The City of Greater Bendigo launched a Community Needs Assessment survey to identify the most urgent social challenges residents face. Community members can access the online survey on the city’s Let’s Talk community engagement website. Their input will help make informed decisions about resource allocation and service delivery.

Andie West, Community Partnerships Manager at the City of Greater Bendigo, states that the assessment aims to “support a more evidence-informed and targeted approach to resource investment” to guarantee that “services, policies, and programs meet the real needs of the community and work well.”

Residents can access the survey on the city’s “Let’s Talk” community engagement platform and share their feedback. The organised method ensures that community input, along with current data, creates a thorough understanding of local social requirements. This compilation of insights shows the city’s commitment to fairness, social equity, and community well-being. West observes, “Community feedback will help us understand where we could focus our efforts.” 

The city cannot universally expand services due to financial limitations, so it is essential to prioritise areas of greatest need. The survey insights will influence the decision-making processes related to service provision. The city seeks to use this evidence to enhance its role as a service provider, advocate, or community facilitator. West underscores, “Ultimately, this evidence will inform decisions that the city makes about how it delivers to the community.”

The community survey initiative connects fundamentally to the city’s Social Justice Framework. The survey identifies social needs and aligns resource allocations to achieve the greatest positive impact. The initiative tackles immediate community issues and lays the foundation for long-term planning. Recognising and addressing varied community perspectives holds vital significance in the current digital government environment.

The Greater Bendigo community survey initiative demonstrates a proactive approach to understanding and addressing social needs in the public sector. The city uses community insights to make informed decisions that enhance service delivery, promote social justice, and elevate the quality of life for its residents. All community members can engage in the ongoing survey period and share their experiences, contributing to the development of a more resilient future.

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