Community Profile Report: Detailed Analysis of Yarra Ranges Shire

This community profile report provides a comprehensive overview of the Shire of Yarra Ranges, a local government area near Melbourne, Australia. The report examines various aspects of the community, including its history, demographics, culture, physical environment, recreational facilities, transportation, socio-economic status, education, and social interaction. Key findings highlight the diverse population, the impact of the environment and transportation on health, the economic contributions of various sectors, and the educational attainment levels. The report also addresses the challenges of social isolation and access to health and social services within the region, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis draws upon data from various sources, including census data, council reports, and research studies, to provide a detailed understanding of the community's strengths, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

Community Profile Report -
YARRA RANGE SHIRE
1

1. People and culture
History
Background
The Shire of Yarra Ranges which is also known as Yarra Range Shire is a
local government area present in Australia along the suburbs of
Melbourne. The area which is covered within is around 2,468 sq km
having population of around 158,173. It was established in the year 1994
with the merger of the three community or parts as Shire of Sherbrooke,
Shire of Lillydale, Shire of Healesville and Shire of Upper Yarra. Before the
European settlement the entire land was occupied by WurundJeri people.
The people of the community are engaged in the activities related to
agriculture and gold mining activities. Apart from this the main industries
that has been operating within the community includes electrical
equipment and appliance manufacturing, agriculture, building
construction.
Impact on health
The cultural policy along with the action plan that has been implemented
reflects the vision of the community for Yarra Ranges which is to guide
the cultural and heritage services. This ensures that all the people of the
community are engaged in the cultural programme which implies that all
the people provide support to each other in case of emergencies. Apart
from this the government ensures that they have cross sectoral impact
due to which the contribution is managed among different people.
Resources and references
 https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Council/About-the-region
Demographics
Background
The community includes the mixture of both urban and rural. There are
around 55 suburbs, townships as well as small communities due to which
it becomes one of the most diverse municipality within the state. Around
70% of the population of the area lives in the urban area which reflect
only 3% of the landmass of the entire range. The number of female is
more than the males within the community.
The data provided on different aspects for the locality is given below:
Age
group
Town/City/Suburb LGA (Victoria) State
(Australia)
0-4 years 9143(6.1%) 371,220(6.3%) 1,464,779(6.3%)
5-9 years 9750(6.5%) 368,631(6.2%) 1,502,646(6.4%)
10-14 9561(6.4%) 341,063(5.8%) 1,397,183(6.0%)
2

years
15-19
years
9760(6.5%) 356,340(6.0%)
Shire of Yarra
Ranges
1,421,595(6.1%)
20-24
years
8912(6.0%) 413,792(7.0%) 1,566,793(6.7%)
25-29
years
8796(5.9%) 441,266(7.4%) 1,664,602(7.1%)
Marital
status
Town/City/Suburb LGA(Victoria) State(Australia
)
Married 60816(50.2%) 2344107(48.4%) 9148218(48.1%)
Separated 3893(3.2%) 146493(3.0%) 608059(3.2%)
Divorced 10957(9.0%) 382544(7.9%) 1626890(8.5%)
Widowed 5557(4.6%) 251674(5.2%) 985204(5.2%)
Never
Married
39851(32.9%) 1720887(35.5%) 6668910(35.0%)
Impact on health
 On the basis of the facts and figures so gathered from the
demographics is it analysed that the ratio among the genders is
equal and due to this they have better development opportunities
for all. Along with this it is identified that most of people belongs to
the age group of 40-45 years.
Resources and references
 https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/
getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/LGA27450?opendocument
 https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Council/About-the-region
Culture and/or Religion
Background
In the Yarra Ranges council most the people follows the Western Catholic
culture as 18.1% of the all the people follows the same while the 42.8% of
the people do not follow and specific culture. The remaining of the 8.2% of
the population does not answer any question in relation to the religion.
The cultural venues includes that people actively participate in the
creativity, art and culture related activities. For the years this range
enjoys the presence of six multi-purpose community and centres for art
which are considered to be crucial for entertainment, celebrations,
learning, meetings and networking. 7.1% of the population within the
range speaks a language other than English at home while 88% of the
population within the range speaks only English due to which they have
better understanding among all.
3

Impact on health
 On the basis of the information so gathered it is identified that the
population within the locality is highly diverse in context of culture
and their belonging to the ethically cultural group. As the people of
the community speaks similar language and have understanding of
other language this implies that people can take all the services
related to heath without facing any barrier of understanding.
Resources and references
 https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Experience/The-Arts/Cultural-
venues
 https://profile.id.com.au/yarra-ranges/religion
 https://profile.id.com.au/yarra-ranges/language
1. Environment and Accessibility
4

