An Andrews Labor Government grant of $12,016 will help fight graffiti vandalism and so increase community confidence and safety in Wonthaggi.

Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria Region, today announced funding for Bass Coast Shire Council under the latest round of the Government’s Graffiti Prevention Grants Program.

Bass Coast Youth Say No To Illegal Graffiti Project will deliver a youth program for VCAL students at Chisholm TAFE to research graffiti and develop graffiti prevention media messages that are targeted specifically to youth, to help reduce future illegal graffiti in Wonthaggi.

The Government has awarded almost $500,000 to support 25 local council initiatives to partner with community groups to develop and deliver graffiti prevention projects.

Graffiti vandalism not only affects the appearance of neighbourhoods, it influences perceptions of public safety and is expensive to remove.

Funded projects include anti-graffiti education and diversionary initiatives, public artwork such as murals at graffiti hotspots, and graffiti removal and prevention resources for community use.

The grants program is part of the Labor Government’s $5.8 million investment in community crime prevention, aimed at tackling crime and its root causes.

Quotes attributable to Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria Region

“Bass Coast Shire Council is one of 24 local councils to receive funding from the almost $500,000 allocated through the Graffiti Prevention Grants Program.”

“This project aims to discourage youth from future illegal graffiti and help to improve the visual appeal and perceptions of safety in the Wonthaggi community.”

“The Government is impressed with the innovative ideas from across the state to stop ugly and illegal graffiti vandalism.”