A helpful way to identify issues of concern within a community is to undertake a profiling process. This can be done in a number of ways and information can be gathered from diverse sources.

For example, profiling can include evidence gathered by Local Government Areas through changes in populations; property markets and local surveys.

Profiling can be kept up to date by community surveys and many LGA’s have established a ‘Community Pulse’ which reflects changes in attitudes, employment, schooling, housing needs etc.

Another way to obtain current data for a community profile is to hold a community forum, with the view to open discussion on issues of concern. If issues are strong enough, people will usually attend to voice their opinions, solutions and requirements.

In the Staying Strong project, a great deal of information was obtained through telephone surveys. However, these surveys were unique in that callers approached people in a casual, caring way and were able to elicit very current information on the level of trauma being experienced by families on farms and in businesses in their local communities. For more information on this effective practice, contact Vicki Wagstaff on 0427 234 172 or toolbox@stayingstrong.com.au

Critical to effective profiling is to set a timeframe that covers one or more extreme issues that have become problematic. For example: increased crime in a region can be measured through statistical data gathered by law enforcement agencies; farming business downturns can be measured and accounted for by adverse seasonal changes or prolonged drought.

It is important to develop an evidence base from which to demonstrate rationale or purpose for a resilience strategy. This requires documenting data over a nominated period of time and acknowledging its source. It is important to note any trends that indicate changes, particularly a worsening situation.

Further information about issues facing communities on Eyre Peninsula are contained in an Evidence base which can be located in the ‘Staying Strong’ project information.

3. Community Profile of Eyre Peninsula
4. Evidence base