Media Releases

Local communities are being empowered to improve safety and security through a share in $1 million in grants announced today by Minister for Crime Prevention, Andrew McIntosh, and local Member, Peter Walsh.
Community Safety Fund grants of up to $10,000 have been awarded to assist communities find solutions for locally identified problems.
“These grants empower communities to decide what’s best for them, and gives them funding to make those solutions a reality,” Mr McIntosh said.
Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, said grants had been awarded to assist in improving security and reducing the risk of theft, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
Local projects to be funded include the installation and upgrade of safety features at Swan Hill’s Alan Garden Netball centre and vandal proof safety lighting along Byrne St Donald as identified by Donald 2000 Inc.
“These facilities and locations are often at the heart of local communities so crime and anti-social behaviour has a significant impact. I’m delighted to be able to help these communities provide safer and more secure facilities,” Mr Walsh said.
“The Coalition Government recognises that local communities are best placed to identify and prioritise issues of concern regarding local crime and safety and is committed to supporting them to do so,” he said.
The Community Safety Fund grants are part of the Coalition Government’s four-year $39 million Community Crime Prevention Program and, along with the “Your Community, Your Say Crime Prevention program”, a series of regional reference group meetings has been conducted across the state, canvassing the views of local communities and ascertaining which measures are most appropriate for different areas.
That process will continue this year, as the Coalition Government remains determined to let communities identify crime prevention strategies that will work for them.