Physical environment
Background
The physical environment of a particular place reflects the vegetation,
information about the sustainability in the community, access to the
resources which are present at the particular location, climatic condition
etc. the climatic condition which is experienced includes 1.1 degree
Celsius while the rainfall is lower but the climatic situation is expected to
be extreme in the upcoming time. The government has taken various
initiates to manage the same such as various heating and cooling system
has been installed along with energy efficient lighting system. Along with
this the sustainability of the homes, schools etc. are taken into
consideration so that better standard of living can be ensured. The
integrated transportation system is implemented within the Yarra Ranges
as they have better public transport connection for the local connectivity.
The ranges is accessible through buses which can be taken from the
major destination within the state.
Impact on health
Better concern for the environment has impact of health of the people but
the government has been taking all the necessary initiatives to ensure
sustainable community by implementing policies for vegetation and
plantation. The changing climatic condition has impact on the health as it
can lead to various issues faced by them.
Resources and references
 https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Environment/Climate-change
 https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Environment
Recreation
Background
The recreational and open space strategy has been adopted by the
council of the Shire of Yarra Ranges on the basis of which they have
undertaken the research and planned various actions for the same. The
development of the swimming pools, playgrounds and sports activities are
offered by ensuring sufficient space for the same. In Yarra Range the
Belgrave Lake Park is considered to be place that attracts tourists for
picnicking, swimming and camping. All the resources such water is
supplied to the destination efficiently by the Dandenong Town with which
its maintenance is ensured. Along with this various art and cultural
activities are organised in different centres such as high schools,
exhibition centres etc. Belgrave South Recreation Reserve is sports
ground that is used by the people for various sports activities such as
football, netball, cricket as they have different clubs within the centre.
Impact on health
5

The recreational activities enables the people to take a break from the
routine activities and this also enables them to spend time with the family
and friends. This facilitates the people to bring balance in their routine
activities so that they can manage the level of stress. It reduces the
chances of health related issues for the people.
Resources and references
 https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Experience
 https://planning-schemes.delwp.vic.gov.au/schemes/yarraranges
Mobility and Transportation
Background
For ensuring better connectivity with various other destinations the
council ensures that they have better transportation facility. The
community members of Yarra Ranges are more interested in using their
personal cars along with public transport due to which they need to have
connection through different modes such as cycling, walking, public
transport etc. along with this the council ensures that they have better
footpaths, more walk able neighbourhoods and cycling networks
separated from roads. For the shorter distance the people prefers cycle or
walking for the local destinations, while the state government has been
emphasising on more frequent trains and buses so that connectivity with
major locations can be ensured.
Impact on health
The better mobility and transportation ensures that they have better
services and reach to the heath care facilities. Along with this the
conciousness of the people in context of the use of the vehicles such as
cycle and walk for shorter distances improves the health of the
individuals.
Resources and references
 file:///home/user/Downloads/
Draft_Integrated_Transport_Strategy_2019.pdf
 https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Council/Corporate-
documents/Policies-strategies/Integrated-Transport-Strategy
Socio-economic status and connection
Economy
Background
Yarra Ranges Shire is a community which act as a home to 1,59,562
individuals. Further, it has been acknowledged that the respective
community provides support by way of giving 41,700 jobs. With the help
of this, the overall economic output yielded by this industry account to
6

$13.285b. In addition to this, it is recognised that the manufacturing
sector pertinent to this community is the highest contributor to the
economic output yielded by Yarra Ranges Shire. The contribution accounts
to 22.6% of the total yield which amounts to approximately $3b. Retail
sector is known to the largest employer within the bounds of this region
through provision of 5223 jobs that illustrate 12.53% of the overall
employment within the community. This community can be contrasted
with Victoria to find out that the region is doing quite well in terms of the
economy and thereby giving an effective contribution in the economic
development of the country.
As per the above table, it can be interpreted that the Gross Regional
Product of the region as per 2019 was $6.578b.
Impact on health
As per the analysis of economy of the region, it can be said that the
high level of employment within the community provides assistance to its
people to maintain their health status in an effective manner.
Resources and references
https://app.remplan.com.au/yarraranges/economy/summary?
state=ggAJfgPaKCkdblXHB6dapOTqI9IRKr
Education
Background
As of the reports of 2016, it has been determined that 47.1% of the
individuals belonging to age group of more than 15 years had done their
Year 12 schooling in the Yarra Ranges Shire region. This statistic is
however lesser when compared to Greater Melbourne or Victoria. Besides
this, it has been acknowledged that 4704 persons pertinent to the
respective region in the year 2016 were going to attend universities. This
demonstrates that 3.1% of the total population was attending the
university, as against 6.4% in the territory of Greater Melbourne.
7

