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Community well-being is related to the well-being of families and individuals who make up a community. The level of community well-being is influenced by five main determinants;
- Environmental factors – such as air, water, food and soil quality;
- Socioeconomic factors – such as education, employment, expenditure on health, and average weekly earnings;
- Community capacity – such as population density, age distribution, health, literacy, housing, community support services and transport;
- Health behaviours – attitudes, beliefs, knowledge and behaviour patterns;
- Person-related factors.
(Source: Queensland Government 2003 – Social Indicators for Addressing Health Inequalities.)
Development through services, programs, policies and resource allocation that are directed to improving any aspect with the five determinants are, by assisting the individual and the community, promoting and building the well being of the whole community.
Indicators for the project were derived through a process of consultation with the community where participants were given the opportunity to identify what their values and aspirations are. During this process participants were asked to identify what they value about living in the area and what is important to them, their family and friends.
The following key themes and priorities within the community well-being framework developed for the Bathurst Region were selected by the community.
| Themes |
Priorities |
| Community profile |
Population growth, diversity, age distribution, net cost of living. |
| Community development |
Education, information, support services, health services, transport, housing affordability, community safety. |
| Economic development and employment |
Economic growth, business and industry diversity, employment opportunities, training facilities, tourism growth. |
| Environment |
Pollution free environment, maintaining landscape and country character of the region. |
| Cultural and recreational development |
Cultural facilities and activities, interest and support groups, retain and promote heritage, open space, recreational activities. |
| Civic pride and community cohesion |
Equity and access issues, participation of minority/disadvantaged groups, involvement of volunteers, tolerance and acceptance of others, sense of place. |
For further information download the Wellbeing Indicators report
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