Update!

In May 2023 we held a night-time walking tour of Central Brunswick to explore how lighting impacts our perceptions of safety at night. Participants from the community discussed how they felt in different spaces and how they could be improved. We'll post the results of the tour here on the website in October 2023. Check back in to see how we'll use the feedback to inform the design of the new park at 260 Sydney Road!

What was the walking tour about?

There can be a big difference in the way we experience our cities during the day, versus at night. Feeling unsafe when walking alone at night is a common issue, particularly for women and other vulnerable people. People are less likely to visit areas where they don’t feel safe and this can impact their movements and their sense of freedom. It can also make economic and social constraints worse for disadvantaged people or communities.

What did we do on the tour?

Night lighting is one of the most important factors impacting our sense of safety in a street or park. During the guided, small-group walking tour of central Brunswick participants were provided with torches and asked to provide feedback about how they feel in different spaces and why, and were able to ‘re-light’ spaces with their torches, so that we could better understand how to design spaces for people to feel safe at night.

Who took part in the tour?

A group of 20 participants from different age groups, genders and backgrounds took part in the tour. ARUP lighting consultants led the walking tour, with support from Merri-bek Council staff.

What will the results be used for?

The results of the survey will be used to inform the lighting and space design of the new Park Close to Home at 260 Sydney Road, Brunswick. It will also help us to understand how people feel in other urban spaces and streets at night. This will help us when we design future parks, open spaces and street upgrades in Brunswick and beyond.

How to register to attend the walk

If you missed out on joining the Brunswick tour, we'll be holding another walking tour in September, this in time in Central Coburg. Registration will open closer to the date. Places are limited so a registration of your interest is not a guaranteed spot on the tour. We will contact you to let you know if we have a place for you or not.

The aim of the tour is to hear from a range of people with diverse lived experience so we will ask you to provide some information about your gender, age and where you live. We won't use this information for any other purpose.

Accessibility & Safety

The safety of all participants and facilitators is our priority on the walking tour. Participants will be walking or standing for 2 hours on the tour. Some of the footpaths and pavements on the journey may be uneven, and being night-time, light levels will be low. All participants will have a torch, and we will be moving at a slow pace. Please be sure to wear appropriate footwear, and be prepared for the weather.

The walking tour will include people under 18 years old. These younger participants will need to have a guardian with them on the tour. All facilitators will have Working With Children Checks. A Victoria Police officer will also join us on the tour.

Support

We understand that walking at night-time and discussing issues around safety may be distressing for some people. If you need support, or if you need to step away from the group for a break, please do not hesitate to speak to one of the council officers in attendance. You can also contact support organisations, including:

• Lifeline - call 13 11 14
• 1800RESPECT - call 1800 737 732
• Rainbow Door (LGBTIQA+) - call 1800 729 367
• Kids Help Line - call 1800 551 800