Impact on health
The education pattern within the Yarra Ranges Shire region has
been acknowledged to be positive. This means that a significant
proportion of the total population of the region have done their schooling
or attended university. This implies a positive impact upon their health as
they can easily maintain their healthy lifestyle and also do a good job to
earn for their healthy living status.
Resources and references
https://profile.id.com.au/yarra-ranges/education
https://profile.id.com.au/yarra-ranges/schooling
8

Interaction/Isolation
Background
As per the overall analysis of the region of Yarra Ranges Shire, it has
been acknowledged that people pertinent to this region are not much
social. This means that they are not keen on exhibiting extroversion. Thus,
the direct impact of this is seen in terms of limited social connection which
prevails within the people of this region. This leads to isolation of people
in the region.
Impact on health
The direct impact of isolation of people can be seen upon their
health status. When there is limited social connection between individuals,
they tend to experience mental health issues. This means that they
encounter a sense of alienation which adversely impacts upon their
overall health in the long run. This is one of the major reasons why the
mental health statistics of Yarra Ranges Shire is on a rise.
Resources and references
https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/hdp.au.prod.app.vic-
rcvmhs.files/4715/6574/1031/Yarra_Ranges_Council.pdf
Services and Resources
Health and Social Services
Background
Yarra Ranges Shire has been acknowledged to be having some of
the most adverse mental statistic in the bounds of Victoria that are
measures via the Victorian Population Health Survey, hospital admission
data and surveys of young people. A report of 2017 has shown that the
people of this area experience higher rate of psychological distress in all
age groups (20%) as against the state average of 12.6%. In this relation,
the main factors that have contributed to this state of people include lack
of access to health and mental health services, constricted social relation,
miserable transportation options and stigma of mental illness.
COVID-19 pandemic has been a real challenge for every region. To
combat this, there are several entities which are providing health care
services in the region of Yarra Ranges Shire. Many of the basic services of
these organisations have been adapted such that they can suit the
restrictions of this pandemic. Yarra Valley Health, EACH, Inspiro, Care
Support Network, Anglicare Victoria – Strengthening Parents Support
Program, I CAN Network, Family and Children’s Services, Anchor Inc, Holy
Fools, The Salvation Army, Uniting Harrison, HICCI are some of the
9

organisations that provide health related services and care within the
respective region.
Impact on health
The low level of health services and lack of access to people of Yarra
Ranges Shire have a direct upon the health status of people. The impacts
can be observed with the help of below images that are based on a survey
conducted in the year 2008:-
10
Illustration 1: Percentage of persons at short-
term risk of alcohol-related harm, 2008
Illustration 2: Percentage of persons at long-
term risk of alcohol-related harm, 2008
Illustration 3: Smoking status, 2008

11
Illustration 4: Percentage of overweight and
obesity in adults, 2008
Illustration 5: Percentage of adults who met
guidelines for the number ofserves of fruit
and/or vegetables per day, 2008
Illustration 6: Levels of physical activity, 2008
Illustration 7: Levels of psychological distress,
2008

Resources and references
https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/hdp.au.prod.app.vic-
rcvmhs.files/4715/6574/1031/Yarra_Ranges_Council.pdf
https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Council/Coronavirus-Updates/
Community-relief-and-support-agencies
https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/about/publications/researchandreports/
Yarra-Ranges
Safety
Background
The crime rates have been constantly increasing within the region of
Yarra Ranges Shire. In this relation, it has been identified that the total
crimes across the region increased by an overall 20% from 7658 in the
year 2018 to 9192. In addition to this, it has been determined that
criminal offences within the same period got inflated by 11.4%, to 6175
from 5541.
In this relation, several local initiatives have been taken in order to
ensure security and safety of the people pertinent to this region. Also,
statewide initiatives have been taken to secure the people. Some of the
local initiatives have been enlisted beneath:-
 Eyewatch
 New police station at Warburton
 Worawa youth program
 Healesville Indigenous Community Services Association Youth
Program
 Yarra Glen Girl Guides Community Safety
 Family violence specialists
 PSOs on the transport network
Impact on health
Even when local and statewide initiatives are being taken up for
securing the people belonging to the region of Yarra Ranges Shire, the
population of this region still does not feel safe and secure because of the
constant increase in crime rates with the passage of time. This leads to
mental illness within the people having a negative influence upon their
overall mental state.
Resources and references
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/outer-east/lilydale-chirnside-park-
and-mooroolbark-in-top-three-crime-hot-spots-in-yarra-ranges/news-
story/39dc116256763cbda5619719feeea146
https://communitysafety.vic.gov.au/victorian-regions/northern-victoria/
yarra-ranges-shire-council/
Government and Politics
12