By the Western Melbourne Community Alliance
In 2026, many people are worried about the fracturing of social cohesion – a sense that we are becoming more divided, less connected, and less able to solve problems together.
At the same time, communities in Melbourne’s west are navigating rising costs, insecure work, housing pressure, long commutes and unreliable public transport. Too often decisions about these realities are made far away from the communities most affected.
But Melbourne’s west is rich with something powerful: the organisations and institutions that already knit our communities together – faith communities, unions and worker networks, neighbourhood houses, multicultural and grassroots organisations who care fiercely about the future of their communities.
What’s missing is not goodwill. It’s a table big enough for these organisations and community leaders to build relationships, act together across difference, and build the collective power to shape decisions that affect all of us.
That’s where the Western Melbourne Community Alliance comes in.
The new Alliance will be meeting in Werribee in September bringing together leaders from diverse institutions and organisations in Melbourne’s west including multicultural and faith communities, unions, neighbourhood houses, community organisations, environmental, and social justice organisations to build long-term relationships and work collectively for real, lasting change on the issues that matter.
Following the success and impact of broadbased alliances around Australia (Sydney, Queensland, Hunter Region and Geelong) and across the world, the Western Melbourne Community Alliance is aiming to become a long-term means of renewing democracy in Melbourne’s west – independent of party politics – that can hold our communities together in difficult times and help us shape a fairer future.
Who this is for?
This alliance is for organisations who:
- care about social, economic and climate justice
- believe communities should shape the decisions that affect them
- want to work with others beyond their usual circle
- are willing to invest in relationships and shared practice
No prior experience is required – only a stake in your community and a willingness to learn with others.
The track record?
Across Australia and around the world, alliances have won meaningful, long-lasting change by acting together:
- Queensland Community Alliance secured $2 billion for renewable energy and community health
- Real Deal Geelong has won improved transport access to jobs, major federal investment in social housing electrification and home batteries, and the retention of land for social housing in Greater Geelong
- Hunter Community Alliance won transition support and job training during coal closures
- Te Ohu Whakawhanaunga (Auckland) reshaped housing strategy with Pacific, Māori, and migrant leadership
- Sydney Alliance achieved transport and education access for asylum seekers and with Renew Australia for All, won a 30% SA federal subsidy for home batteries, lowering energy bills and pushing for fair access for renters and social housing residents.
- Citizens UK helped raise wages for 250,000 low-paid workers
- One LA (USA) won $150 million for affordable housing in Los Angeles
These alliances show what becomes possible when organisations work together consistently over time.
Why now?
The West is growing and changing rapidly. Inequality is rising. Environmental pressures are intensifying. Communities are feeling the strain — but are also showing enormous creativity, care and collective strength.
This is a powerful moment for organisations across the West to build relationships across difference, strengthen local leadership, and shape a fairer, more connected future.
Victoria has a long tradition of communities working together for justice. A broad-based community alliance builds on that history by creating a sustained, long-term way for organisations to collaborate and take collective action.
How you can get involved
Book in for a 30 minute conversation to share stories, explore priorities, and understand how your organisation might connect to this work.
Contact Angela Ashley-Chiew:
0488 549 922
a.chiew@environmentvictoria.org.au
The Our West, Our Future Alliance – Werribee Assembly
Tue, 15 Sep, 6:30pm–9pm at the Italian Sports Club of Werribee.
To register your interest head here –
Our West, Our Future – Werribee Assembly
events.humanitix.com/ourwestourfuture-eoi
