 No old forests exist.
 Major water bodies are Lake Wendouree and
Lake Burrumbeet.
 It is the 3rd largest city in Victoria.
 In Resident
areas of
Victoria,
visibility
does not
meet air
quality
objectives
during
winter
season.
 Average
temperatur
e- 32°C
during
summer,
15°C during
winter.
 Mean
annual
rainfall-
1800 mm.
 Good air
quality.

 The city is well connected to neighbouring cities
by bus services and train connections.
 Trams operate as a form of major tourist
attraction.
 4 main highways that radiate from the city are -
the Midland, the Western, the Sunraysia and
the Glenelg.
 It is connected to Industrial centres such as
Geelong, Melbourne, Portland and Adelaide.
 The city is vulnerable to several natural
calamities like tornado, hailstorms, droughts
and rock falls.
 Previous incidents provide evidence that fire
can destroy large areas of private and state
owned forest land if not managed adequately.
 The land area is about 73,867 hectares.
Rainfall in Delacombe, 13/08/17, clicked by self.
Ballarat Tramway Museum, 14/08/17, clicked by self.

Lake Burrumbeet, 15/08/17, clicked by self.
Summary and Analysis:How can WHERE you live impact on the health of a population?
Spatial location largely affects health of a person. Geographic place of birth and residence
directly influences our dietary patterns and living habits. People living in rural areas are
more likely to intake fresh fruits and vegetables compared to those in urban dwellings.
Moreover, the geography also makes a person more vulnerable to viral attacks.
Element5: RECREATION
This element is where we look at how the surroundings are used by people. Does the area
offer special places for sport or activities? Who uses these spaces? What risks are involved
in these activities? Do people come from outside the community to use these resources?
Do these recreational resources cater for everybody? Disability access?
Cultural/art/musical activities?
*How does this compare to other areas or to Victoria?
Observations (include photos) Data and Resources

Comparisons (LGA) &
References
 Art Gallery of Ballarat- it is Australia’s oldest
regional art gallery.
 Different collections of decorative art,
costume, paper, sculpture are displayed.
 It organizes community exhibitions and weekly
lunchtime talks.
 Provides free guided tours, cafe and
wheelchair access.
 Ballarat community health centre- provides
counselling to families and individuals who
deal with different issues in their lives.
 All residents of the community are eligible to
get enrolled there.
 Ballarat golf club- Houses award winning
greenside bistro and bar, has modern
conference facility and stocked pro shop.
 People who have club membership can
participate.
 Ballarat Italian Association incorporated-
Encourages Italian ancestry, language and
culture to interested people.
 Organizes film festivals, cultural performances,
special festivals.
 Cards, billiards and bocce are open on
weekends.
 Releases bimonthly newsletter.
 Ballarat south community club- Provides
access to information on local community,
promotes participation in community and
learning activities.
 Community gymnasium improves fitness and
health, cafe is present.
 Provides one-on-one job support facility. All
residents can participate in it.
 Cardigan village community centre- managed
by advisory committee.
 Residents use it to organize euchre, meetings,
playgroups and private functions.
 Some of the public BBQs are Alexander Park,
Buninyong Botanic Garden, Brown Hill reserve,
Lake Esmond, Victoria Park, Russell Square
reserve and Weeramar Park.
 There are 14 sports grounds, 54 tennis courts
and 3 baseball diamonds.
 45 kilometres of walking trails are present.
 Victoria-
Several
national
parks,
reserves,
marine
parks like
the
Churchill
Island
Marine
National
Park or the
Ninety Mile
Beach
Marine
National
Park are
present.
 There are
rainforests
and caves
that serve
as tourism
spots.
 Skiing,
recreational
fishing,
sports are
also
practiced in
Victoria.
 Outdoor
activities
also include
hiking and
walking
along trails.
 The
government
is working
to involve
more
people in
such

 The community organizes White Ribbon Day
on 25 November to eliminate violence against
women.
 Summer Sundays are celebrated every year at
the botanical gardens and feature jazz and
rock music, regional acts, street food, cocktail
and wine festival.
 Harmony fest is celebrates for 10 days in
March and promotes music, arts, films, food
and special events.
 The lakes allow recreational activities like
rowing, boating, and fishing. The playgrounds
near the lakes help people to participate in
bird watching, cycling, walking or running in
the tracks, BBQ facilities and picnics.
 People from all standards of living can
participate in these activities except certain
sports clubs where they need to have a
membership to avail the facilities.
 The recreational activities help to improve the
physical and psychological health of the
residents.
 The residents who are old, disabled or suffer
from any chronic disorders get immensely
benefitted.
 These activities have reduced obesity and
osteoporotic symptoms among many
community members.
Lake Esmond, 14/08/17, clicked by self.
activities.

