In 2001 the Bracks Government initiated Neighbourhood Renewal to narrow the gap between disadvantaged Victorian communities and the rest of the state. Launched in Wendouree West (Ballarat) and four locations in the Latrobe Valley the program has now expanded to 19 communities across Victoria.
The success of Neighbourhood Renewal is based on bringing communities together with government, businesses, schools, police and service providers to tackle disadvantage in their local area. A central focus of Neighbourhood Renewal is lifting employment, learning and local economic activity.

This report demonstrates that Neighbourhood Renewal is working. It provides initiatives underway in Neighbourhood Renewal projects across the state, an overview of the range of successful employment, education and training showing that the best solutions come about when we work together.
Neighbourhood Renewal is narrowing the gap between the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Victoria and the rest of the state by:

• increasing people’s pride and participation in the community
• lifting employment, training and education opportunities and expanding local economic activity
• enhancing housing and the physical environment
• improving personal safety and reducing crime
• promoting health and wellbeing
• increasing access to services and improving government responsiveness.