MORE funding could flow to Werribee after it was revealed as Wyndham’s most disadvantaged suburb in rankings which will be used to guide government spending.
Census data from 2011 has been used to create a socio-economic index which ranks every suburb by people’s ability to contribute to society. The rankings measure income, type of employment, housing and broadband access.
Australian Bureau of Statistics analytical services branch director, Dr Phillip Gould, said the rankings were used by governments to determine areas that required additional funding for improved services.
They also helped guide research into the relationship between health and education outcomes and the socio-economic conditions of an area.
Dr Gould said it was not uncommon for areas to have pockets of advantage and disadvantage. “It’s important to remember, that indexes are assigned to geographic areas, not to individuals. “For example, it’s possible for a relatively advantaged person to reside in an area which may have a low score.”
Werribee was ranked 79th in Victoria, with a disadvantage score of 951, making it Wyndham’s most disadvantaged suburb. It was followed by Hoppers Crossing south, (123rd in the state) and Wyndham Vale (156). Point Cook was Wyndham’s least disadvantaged suburb, scoring 1106 and ranking 398th statewide.
Wyndham Salvation Army community support services manager Sue Brookshaw said while many clients were from Werribee, Hoppers Crossing and Wyndham Vale, it was not uncommon for families from Point Cook to need help.
“Our client based is really across the board. There is no focus on a particular area.
“A lot of people have been affected by changes in Centrelink payments and a reduction in [working] hours.”
Victoria’s most disadvantaged suburb was Broadmeadows, while the least disadvantaged was South Wharf.