Community parks, 15/08/17, clicked by self.
Ballarat Grammar, 16/08/17, clicked by self.
Summary and Analysis: How do the activities that are undertaken in this community
impact the health of its people?(Inclusive, accessible and affordable, risks/benefits?)

Most of the outdoor activities and community events will make people engage more in
physical training. This will improve sedentary mode of lifestyle and reduce risks of
cardiovascular disease or obesity. One significant risk factor associated with these
activities is the incidence of melanoma. Prolonged exposure to sun rays during outdoor
activities can increase the risk of melanoma among residents.
Element6:MOBILITY and TRANSPORTATION
For this element we look at how people move around this community. We modes of
transport (private and public), roads (quality, type, amount of traffic, etc), footpaths,
walking/bike tracks and so on. We think about issues such as cost, time of day, availability,
who uses them- young/old, disabled, mothers with prams, etc?
*How does this compare to other areas of Victoria?
Observations (include photos) Data and
Comparisons (LGA)
Resources
&
References
 2 railway stations serve the city- Ballarat
railway station and Wendouree railway
station.
 Commuters use these stations for trips to
Ararat, Maryborough and Melbourne.
 Plans for building new stations at Warrenheip
and Eureka stadium are being formulated.
 Buses ply in 19 routes across the city.
 New bus network was introduced in January
that provides frequent bus services.
 The different routes connect Ballarat to
Wendouree via Forest Street and Howitt
Street, Alfredton via Wendouree, Black hill,
Invermay Park, Brown Hill, Mount Pleasant,
Sebastopool, Buninyong via Federation
University, Delacombe, Creswick and Miner
Rest.
 These buses operate every half an hour.
 Victoria-
Peak traffic
time period
is from 8:00
am to 10:00
am.
 Major
stations
have trains
that operate
to regional
cities like
Bendigo,
Ballarat,
Seymour
and
Geelong.
 15 train
lines and a

 Minor changes have been introduced in the
school bus services as well that has improved
that picking up school students.
 It is one of the largest regional centres in
Victoria.
 Dawson Street, Mair Street and Princes Street
get affected the most by heavy traffic.
 Commuters pass through 7 signals and 2
roundabouts while moving through Mair
Street.
 High traffic volumes are generally seen at the
intersection of Mair Street and Lydiard Street
during the day.
 Sturt Street also faces heavy traffic due to the
dual carriageway facility. That invites more
tourists.
 When moving in eastbound direction, travel
time in Sturt Street is a minute less than Mair
Street.
 Between Devetion Street and Peel Street, the
traffic volume operates beyond its capacity.
 Roads generally get closed due to water
works, power works, sudden collision and any
social event.
 All of these roads are used by young children,
old and disabled people and pregnant
women.
Ballarat Railway station, 15/08/17, clicked by self.
tram
network
operate in
the region.
 300 bus
routes are
enlisted
under public
transport
Victoria.

Ballarat High School intersection traffic, 16/08/17,
clicked by self.
Bus on Sturt Street, 18/08/17, clicked by self.
Summary and Analysis: How does mobility or transport impact on health within your
community?
If well networked transport system exists within a community, it will prevent people from
using cycles or walking to their work place or schools. Low physical activity will lead to
overweight and obesity.

Fieldwork Workbook: weeks 5-6
Socioeconomic State and Connection
Element 7: ECONOMY
This element addresses the financial and employment state of the community and its
population. You will explore employment rates, types of workforce and industry, income
rates, etc. This might include data about housing (own/renting, homeless), single/double
income families, retirees/pensions, etc.
*How does this compare to other areas or to Victoria?
Observations (include photos) Data and
Comparisons
(LGA)
Resources &
References
 47,924 people were employed in June
2016 compared to 45,664 in 2011.
 Unemployment rates in March 2017 were
4.53%.
 Number of unemployed people was
approximately 2,453.
 Total labour force was around 60% of the
employed population.
 55% were employed full-time and 35%
were employed half-time
(Profile.id.com.au, 2017) .
 Labour force showed an increase by more
than 12% in 2016, when compared to data
from 2006.
 More number of people works in
healthcare industry, social assistance and
retail trade.
 Manufacturing and education
departments show a good number of
employed people.
 Mining industry offers employment to
least number of people.
 21% professionals reside in the community
followed by sales workers, managers and
personal service workers.
 5.5% people went to workplaces by car
followed by 3.2% who went by walking or
cycling.
 3.4% people worked from home.
 22% people work as volunteers.
 Around 70.8% people (58,200) are
 Victoria-
2,977,34
3
employe
d
residents
in 2016.
 Unemplo
yment
rates
5.54% in
March.
 Total
labour
force-
58%.
 Lower
proportio
n in
employm
ent
status.
 Higher
proportio
n in
unemplo
yment
status.
 similar
industry
Smploym
Profile.id.com.au.
(2017). Employment
status | City of
Ballarat |
profile.id. Profile.id.
com.au. Retrieved
15 September 2017,
from
http://profile.id.co
m.au/ballarat/empl
oyment-status

