Now as safe as houses

By Nicole Williams
LAKESIDE Pakenham is one of five Delfin Lend Lease Victorian communities to have received Pacific Safe Community Accreditation.
The accreditation is based on the World Health Organisation Safe Communities model and recognises that safety is a priority for the community.
“This accreditation shows that safety is a priority and by working with a range of stakeholders, we can make this community as safe as possible,” Lakeside Pakenham community development manager Kate Saunders said.
Pacific Safe Community Accreditation recognises Lakeside Pakenham’s commitment to the on-going safety of the community and its residents.
The accreditation is a 12-month process which brings together community stakeholders to develop best practice community safety and injury prevention.
Lakeside Pakenham formally received the accreditation on Wednesday at the Cardinia Cultural Centre.
The ceremony was attended by Safe Communities Foundation New Zealand representative Carolyn Coggen and acting general manager for Delfin Lend Lease Victoria Martin Gaedke.
Lakeside Pakenham project director Sharon Coates accepted a plaque for the community which will be placed in a public place to recognise the accreditation.
The accreditation is within the Pacific region and will provide a stepping stone towards international accreditation.
Ms Saunders said within the Pacific region, Lakeside Pakenham would now have connections to other accredited communities to continue to implement best practices in the community.
Other Delphin Lend Lease communities to receive Pacific Safe Community Accreditation on Wednesday were Edgewater, Laurimar, Craigieburn and Caroline Springs.