INLLEN operates in Melbourne’s inner north, an area that is demographically, economically and culturally diverse. More than 390,000 people reside in the region with around 68,000 young people calling the area home.

Historically, Darebin, Merri-bek and Yarra were the centre of Melbourne’s manufacturing sector. The concentrated nature of industry within the region contributed to large numbers of post-war migrants settling within its suburbs, resulting in a demographically diverse community across the three local government areas.

The inner north experienced waves of migrants in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s who have continued to settle within the three municipalities. More recently, there has been a major influx of refugees from Africa and the Middle East.

The inner north, and particularly Darebin, has one of the highest concentrations of Koorie and Torres Strait Islanders in Victoria. The area has a high concentration of public housing with associated issues of poverty and marginalisation. The Victorian Government has funded Neighbourhood Renewal (now complete) and other projects within the INLLEN area to build community capital and improve outcomes for local residents.

The development of the Inner Northern Youth Employment Taskforce (INYET) has been the direct result of rising youth unemployment in the region.

The three local government areas are all significantly above the Victorian unemployment rate of 12 per cent for 20- to 24-year-olds and 21.5 per cent for 15- to 19-year-olds. This is a serious issue for the region and requires a whole-of-community response.

Characteristics of our region

• High numbers of early school leavers, under 16 years of age
• Non-completion of Year 12 or its equivalent Certificate II
• Difficulty reengaging young people back into education and training
• Low levels of literacy and numeracy
• A high 20 per cent youth unemployment rate
• Many young people are not job ready
• Large Indigenous / Koorie population
• Diverse culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities
• Pockets of disadvantage, low income, and public housing
• Lower than state average uptake in apprenticeships and traineeships

Further Reading

• The Future Workforce: Melbourne’s North, NORTH Link

  The Future Workforce: Melbourne’s North report analyses employment and skills in Melbourne’s North. The report considers which industry sectors will add to employment and on this basis estimates demand for occupations and skills. More >