involved in unpaid domestic work.
 7.6% population earned more than 1,750
dollars per week.
 40.3% earned a less income of 500 dollars
per week.
 13% households earned more than 2,500
dollars per week.
 81% separate houses, 17.8% medium
density dwellings, and 0.2% high density
dwellings.
 34% households contained 2 persons and
29.6% contained 1 person.
 36.1% houses were owned outright, 34%
with mortgage and 25.7% were rented.
State government office at Ballarat, 19/08/17,
clicked by self.
Hands of a labourer at a construction site,
20/08/17, clicked by self.
ent rates.
 Lesser
percenta
ge of
professio
nals and
clerical or
administr
ative
workers.
 Larger
percenta
ge of
manager
s and
labourers
.
 Maximu
m
employe
d people
going to
work in
cars
(5.4%)
and by
walking
(4.6%).
 More
volunteer
s (24%).
 Less
percenta
ge of
people
who
worked
unpaid
for 15
hours of
domestic
work
(69%).
 6.9%
populatio
n earned
a more

Mid-city motel, Ballarat, 21/07/17, clicked by self.
income
and
40.2%
earned a
less
income.
 12.5%
househol
ds
earned
more
than
2,500
dollars
per
week.
 87.9%
separate
houses,
9.9%
medium
density
dwellings
, and
0.3% high
density
dwellings
.
 36.2%
househol
ds
containe
d 2
persons
and 29%
containe
d 1
person.
 32.3%
houses
were
owned
outright,
35.3%
with
mortgage
and

28.7%
were
rented.
Summary and Analysis: How can the socioeconomic status of your community impact on
the health of the population?
Socioeconomic disparities exist in health services. Poverty is associated with poor health
outcomes in people. Less education and low standard of living makes proper health facilities
inaccessible to the people. This aggravates the disorders and increases mortality.
Element 8: EDUCATION
This element explores the level and type of education within the community. This
includes private or public, what level students leave study, attrition rates, what extra
curriculum activities the education facilities offer and so on. You need to consider all levels
of education; from preschool/childcare (early childhood) through to tertiary education or
trade qualifications.
*How does this compare to other areas or to Victoria?
Observations (include photos) Data and
Comparisons (LGA)
Resources &
References
 45% people above 15 years of age have
completed schooling till year 12.
 14.8% completed till year 11, 17.3% till year
10 and 5.8% till year 8 or below than that.
 Approximately 17,800 people had tertiary
qualification.
 In 2011, 16.3% had a Bachelor’s degree,
7.4% had an advanced diploma, 19% were
trained in vocational courses and 46.5% had
no qualifications.
 Extracurricular activities organised by the
schools include school camps for grades 3-7,
excursions, swimming programs, concerts
and clubs.
 Victoria-
38.9%
people
above 15
years of age
have
completed
schooling till
year 12.
 16%
completed
till year 11,
19% till year
10 and 6.7%
till year 8 or
below than
that.
 Higher
proportion
of students

Federation University, 22/08/17, clicked by self.
Little Bendigo Primary School, 22/08/17,clicked by
self.
Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre, 23/08/17,
clicked by self.
who left
school at
early level
like year 10.
 Less people
had a
Bachelor’s
degree
(12.5%) and
advanced
diploma
(7.2%). More
people were
trained in
vocational
courses
(20.7%) and
had no
qualifications
(48.4%).
Summary and Analysis:How does the level, or type, of education of YOUR population
influence Health in this community?

