Poverty amongst privilege: child social exclusion in Boroondara

The municipality of Boroondara takes in some of Melbourne’s most affluent suburbs. So you might wonder why a charity like the Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL) is researching child social exclusion in this location. Well firstly, we were commissioned by local organisations, Foundation Boroondara, the Hawthorn Rotary Club and Camcare. who were concerned by anecdotal evidence and personal experiences that indicated there was an alarming degree of child social exclusion in the area. So they commissioned the BSL to gain a more accurate and deeper understanding of the state of child social exclusion in the area. Specifically, to ascertain how the needs of children are being met, not being met and what is required to meet these needs.The findings indicate that there is indeed a considerable amount of social exclusion in Boroondara.