Geelong Health Profile
Contents
Introduction
Healthy safe and inclusive communities
Summary
Personal health and wellbeing
Self reported health
Subjective wellbeing
Life expectancy
Adequate physical exercise
Fruit consumption
Vegetable consumption
Obesity
Smoking status
Risky alcohol consumption
Psychological distress
Prevalence of Type 2 diabetes
Gambling
Community connectedness
Feeling part of the community
Social support
Volunteering
Parental participation in schools
Early Childhood
Australian Early Development Index
Child health assessments
Immunisation
Breastfeeding
Personal and community safety
Perceptions of safety
Crime
Family violence
Road safety
Workplace safety
Lifelong learning
Home internet access
Apprenticeship and vocational training enrolments
Destinations of school leavers
School retention
Access to government schools
Service availability
Access to services
Dynamic resilient local economies
Summary
Economic activity
Retained retail spending
Highly skilled workforce
Business growth
Skills
Educational qualifications
Employment
Employment rate
Unemployment
Local employment
Work-life balance
Adequate work life balance
Income and wealth
Income
Distribution of income
Per capita wealth
Food security
Culturally rich and vibrant communities
Summary
Arts and Cultural Activities
Opportunities to participate in arts and cultural activities
Participation in arts and cultural activities
Leisure and recreation
Opportunities to participate in sporting and recreation activities
Participation in sporting and recreational activities
Cultural diversity
Community acceptance of diverse cultures
Sustainable built and natural environments
Summary
Transport accessibility
Transport limitations
Public transport patronage
Dedicated walking and cycling trails
Practical non car opportunities
Roads and footpaths
Access to public transport
School walkability
Housing
Housing and affordability
Sustainable energy use
Greenhouse gas emissions
Household electricity use
Household gas use
Renewable energy use
Water
Condition of natural streams and waterways
Water consumption
Waste water recycling
Open Space
Access to areas of public open space
Appearance of public space
Air Quality
Air quality
Biodiversity
Native vegetation cover
Carbon sequestration
Weeds and pests
Waste Management
Household waste generation
Household waste recycling
Democratic and engaged communities
Summary
Citizen engagement
Opportunity to have a say on important issues
Participation in citizen engagement
Female local councillors
Opportunity to vote for a trustworthy political candidate
Membership of local community organisations and decision making bodies
References
Introduction
The Community Indicators Victoria (CIV) Data Framework March 2013[1]is a comprehensive framework of indicators, and has been used toinformtheCity of Greater Geelong’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017: Health Profile.
The Health Profile has been populated using data compiled and presented by the CIV. Where CIV indicators are still ‘under development’, and data not provided at the LGA level, efforts have been made to source other reputable and repeatable data sources.
Community Indicators Victoria (CIV) Data Framework:
The framework, a sustainable state-wide system of local community wellbeing indicators, enables a consistent approach to measuring health and wellbeing. The framework was commissioned by VicHealth in 2005-06, and was determined by the Victorian Community Indicators Project (VCIP). CIV is the operationalisation of the VCIP.
The framework provides indicator measures for five major domains of community wellbeing:
- Healthy, safe and inclusive communities
A vibrant, resilient and sustainable community recognises the efforts of its volunteers and seeks equality for its citizens. Its members are physically and mentally healthy, have a sense of wellbeing, are connected to others and have access to a range of services. It is a community that nurtures its children and young people and embraces learning. Attributes such as meaningful work – be it paid or unpaid – or spending more time with the family are important to such a society. The social dimension reinforces the desire to have a society built on mutual respect, self-restraint and generosity of spirit, one that creates opportunities for people to participate in community life and self-realisation.[2]
- Dynamic, resilient and fair economies
Innovation and creativity are required if local economies are to thrive in the coming century.
