While much of Flemington has gentrified, there remains significant pockets of disadvantage. 48% of residents have both parents born overseas, with Somali and Ethiopia being the most common countries of origin after Vietnam. Significantly, 25% of all families are single parent (Vic ave.15%) and of those families, 88% of single parents are female. For low-income residents, the combination of COVID-19 supply chain pressures and the rising cost of living makes more people than ever vulnerable to food insecurity.
After the hard lockdowns of the estates in 2020, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) introduced the Paving the Way Forward initiative to improve government/resident relations. At the end of 2022 the Flemington Local Action Plan was released after significant community consultation. The DMCM project delivers on 9 of the achievable actions shared by residents. It comes through direct consultation with residents, focuses on increased food security, prioritises small business and entrepreneurship support, promotes employments access - particularly for women - and builds social and community connections.
While there is social disadvantage there is great power and resilience in these communities. This unique market model ensures residents take part in and own the solutions that strengthen their community.