Syd Pargetter was quick to come to the defence of Doveton and its people.
By Callan Date
“THEY ought to retire and clear out.”
Those are the words of Syd Pargeter, directed towards the officials who conducted a recent report labelling Doveton as the ninth most disadvantaged suburb in Victoria.
The former Berwick mayor and local councillor for 27 years has spoken out in defence of Doveton and at the same time slammed those responsible for the controversial report.
“This stuff is insulting. A lot of the results are skewed and are not a good representation of a place like Doveton,” Mr Pargeter said.
He said the system used to conduct the report was flawed and didn’t allow Doveton to promote its many benefits.
At the centre of the controversy is the Dropping Off The Edge report compiled by Sydney University professor Tony Vinson.
The News last week reported Prof Vinson’s findings and outlined measures used to rank Doveton in ninth spot.
Several proud Doveton residents read the article and have been quick to stick up for their maligned suburb.
Many factors were taken into account when compiling the study including incidents of imprisonment, unemployment, criminal convictions and childhood injuries in Doveton.
However, Mr Pargeter was quick to point out the quality people and facilities in Doveton.
“We have an international swimming team training in our Olympic size pool soon,” he said.
“There is also netball, baseball, soccer and hockey facilities and a good library and neighbourhood centre for everyone to use.
“Many homes have also gone under redevelopment and have had extensions added to them.”
Prof Vinson did outline in his findings that communities, which have a strong sense of unity and togetherness, can overcome the worst effects of unemployment and violence.
Long time Doveton resident Gerry Witzand also backed up Mr Pargeter’s comments.
Mr Witzand said he was proud to call Doveton his home.
“Some people get really hurt when they see things like that about Doveton,” Mr Witzand said.
The 69-year-old said all his neighbours kept an eye out for each other and there was a real sense of belonging between the residents.
“We’re all very proud of where we live.”
Prof Vinson was unavailable for further comment regarding his report.
