On 20 May, CORE Community Services hosted the first Roundtable discussion with Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda and several other community organisations to address the urgent needs of Miller, one of the most socio-economically disadvantaged areas in Australia.
The roundtable provided a critical platform for stakeholders to directly address Member for Liverpool, Charishma Kaliyanda about the significant socio-economic challenges facing Miller residents, exacerbated by rising cost-of-living pressures. Although there have been efforts to improve Miller’s social and economic conditions in the past, these initiatives were disrupted by COVID-19 and the ensuing lockdowns. Member for Liverpool, Charishma Kaliyana emphasised the need for collaboration between participating organisations to drive substantial improvements to Miller.
“We are here today to work together to improve Miller…to be able to pull funding and support and use them correctly,” said Member for Liverpool, Charishma Kaliyanda.
Representatives from CORE Community Services, the Southwestern Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool City Council, NSW Police Force, Uniting, St George Community Housing (SGCH), Crimson Community Care, Homes NSW, and St Marks Sadleir highlighted several critical issues facing Miller residents.
These include a lack of police presence, fear of gangs, insufficient resources, drug use, food insecurity, lack of youth activities, domestic violence, lack of infrastructure investment, and a decline in mental health and overall well-being.
Due to the intersectional nature of these issues, several potential collaborations were discussed. NSW Homes and NSW Police discussed working together to install security cameras and improve lighting in Miller streets for increased safety. Additionally, CORE Community Services and NSW Police expressed interest in collaborating with Liverpool Council on the Miller Social Infrastructure Masterplan.
While the meeting raised many significant issues, participants emphasised the need for increased collaboration among government, community organisations and service providers – mental health experts, NDIA, Drugs and Alcohol District, and Aged Care – to ensure improved living conditions in Miller for everyone.
The 2168 Roundtable will continue for 12 months, with stakeholders meeting bimonthly. In the meantime, organisations will work both individually and collectively to address the needs of the Miller community.