Launch of community campaign: Collingwood Calls For!

Calling all Collingwood residents! We’re a group of local organisations in central Collingwood who love our suburb, but are seeking investment this state election to deal with some neglect in our local area. Please join us in fighting for improvements to make Collingwood the best it can be! You can see more detail on what we’re calling for below. We are officially launching "Collingwood Calls For" at 2pm on Sunday 25 October at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (enter via Perry Street). Come down to show your support, meet neighbours and enjoy a free halal BBQ. Collingwood Calls For: ✅ A well-funded community health service at 365 Hoddle St, in an upgraded building ✅ Improved maintenance and cleaning on DFFH grounds and in DFFH buildings ✅ More funding for youth programs to keep our kids safe and engaged ✅ Better playgrounds for our public housing residents ✅ More community programming to activate public spaces (e.g. a community market) in central Collingwood, particularly on the housing estate ✅ More funding for older residents on the estate to prevent loneliness ✅ An overarching body for Collingwood modelled on the North Richmond Precinct Community Committee which includes local residents as well as representatives from local agencies and DFFH. ✅ Safe, amenable, beautiful and activated surrounding streets ✅ Accessible tram stops on Smith Street What we don't call for: ❌ A higher police presence ❌ Empty homes - vacant properties reduce passive surveillance and make the streets feel less safe for everyone Over many years, Collingwood has been neglected. Some examples include: • Collingwood community health service, pharmacy and counselling closing, with the prospect of the whole service closing, leaving thousands of vulnerable residents without a local health provider • Collingwood College roof collapse • Poor quality playgrounds • Closure of Live Wires after school program on Fridays • Restricted access to vital community asset Collingwood Underground Car Park • Collingwood Neighbourhood House under-resourced and no longer able to open on Fridays • Delays to maintenance requests • insufficient cleaning services for public areas in the towers Signed by: Collingwood College Collingwood Neighbourhood House Collingwood Basketball Association The Wellington, Collingwood St Joseph's Primary School, Collingwood Drummond Street Youth Services - Youth Programs Drummond Street Youth Services - Family Services Collingwood Alternative School Urban Campfire Art Exhibition, Neighbourhood Justice Centre, Collingwood Friends of the Earth Melbourne