An Andrews Labor Government grant of $18,282 will help fight graffiti vandalism and so increase community confidence and safety in Bairnsdale.

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

The Bairnsdale Aboriginal Arts project will deliver the creation of a mural by indigenous youth, mentored by local Koori artists, aimed to educate the young indigenous community on the personal and crime related consequences of graffiti vandalism for local traders and the wider community.

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 Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria Region

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

“The Bairnsdale Aboriginal Arts project will help to improve the visual appeal and perceptions of safety in the Bairnsdale community.”

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