THEY’RE angry and they’re not going to take it any more. More than 50 residents of the area described as Wendouree West gathered yesterday to express outrage at the portrayal of the suburb as “the worst neighbourhood in Victoria”. Residents said metropolitan media reports and the work of freelance photographer Meredith O’Shea overlooked positive aspects of life in the suburb, focusing instead on a small number of unemployed people and rundown homes.Ms O’Shea’s photos are included in an exhibition at the 2011 Ballarat International Foto Biennale.The Courier attempted to contact Ms O’Shea without success yesterday. In the meeting, chaired by organiser Manya Ferwerda and Ballarat West MP Sharon Knight, resident Margaret Fry said her home of 50 years had long been misrepresented. “My son rang me and said ‘Mum, you better get out of there or you will end up getting murdered in your bed’,” she said.“We know we’ve had problems here, but its nothing like it has been presented to the rest of the world.” The meeting resolved to put forward an accurate representation of the suburb and to seek a written apology from Ms O’Shea. Representations of the area are historic, with the previous state government launching a multi-million-dollar renewal program to help develop and improve the area. The program was driven locally by the former Member for Ballarat West Karen Overington.Homeowners expressed concern that continued negative publicity would further drive down property prices. Father Frank Smith, of the Exodus religious community, said perceptions of Wendouree were inaccurate and incomplete. “This community, like any community, has problems and we do have social difficulties,” he said. “I am a part of this community and I believe it is good and strong and that has not been communicated.” A second meeting is planned for next Wednesday evening, and a Facebook page created by the group already has 100 members. Ms Ferwerda said residents hoped to move past the recent negative publicity, and towards solutions to the area’s long-term problems. “People at the meeting want to start promoting their suburb and work better between different organisations,” she said. “There are a lot of people who have lived in Wendouree West or live there now and go to school and university or work as volunteers, and their voice needs to be heard.” Ms Knight said she was impressed by the strength and resilience of the community. “Have a look at this strong group of people and you will see that there are clearly wrong judgements being made about Wendouree,” she said.