This recognises that work is vital for our wellbeing and, whether inside or outside the home, it makes a valuable contribution to our individual wellbeing and the economy. Vibrant local
economies are required to sustain vibrant local communities. Local employment is highlydesirable as it minimises the personal and environmental costs of travel. When people worklocally they are embedded in the local community and are more inclined to contribute to thesocial life of the community and retail spending is retained. Wealth is distributed so that everyone’s basic needs are met, and quality of life is attained irrespective of advantage, disadvantage or circumstance. It is also recognised that development must be undertaken in a sustainable fashion with all environmental impacts minimised. Businesses pride themselves on being environmentally responsible. The economic theme is strongly tied to a skilled workforce and thus the education and skill levels of its citizens. It is envisioned that our schools will be dedicated to creating capable, confident, emotionally mature young people who are equipped to reach their full potential.2
- Sustainable built and natural environments
It is recognised that we are dependent on the natural world to sustain our lives. The naturalworld provides clean air and water; detoxifies pollutants, and provides raw materials forbuilding, transport and food production. Landscapes, plants and animals have intrinsic valueand enrich our lives by providing experiences and recreational opportunities. In urbansettings, parks and gardens contribute to people’s sense of wellbeing.
A community that values the environment minimises its impacts, uses resources wisely, andprotects biodiversity. Renewable energy is used to power our lifestyles and industry,combined with reliable public transport networks and bicycle and walking paths, which reducereliance on the car, minimising greenhouse gas emissions. New houses are built toincorporate sustainable design features and older houses are retrofitted to maximiseefficiency. Waste is minimised, and waste and water recycled with the overall aim of reducingour ecological footprint to allow sustainable living.Indicators in this domain will provide important information for council policies and plans,including: an MSS, Environmental Policy, Transport, Economic Development, HousingStrategy, Youth, Aged Care, Asset Management, Local Laws, Social Policy and Planning,Heritage and Urban Design.2
- Democratic and active citizenship
In a democratic community, people participate in decision-making and local governmentprocesses are transparent and accountable. People have confidence that government willmake good decisions and run for elected positions. Because they are engaged they feelempowered, that they have personal political efficacy and that they are in control of theirdestinies. People feel that they have equality before the law and fair and equal access to thejustice system. Media ownership is shared, government is accountable and events arreported accurately.2
- Culturally rich and vibrant communities
Our culture and leisure activities shape our community identity. Art, film and literature reflectand comment on the social issues of the times. A culturally rich community protects heritagesites, preserves social knowledge and provides opportunities to participate in sporting andrecreational activity – all of which assist in creating a better work–life balance. It is also acommunity that celebrates diversity and is welcoming to people of diverse cultures.
Indicators in this domain will provide important information for council policies and plans,including: Leisure and Recreation, Neighbourhood Action Plans, Social Policy and Planning,Heritage, Integration, Diversity, Public Health and Urban Design.2
Where has data come from?
Data for the Community Indicators Victoria framework comes from a range of sources,including the Australian Bureau of Statistics, existing administrative data, existing surveys, the state-wide VicHealth Indicators Survey (2011) and Community Indicators Victoria Survey (2007).
Existing administrative data sources include Victorian Government departments such asthe Department of Victorian Communities, the Department of Human Services, and theDepartment of Sustainability and Environment.
For more information on the Community Indicators Data Framework and for further explanation on data in this health profile, please visit
Healthy safe and inclusive communities
Summary
Approximately 60 per cent of Greater Geelong adult residents report overall good health. However, 53.8 per cent of adults in Greater Geelong have been identified as overweight or obese. There is substantial research available that suggests that inactivity, high intakes of energy dense foods, low intakes of nutrient dense foods and large portion sizes have a large impact on the prevalence of overweight and obesity, and ultimately health. Just over 60 per cent of the municipality are meeting recommended physical activity levels, meaning there are nearly 40 per cent of the municipality who are not engaging in 30 minutes or more of physical activity on most days of the week. It is also recommended that adults consume two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables per day.Just over 50 per cent of adults are consuming their recommended fruit and 10 per cent are meeting their recommended vegetable intake per day.
