Housing, Employment and Social Cohesion in Multicultural Neighbourhoods ‘In Transition’: A Comparative Case Study From the City of Moreland

This report analyses the changing social profiles of two multicultural suburbs in the City of Moreland, Coburg and Fawkner, focusing on factors that impact on social cohesion. The Moreland Council (2006, 2011) has identified that national trends of rising housing costs and spikes in unemployment disproportionately affect culturally diverse communities. This report seeks to contribute to an in-depth understanding of these issues, drawing on existing demographic data as well as residents‘ perceptions. The report is based on ABS data, interviews and focus group discussions with residents and local service providers, and participant observation in the neighbourhoods. It provides a brief social profile of each suburb before describing local services such as transport, education, and recreation facilities. It then examines issues of employment, housing and social cohesion in the two suburbs in more detail.