The Andrews Government has awarded $94,677 to a number of councils and organisations across Western Victoria to address local crime and safety issues under the Community Safety Fund.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison joined Ballarat Councillor Belinda Coates at Delacombe’s Doug Dean Stadium today to announce seven projects across the region have received funding.

YMCA Ballarat will receive $8,494 to install new lighting at the stadium to increase security for people entering and leaving the facility after dark.

Across the region, seven projects have been funded including:

• $24,800 for Highlands LLEN to produce a video and resource materials for young people with a disability to gain a better understanding of the justice system in Victoria.
• $25,000 for Ararat Rural City to run workshops, produce information packs and a social media campaign targeting home safety and theft from motor vehicles and businesses.
• $20,000 for Hindmarsh Shire Council for new lighting at Jeparit’s Wimmera Mallee Pioneer Museum and the Dimboola Recreation Reserve.
• $2,276 for Hamilton Football Club for the installation of a wireless alarm system at Melville Oval.
• $5,886 for Port Fairy Life Saving Club for the installation of lockers to prevent theft of members belongings.
• $8,221 for Central Goldfields Shire Council for installation of LED lighting around the Maryborough Visitor Information Centre and Library.

The projects are amongst 63 across Victoria sharing in more than $703,000 in funding under the 2019–20 round of grant allocations.

The Community Safety Fund provides grants for Victorian councils and community organisations to deliver projects tackling local crime issues.

Grants are provided under two streams of funding, with one for up to $10,000 for projects preventing crime in and around community facilities and public spaces, and another up to $25,000 to support education and awareness projects about home safety, personal property and theft reduction.

Ms Addison said the grants form part of the government’s $25 million investment in the Community Crime Prevention Program, which aims to reduce crime and its root causes.

“These projects are all about community safety at a local level and giving organisations and councils the tools they need to address the root causes of crime and I’m delighted that Doug Dean Stadium is one of a number of local recipients,” Ms Addison said.

“The Community Safety Fund empowers our communities to address safety issues affecting local residents,” she said.

Since 2015, the Labor Government has provided almost $3.7 million in Community Safety Fund grants to support 523 projects across Victoria.

For further information about the grants visit: crimeprevention.vic.gov.au