For a few months, one suburb has been taking proactive action to help improve the community around them.
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Mission Australia area manager Heather Manning said the Tenant Participation and Community Engagement forums in Kooringal had seen a strong response from the community since the program began in June.
"The TPCE program gives people and families who live in Wagga's social homes improved access to information, advice and opportunities, so they are supported to be involved in any processes and decisions about improving their homes and neighbourhood," she said.
"At the quarterly forums, tenants liaise with key community stakeholders including NSW Police, Housing NSW, PCYC, Neighbourhood Watch and Dr Joe McGirr.
"Residents use these forums as an opportunity to discuss a range of issues that impact their community, including crime, alcohol, drugs and housing concerns."
Ms Manning said residents had provided positive feedback, with many saying they already see the impact of the discussion in their suburb.
"For example, we have heard from residents that they feel the police have listened to their concerns and have responded by making changes to service delivery," she said.
"The forums support residents in Wagga's social homes to have an equal stake in decisions being made about their community.
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"Residents are the experts in their own communities and should be involved in decisions that affect their homes and neighbourhoods."
Wagga Neighbourhood Watch president Wayne Deaner has been attending these meetings and hopes to see them expand into Ashmont, Tolland and Mount Austin.
"It is a great initiative," he said.
"We need to see other suburbs come on board, so we can expand the good work and build stronger communities."
Mr Deaner said a common concern is the state of neighbourhoods, combined with the fear of impacts from crimes and drug abuse.
"People want to do something with their community, so they are coming along and asking questions and providing feedback," he said.
"I fully support this. We need to work together as a community."