Funding for crime prevention

BALLARAT has received State Government funding for local projects designed to prevent crime in the region.

State members announced last week $700,000 is available for 18 community groups, including Federation University, Ballarat Community Health, Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative and Women’s Health Grampians.

“It is really an opportunity to consult with key stakeholders and say ‘what do you see the answers are that are specific to our community’,” Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said.

“What we’re saying to our people is you are our brains trust when it comes to this, and we are empowering you to really guide and shape what outcomes this may look like.”

Mayor Daniel Moloney said an important aspect of the funding is working the collaboration between governments and the community.

“Council is committed to strengthen relationships with community stakeholders and work in partnership to deliver a range of projects and initiatives to ensure safety across Ballarat,” he said.

Suitable projects for the funding include those that keep vulnerable people away from crime, build local community partnerships and help deliver crime prevention activities.

Women’s Health Grampians CEO Marianne Hendron reiterated the importance of allowing community organisations and the people they support to tailor programs to their needs.

She said WHG has a number of initiatives, including Youth Equality For All that’s designed to empower young people to speak about their experiences.

“We can’t address what we don’t know about, so the important thing is to be able to hear those voices and hear from the people themselves about what they see being the solutions,” Ms Hendron said.

The funding is part of the Building Safer Community Program, which provides grants to local governments and community groups for crime prevention and safety projects.