Research strongly shows that drinking excess levels of alcohol and smoking can have impacts on health and wellbeing. In the municipality, 18 per cent of adults were identified as smokers, with a higher number of male smokers than females. In addition, nearly 12 per cent of adults in the municipality were regularly drinking at risky levels, and again, males appear to be at more risk than females.
In terms of mental health and wellbeing, just fewer than 10 per cent of adults in the municipality are at risk of psychological distress, which is relatively similar to the state. Geelong also recorded slightly above average in ‘feeling part of the community’ (average index score above 70 – Geelong scored 74.3) and over 90 per cent of the community feel they have someone to help them in times of need.
Volunteering and participation in schools provide opportunities for social connections, personal satisfaction, self esteem and self confidence.Volunteering levels are low in the municipality and parental participation in schools levels have dropped.
Gambling can seriously affect many aspects of an individual’s life and can also affect family members, friends and carers. Geelong also has a higher number of Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) per 100,000 of population and a higher gaming expenditure per adult resident than the state.
Ensuring children are healthy can reduce later incidences of chronic disease. The number of parents taking their children to 3.5 year old ages and stages for Maternal and Child Health (MCH) checks has improved and immunisation rates are over 90 per cent for children 12-15 months of age. The results from the 2012 Australian Early Development Index demonstrate that 9.3 per cent of children in the municipality are vulnerable on 2 or more domains. These results indicate that the proportion of vulnerable children remains below the State and National average; however this is not the case for all suburbs within the municipality. Whittington and Corio were the worst performing suburbs, not performing well against the state and national averages across all five domains. St Leonards/Indented Head did not perform well against state and national averages in four of the domains.
Perceptions of safety are high in Greater Geelong, although crime and family violence has increased over the years.
Education and training has seen some big changes, with significant drops across all age groups in people enrolling in vocational education and training. For example, of those 15-19 years of age there has been a 25.76 percent drop in vocational education and training enrolments between 2006 and 2011. Of 15-19 year olds who were not attending school in 2011, 18.1 percent were not engaged in work or other forms of study. For 17 year olds, 78.4 percent were still attending secondary school, however there were also 12.1 percent not attending any educational institution.
Personal health and wellbeing
Self reported health
Self-Reporting Health as Excellent or Very Good / Greater City of Geelong / Victoria / Source% of adult population / 59.8 / 54.3 / 2007 - CIV Survey
% of male adult population / 58.6 / 53.1
% of female adult population / 61 / 55.5
% of population aged 18-34 years / 74.1 / 60.3
% of population aged 35-54 years / 57.9 / 57.2
% of population aged 55 years & over / 50.5 / 44.8
Self-reported health was measured in the 2007 CIV Survey. Respondents were asked to rate their health as excellent, very good, good, fair or poor. The Greater City reported higher levels of health with 59.8 per cent of the population reporting their health as ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ compared to the Victorian average of 54.3 per cent.
Peopleaged between 18-34 years of age reported the best levels of health for both Greater Geelong and Victoria, with 74.1 per cent and 60.3 per cent reporting ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ health respectively.
Subjective wellbeing
Subjective wellbeingPersonal Wellbeing Index / Greater City of Geelong / Victoria / Source
Overall index score / 78.4 / 77.5 / 2011 - VicHealth Indicators Survey
Males / 77.9 / 77
Females / 78.8 / 78
People Aged 18-34 Years: / 78.8 / 78.2
People Aged 35-54 Years / 76.7 / 76.6
People Aged 55 Years and Over / 80.1 / 78.1
Subjective wellbeing was measured in the 2011 VicHealth Indicators Survey using the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index (AUWBI). Respondents were asked to rate their satisfaction with their lives on seven domains (standard of living; health; achievements in life; community connection; personal relationships; safety; and future security). This resulted in an aggregated Personal Wellbeing Index ranging between 0-100. Normative data from the Index indicates that the average Personal Wellbeing Index for Australians is approximately 75.