Educated people are more aware of the ill effects of environmental factors and poor
lifestyle habits on their health. However, less educated people do not keep these risk
factors into consideration owing to their ignorance and become more likely to get exposed
to various germs that may lead to several fatal diseases.
Element 9: INTERACTION/ISOLATION
This element explores the way people communicate and interact with each other within
this community. Is this an interactive community, or do people keep to themselves? How
do they communicate- local gathering areas, internet access, local radio or television
stations, newspapers/newsletters, etc? Is isolation an issue?
*How does this compare to other areas or to Victoria?
Observations (include photos) Data and Comparisons
(LGA)
Resources
&
References
 The residents interact with one another in
different community centres where they
engage in recreational activities like
netball, basketball, fun skates and general
sports.
 The neighbourhood centres help people to
engage in community events.
 They are not isolated from each other.
 A large gathering usually occurs at places
of worship.
 Low annual subscription rates of the
Mechanics Institute Library, Outreach van
and University of Federation Library help
people to interact and gather information
on a plethora of subjects.
 ABC Ballarat is one of the newest radio
stations that started from 2003.
 Other stations are 102.3 FM, 103.1 FM,
99.9 FM and 103.9 FM.
 Major television channels are WIN, GO!,
Prime7, 7mate,7Two and BTV Channel 6.
 There are 2 local newspapers- The Miner
(free weekly) and The Courier (daily).
 75.2% have home internet access. (79.6 in
 Victoria offers
similar kind of
interactive
facilities for its
residents. They
participate in
different
recreational
activities and
community
events.
 Television-
VK3RTV,
VK3RBO.
 Radio channels-
3ABCFM,
3ABCRN, and
3ABCRR.
 Newspapers-
The Advocate,
The Age, Epoch
Times,
Melbourne
Observer, The

Victoria)
WIN television office, 01/09/17, clicked by self.
Gathering at a community playground, 29/07/17,
clicked by self.
Herald Sun.
Summary and Analysis: How does the way people interact or communicate in YOUR
community impact on their health?
More gatherings, effective interaction and improved social community experience helps to
demolish isolation and feelings of depression and apathy among people. That significantly
improves mental faculties and reduces chances of suicidal ideation.

Fieldwork Workbook: weeks 7-8
Services and Resources
Element10: HEALTH/SOCIAL SERVICES
This element explores all the different services and resources available to the population in
terms of their health (mental and physical). Consider both public or private health services,
volunteer organisations, community activities and groups (Men’s shed, Probus, Meals on
Wheels), etc. What are the main health issues evident in this community? What common
acute/chronic diseases exist (rates)? What priority health area needs are being met/or need
to be improved?
*How does this compare to other areas or to Victoria?
Observations (include photos) Data and
Comparisons (LGA)
Resources & References
 Several maternal and child
health centres are present in
Girrabanya, Wendouree,
Buninyong and Sebastopol.
 Immunisation is provided art The
Girrabanya centre for children
and families, Sebastopol Ballarat
community health and Cooinda
centre among many.
 There are several senior citizen
clubs like the Polish Seniors Club
Inc, South Senior Citizens Inc,
Delacombe Companion Club and
North Ballarat Senior Citizens
club. These cater to the needs of
the old residents.
 The Probus Clubs- Ballarat and
District is a social group mean to
serve retired and semi-retired
citizens.
 Help to aged communities are
provided by several care centres
like the Ballarat and District
Community Support Register,
Centre for Cultural Diversity in
Aging, Cota Victoria and
Linkages.
 They promote independence
and dignity among older people.
 They improve the emotional and
physical wellbeing of the aged
 Probus
Association
of Victoria
encourages
exchange
of
information
and ideas
(Probusvic.
com.au,
2017).
 Maternal
and child
health
centres-
The Royal
Children’s
Hospital,
Kensington
Community
Children’s
Cooperativ
e and
Family
Services at
Carlton
Baths
among
others.
 Most
prevalent
Probusvic.com.au.
(2017). Home. Probusvic.co
m.au. Retrieved 15
September 2017, from
https://www.probusvic.co
m.au/

population.
 Cardiovascular diseases have
highest prevalence (32%).
 Bowel (38.6%), breast (62.7%)
and cervical cancers (56.8%)
affect the most.
 15.6% are smokers, 33% are
overweight and 19% are obese.
 15.9% deaths occur due to
suicidal tendencies and self-
harm.
 15.6% show a prevalence of
anxiety and depression.
 12.7% suffer from psychological
disorders.
 The health department is
working towards achieving
increased rate of physical
activity, reduce harms related
from tobacco consumption,
improve healthy eating habits,
and reduce obesity, social
exclusion and alcoholism.
Hands of an elderly person at North
Ballarat Senior Citizens club, 03/09/17,
clicked by self.
diseases
are
Arthritis,
Osteoporos
is,
depression,
heart
disease.
Cancer,
obesity and
diabetes.

