The Andrews Labor Government is empowering the Wyndham community to address the causes of crime in the area.

Minister for Crime Prevention Natalie Hutchins was joined by Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly today to announce $700,000 in crime prevention funding for the City of Wyndham to support community designed and delivered projects  to improve safety and address crime in the area.

The Empowering Communities grants are part of the Government’s Building Safer Communities Program and will support local communities to kickstart projects and programs to improve safety and address crime in their area.

The City of Wyndham will establish an action group that will oversee community projects that keep people safe. The group will hold a community forum with Neighbourhood Watch, Crime Stoppers Victoria, local community groups and Victoria Police to workshop ideas on the best way to tackle local crime and safety issues.

Since 2015 the government has invested more than $3.6 million for 18 crime prevention projects in the Wyndham local government area, including safety and security upgrades to a local park and temple, as well as $1.7 million for the Centre for Multicultural Youth to support young people away from crime.

The Government has invested over $85 million in crime prevention projects since 2015, including almost $20 million over four years through the 2021-22 State Budget. Over 860 projects to increase community safety and confidence across Victoria have been delivered. 

Today’s funding is part of the Building Safer Communities Program, which funds grants and community forums to support Victorian councils and community organisations to deliver innovative projects that address the causes of crime and improve community safety. 

Applications for the next round of grants will open on Monday 15 November 2021 and close at 4pm on Friday 11 February 2022.

For more information visit  Building Safer Communities Program | Community Crime Prevention Victoria 

Quote attributable to Minister for Crime Prevention Natalie Hutchins

“This funding will give the City of Wyndham the resources and support to develop local crime prevention initiatives to tackle important safety issues identified by the community.” 

“I look forward to seeing the crime prevention projects brought to life in the Wyndham community to improve safety for all.” 

Quotes attributable to Member for Tarneit Sarah Connolly

“Local residents and councils understand their community better than anyone, so we’re investing in their expertise and knowledge to address the root causes of crime.”