Braybrook is one of Victoria’s worst areas for long-term unemployment.
A new report commissioned by Jesuit Social Services uncovers chronic levels of unemployment in the suburb.
Dropping off the Edge reveals that Braybrook is in the top 10 of Victoria’s areas for long-term unemployment (sixth) and unemployment (ninth). The report cites areas “where existing social services … are failing to make a real difference”, which puts Braybrook among the state’s most disadvantaged suburbs.
“A new approach, targeted at reducing the most severe, deep-seated disadvantage, is needed,” Dropping off the Edge reports.
Jobless rates were also found to be high in Braybrook by the federal government’s
Small Area Labour Markets report, which found 13.3 per cent of residents were unemployed in the March quarter. Maribyrnong mayor Nam Quach said his council’s Revitalising Braybrook project included funding of $9 million towards the $12.5 million Braybrook Community Hub, as well as a range of ‘soft’ measures, such as leadership training.
Cr Quach said the council was tackling health and housing issues but needed better support from other levels of government.
“I don’t think it’s fair to see this as a federal issue or a state issue or a local government issue. We need to recognise this is a vulnerable community, and we all have a duty of care.”
