Mandurah's community leaders and service providers are working to make the city safer by joining an internationally accredited foundation, becoming only the second West Australian local government to do so.
Police, local government authorities and service providers attended a workshop on June 1 at David Grays Arena, to become a 'Safe Community', where community sectors commit to addressing local safety concerns as a whole.
Mandurah will follow the lead of the City of Melville, as well as six other local governments nationwide.
The concept, established in Sweden, was initiated with the belief that feeling safe is of the upmost importance to community members.
A safe community involves all of us working together, forming partnerships and connections in order to create a place that we are all proud to be a part of.
- City of Mandurah mayor Rhys Williams
Data sourced from the Department of Health, the City of Mandurah, WA Police and Work Cover was presented to the audience for discussion.
The data showed a substantial number of falls causing injury or deaths within the community and the prevalence of intentional self harm and suicide.
The most recent data Department of Health data showed 3885 Mandurah residents were admitted to hospital for falling injuries between 2012 and 2016.
The cost of hospital stays for patients who injured themselves by falling in 2015 was more than $7.3 million.
Furthermore, 52 Mandurah residents died from injuries related to falling between 2011 and 2015.
In relation to self harm by Mandurah residents, there were 420 hospital admissions for intentional self harm between 2012 and 2016.
Data from a community survey showed tackling alcohol and drugs was a priority for the community, followed by mental health, anti-social behaviour and family violence.
City of Mandurah mayor Rhys Williams said the city was passionate about improving the wellbeing of the community.
"A safe community involves all of us working together, forming partnerships and connections in order to create a place that we are all proud to be a part of," he said.
"Worldwide research over many years, shows that even modest improvements in a community feeling safe produces significant economic and social benefits.
"The City of Mandurah is already very closely aligned with the model, via the 2017-2022 Community Safety Crime Prevention Strategy."
If you feel suicidal call emergency services on 000 or the crisis support service Lifeline Australia hotline on 13 11 14.