Not one suburb in the Maitland local government area was considered highly socially advantaged in a new report about communities across NSW.
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Maitland was labelled a disadvantaged area in the Dropping off the Edge report, which judged economic and social disadvantage.
Suburbs were ranked in four categories based on a measure of social wellbeing, health, community safety, economic and education outcomes.
Maitland, as well as surrounding areas such as Rutherford, Telarah, Lorn and Largs, were found to be disadvantaged.
Suburbs including Thornton, Beresfield, Woodberry and Kurri Kurri all fell into the most disadvantaged category across the state.
Gillieston Heights, Cliftleigh, Morpeth and Hinton all ranked as advantaged locations in the research.
Although Maitland was not in the top 5 per cent of the disadvantaged regions list, the research did paint a worrying picture for the area’s social service providers.
Housing stress remains a big indicator of disadvantage for Maitland residents, with a large proportion of households allocating 30 per cent or more of their income to costs such as mortgage repayments and rent.
The city also sits just outside the top 100 places for incidents of domestic violence and the number of psychiatric admissions.
Senior community worker at the Maitland Neighbourhood Centre, Jenny Fullford said the findings were reflective of her experience of the area.
“It is very difficult to get into any housing at all,” she said.
“Most people will spend their money and make their mortgage or rent the priority because they are aware of the shortage of accommodation.
“That leaves very little money for food and utility bills.”
The centre deals with many people who need help to set up payment plans for their utility bills after water and electricity companies have threatened to disconnect their services.
“Domestic violence is high in this area and again this can be a ripple effect,” she said.
“If the man has lost his job, they can’t pay the bills, it can lead to domestic violence.
“It is a cycle.”
Jesuit Social Services CEO Julie Edwards said the report demonstrated that Australia’s social support system was not working for the most disadvantaged communities.
“This report identifies where the system is failing individuals and communities, and outlines how residents in these communities aren’t just dealing with one form of disadvantage, but multiple and complex barriers to individual wellbeing and community participation,” Ms Edwards said.
The suburbs in the 2322 post code came in the top 8 per cent for the number of unskilled workers and also showed high unemployment.
It also sat in the top 6 per cent of locations where year nine students are not at the required numeracy level and was within the top 100 places where students of the same age were not at the minimum reading level.
The report was put together by Jesuit Social Services and Catholic Social Services Australia, based on data gathered every seven years.
Its aim is to help the government, decision makers and communities to set priorities.
Maitland suburb rankings:
Most disadvantaged: Abermain, Beresfield, Brandy Hill, Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Millers Forest, Neath, Osterley, Seaham, Tarro, Thornton, Weston, Woodberry.
Disadvantaged: Aberglasslyn, Ashtonfield, Bolwarra, Bolwarra Heights, East Maitland, Farley, Greta, Largs, Lorn, Maitland, Metford, Rutherford, Telarah, Tenambit,Wallalong.
Advantaged: Berry Park, Branxton, Butterwick, Cliftleigh, Gillieston Heights, Heddon Greta, Lochinvar, Morpeth, Tocal, Woodville.
Most advantaged: No suburbs listed for Maitland LGA.
Where Maitland ranks:
- Housing stress: 333
- Internet access: 337
- Overall education: 343
- Unskilled workers: 257
- Readiness for schooling: 166
- Psychiatric admissions: 106
- Domestic violence: 121
* Rank out of 621 locations.
The lower the number, the more disadvantaged the area.
Map and information source: Dropping of the Edge report.