Communities: The Key for All Members of Society to Survive Change

Galbally R¹*

1. Our Community, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

The paper will begin by placing community within the context of change and transition – economic, social and cultural – global, national and local – urban and regional. The impact of rapid change on health and well-being will be analysed in terms of traditional risk factors (social and health), with the addition of newer data relating to risk factors such as control, hope and belonging. The role of four different forms of community engagement will be analysed and compared for their relative value in ameliorating the negative impacts of rapid change, particularly on disadvantaged groups. Government intervention – national, state and local will be analysed in terms of current positive and negative impacts concluding with some suggestions for a future agenda for strengthening communities.