Girrabanya Child and Maternity health
centre, 04/09/17, clicked by self.
Summary and Analysis:What do these findings tell you about the health of this
community? Are any gaps apparent?
These facts suggest that the community follows a sedentary lifestyle. Proper awareness
campaigns should be developed to help people know about the risk factors that make them
prone to the common disorders. There are gaps in the healthcare system of the community.
To reduce the incidence of these diseases, a holistic and patient centered management is
required.
Element11: SAFETY
This element is about how safe people feel while living in this community? This includes
examining crime rates, types of crimes, protective services and so on. It also includes looking
at things that make people safe; like school crossings, road or waterway barriers, traffic
lights, etc. What other things demonstrate security or fear within this community (bars on
windows, locking cars/houses, security cameras, etc.)? Are there other health safety issues-
rubbish collection, vermin control, wildlife on roads, etc?
*How does this compare to other areas or to Victoria?
Observations (include photos) Data and Comparisons
(LGA)
Resources &
References
 Crime statistics reported till March
2017 reveal 4,091 cases of theft,
1,315 breaches of orders, 1,218
burglary, 1,191 cases of property
damage and 1,006 incidents related
 In March year
ending, the
Victorian police
recorded
461,265 offences
Communityindicat
ors.net.au.
(2017). Ballarat |
CIV. Communityind
icators.net.au.
Retrieved 15

to assaults (Police.vic.gov.au, 2017).
 96.9% felt safe when they walk
alone at daytime.
 64.9% feel safe alone at night
(Communityindicators.net.au,
2017).
 To maintain safety, most houses
have security cameras installed.
 The cars and houses are always
locked when not in use.
 Ballarat has many animal reserves
and zoos.
 People have not reported any
incidents of getting affected by
wildlife on roads.
Locked doors at a house in Sturt Steet,
07/09/17, clicked by self.
which was 4%
higher than last
year.
 189,191 cases of
theft, 3,293
robberies and
43,765 incidents
related to
assaults.
 More number of
people felt safe
when walking
alone (97%)
during the day
or night in
Victoria (70.3%)
(Communityindic
ators.net.au,
2017).
September 2017,
from
http://www.comm
unityindicators.net
.au/wellbeing_rep
orts/ballarat
Police.vic.gov.au.
(2017). Victoria
Police -
Media. Police.vic.g
ov.au. Retrieved 15
September 2017,
from
http://www.police.
vic.gov.au/content.
asp?
a=internetBridging
Page&Media_ID=7
2178
Summary and Analysis:How safe is your community? How does this influence the health of
the population?
The community is not extremely safe. Rates of criminal offences that occur within the area
suggest that people are at a risk of getting injured during any such event. These criminal
attempts can also lead to accidental deaths. People who feel less safe in the area owing to
these offences are likely to suffer from anxiety and paranoia.
Element12:GOVERNMENT/POLITICS

This element looks at the different levels of Government and their impact on this
community. You need to find out who the different representatives are from the different
levels of government that look after your community? What responsibilities do they have,
especially in terms of health for your population? Think Mayor/Councillors, member of
parliament etc. Also what are the health priority areas being addressed by your local
government?
*How does this compare to other Areas or to Victoria?
Observations (include photos) Data and
Comparisons (LGA)
Resources &
References
 Samantha McIntosh is the mayor since
November.
 She promotes the social heritage and
outstanding built of the city, looks after
landscape approaches to heritage
management and works to improve the
arts, event and tourism sectors.
 The other councillors are Belinda Coates,
Mark Harris, Grant Tillett, Des Hudson, Ben
Taylor and Jim Rinaldi (Ballarat.vic.gov.au,
2017).
 The councillors look after community
development, engage in health promotion
strategies and have several fiscal
responsibilities.
 The major health priority areas that are
addressed by the city council are healthy
eating habits and active living, mental
health improvement and reduction of injury
and violence.
Ballarat City Council, 12/09/17, clicked by self.
 Mayor of
Victoria-
Robert
Doyle.
 Councillors-
Rohan
Leppert,
Philip Le Liu,
Kevin Louey,
Cathy Oke,
Nicholas
Reece, Tessa
Sullivan and
Susan Riley.
 They are
engaged in
maintaining
healthcare
systems,
transport
facilities,
environment
, arts,
heritage and
culture.
Ballarat.vic.gov
.au. (2017). City
of Ballarat -
Councillors and
Wards. Ballarat
.vic.gov.au.
Retrieved 15
September
2017, from
http://www.bal
larat.vic.gov.au
/ac/councillors-
and-wards.aspx

Summary and Analysis:How is YOUR government influencing the health of your
population?
The government is undertaking several health management plans that will try to reduce
smoking rates in people. These plans aim to reduce rates of alcoholism, inculcate healthy
food and water intake habits, make the residents undergo regular screening for cancer and
diabetes and make them aware of the risk factors that can increase the occurrence of heart
disease.