The Greater Shepparton Community Safety Action Group met on Wednesday, August 19 to discuss the newly created Community Safety Action Plan.
The plan provides a shared framework for group partners to identify priorities, co-ordinate effort and support practical action that improves safety, connection and wellbeing across Greater Shepparton.
It helps focus collective resources on issues where collaboration can make the greatest difference.
The action group comprises members from Victoria Police, Greater Shepparton City Council, the Victorian Department of Education, Ambulance Victoria, Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District, Neighbourhood Watch, Goulburn Valley Health, Greater Shepparton Business Network, Primary Care Connect, Department of Justice and Community Safety, Connect GV, the Victorian Department of Health, RoadSafe Goulburn Valley, Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative, Goulburn Valley Pride, Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project, the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and other key partners.
It will also involve consultation with sporting clubs, schools and other community groups.
Police Greater Shepparton Local Area Commander Inspector Cameron Sanderson said the group was all about providing a holistic approach to community safety.
“By working together, and focusing on connection and wellbeing, we can improve safety from all angles,” he said.
Greater Shepparton City Council community wellbeing manager Renee Austin said community safety was a shared responsibility.
“The Greater Shepparton Community Safety Action Group brings together council, Victoria Police and many other stakeholders to share knowledge and work towards practical solutions that make our community safer and more connected,” she said.
"This partnership helps ensure community safety priorities are informed by local knowledge, data and the experiences of people who live and work in Greater Shepparton."
Key priorities of the plan include boosting safety in public places, engaging young people in community life and reducing harm caused by drugs and alcohol.
Another key focus is reducing road trauma, with five people killed on Shepparton roads this year alone.
That compares to two this time last year.
The group will next meet in October.
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