In 2011, the City of Greater Geelong scored 78.4 compared to the Victorian state average of 77.5. Those aged 55+ years scored well above the Personal Wellbeing Index average with an average of 80.1 (state average for this age bracket was 78.1).
Life expectancy
Life expectancy at birth / Greater City of Geelong / Victoria / Source(no release since 2007)
Male / 79.1 / 80.3 / 2003-07 - Dept of Human Services
Female / 83.7 / 84.4
Life expectancy is measured on the basis of how many years on average a new-born baby is expected to live, given current age specific mortality risks.
From 2003-2007 both male and female life expectancy was slightly below the Victorian average with estimated life expectancy of 79.1 for males (80.3 Victorian average) and 83.7 for females (84.4 Victorian average). As with the Victorian averages, these figures have incrementally increased since 1999-2003 when the Department of Human Services started reporting this data (77.7 for males and 82.7 for females in 1999-2003).
Adequate physical exercise
People engaged in adequate physical exercise / Greater City of Geelong / Victoria / Source% of adult population / 63.6 / 60.3 / 2008 - Victorian Population Health Survey
% of male adult population / 64.7 / 61
% of female adult population / 62.5 / 59.7
According to the 2008 Victorian Population Health Survey, almost two thirds of the municipality (63.6 per cent) were engaged in adequate physical exercise (more than 150 minutes of exercise on a regular basis over one week) which is higher than the Victorian average (60.3 per cent). There were also a higher percentage of males (64.7 per cent) to females (62.5 per cent) meeting physical activity requirements for both the municipality and the state.
Fruit consumption
People consuming recommended intake of fruit / Greater City of Geelong / Victoria / Source% of adult population / 53.6 / 47.4 / 2008 - Victorian Population Health Survey
% of male adult population / 49.7 / 41
% of female adult population / 57.4 / 53.5
The Australian Guidelines recommend that people should be consuming two serves of fruit per day for health. The 2008 Victorian Population Health Survey measured people’s intake of fruit and vegetables and was collected at the Local Government Area (LGA) level for the first time in 2008.According to this survey, just over half of Greater Geelong (53.6 percent) were consuming their recommended levels of fruit consumption in comparison to just under half for Victoria (47.4 percent). It can also be noted that females appear to be meeting these levelsmore than males for both Greater Geelong (females 57.4 and males 49.7 percent) and Victoria (females 53.5 and males 41 percent).
Vegetable consumption
Meeting recommended intake levels of vegetables / Greater City of Geelong / Victoria / Source% of adult population / 10 / 7.9 / 2008 - Victorian Population Health Survey
% of male adult population / no LGAdata available / 5
% offemale adult population / no LGA data available / 10.7
The 2008 Victorian Population Health Survey also measured people’s intake of vegetables according to the Australian Guidelines of five serves of vegetables per day. The percentage of the adult population consuming the recommended intake of five serves of vegetables per day is extremely low in the municipality and state with only 10 per cent and 7.9 per cent respectively meeting their recommended levels.
Results for males and females within LGAs were not made available as Relative Standard Errors for these estimates are greater than 25 per cent. More than 90 per cent of male and females results at the LGA level had associated Relative Standard Errors of greater than 25 per cent.
Whilst this data is not available at municipality level, the data available at the Barwon South West region level suggests that females are more likely to consume their recommended levels of vegetables than males (14.1 per cent of females and 5.4 per cent of males). This is also reflected in the state.
Obesity
Obese people according to Body Mass Index / Greater City of Geelong / Victoria / Source% of adult population / 17.1 / 16.7 / 2008 - Victorian Population Health Survey
% of male adult population / 17.9 / 17.3
% of female adult population / 16.7 / 16.1
People were defined as obese if they scored a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater.