The Knox Local Safety Committee brought together key community and service organisations for the Keeping Knox Safer Roundtable in May.
Co-chaired by Council representatives and the Knox Police Inspector Ben Gordon, the Committee plays a vital role in strengthening partnerships across the region. Its focus is to ensure community safety needs are met, by connecting people to the right services delivered by the right agency at the right time.
A wide range of organisations attended the roundtable, reflecting the collaborative, whole-of-community approach to safety. Participants included Victoria Police, Your Library, Knox Infolink, Crime Stoppers, Department of Justice, Department of Education, Fire Services Victoria, Coonara Neighbourhood House, Youth Support and Advocacy Service, FVREE (Free from Family Violence) and other local support services.
The roundtable explored a range of issues currently affecting the local area, including:
- Homelessness and Rough Sleeping
- Family Violence
- Substance Use
- Youth Disconnection
- Trader and Public Safety
Insights and feedback gathered during the session will now inform the development of an Action Plan outlining community safety priorities over the next 12 months.
Also coming up is the Knox Neighbourhood Policing Forum which Council is hosting. This forum will provide the opportunity for community members to raise issues impacting safety and wellbeing in Knox.
These initiatives aim to support collaboration between Council, police, the community and local service providers, improve awareness of local policing priorities and identify practical ways to strengthen neighbourhood safety.
They are supported in our Council and Health and Wellbeing Plan, underpinning our commitment to being a strong voice for safety. Further information is available on the Council and Health and Wellbeing Plan webpage.
