Sixth round of Safer Communities Fund opens

COUNCILS and community organisations are invited to apply for grants from a pool of $35 million to improve safety through round six of the Safer Communities Fund, which is now open.

Victorian Liberal Sarah Henderson said applications for up to $20 million were now invited for early intervention projects until July 22, with a further $10 million pool available for security infrastructure applications between Tuesday, June 15 and August 5. The remaining $5 million is allocated to program costs.

“The Morrison Government’s Safer Communities Fund is a vital program which has invested more than $215 million since 2016 to local projects through 600 grants to improve safety across local communities,” Senator Henderson said.

“Early intervention funding aims to assist more young people at high risk from engaging in criminal or anti-social behaviour build resilience, cultural connections and job readiness skills.

“Safer infrastructure funding is targeted at overall security – protecting communities through projects such as CCTV, fencing and bollards.
“In addition to improving safety within the community and offering safer pathways, these local projects generate employment, boosting local economies.”

Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs Jason Wood said the announcement was delivering on the Morrison Government’s commitment to deliver safer communities through crime prevention initiatives.

“Local communities can feel safer from violence, harassment and anti-social behaviour with these initiatives in place.

“I’m pleased the early intervention funding stream will provide support for at risk young people to help them turn away from crime and build positive relationships and skills.”

The grants aim to contribute to the preservation of the safety of Australians through funding local crime prevention activities that address anti-social behaviour by youth at high risk, and help marginalised youth aged 12-24 at high risk to develop life skills, including through educational and vocational skills to prevent them from becoming entrenched in the criminal justice system and to promote inclusion and build community resilience.

Eligible activities must directly relate to the project and involve youth engagement activities aimed at crime prevention.

The grant amount will be up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs, and projects must be completed by April 30, 2024.

For guidelines including information about how to apply, eligibility and assessment criteria, head to the federal government’s Business website.