New Interactive Safety Map

Wyndham City is one of 20 municipalities joining with Monash University’s gender, design and space specialists, XYX Lab, and award-winning digital consultancy, CrowdSpot, to gather perspectives of safety in public space.

The YourGround interactive map is designed for women and gender diverse residents to drop a pin on an area and tell their often-hidden stories.

When collated and analysed, the data will help inform Councils where and how they can make streets, parks, sporting and community spaces safer and more inclusive for women and gender diverse residents.

Wyndham City Community Safety Portfolio Holder, Cr Susan McIntyre, said: “Everyone has a right to feel safe in public spaces.”

“We’re proud to be part of this project which gives women and gender diverse people the opportunity to anonymously share their experiences, stories and feelings of safety in their local area.”

“Wyndham City is committed to making our community inclusive and connected, and this project supports both.”

Statistics show that while 80 per cent of Australian men report feeling safe while walking alone at night, a 2019 Community Council for Australia report notes that only 50 per cent of women say the same.

With the implementation of Victoria’s Gender Equality Act 2020, creating inclusive spaces for women and gender-diverse people is a priority state-wide.

“YourGround is a proactive tool which will help make positive change in our shared public spaces – spaces that should be accessible to everyone,” Cr McIntyre said.

“The map crowdsources data, allowing users to anonymously drop a pin, tell a story or share an experience while out for exercise, sport, leisure or play.”

Women and gender diverse people are being asked to share their stories and experiences about where they feel safe or unsafe to help inform key decision-makers.

For more information, visit: https://yourground.crowdspot.com.au/12/-37.88465/144.62044