Grant funds youth hub safe place

THE State Government has awarded the Shire a large grant to help make communities like Bannockburn safer, and steer people away from anti-social or criminal behaviours.

Just under $300,000 from the Creating Safer Places and Crime Prevention Innovation Fund will boost inclusive organisations and programs within the Shire community with the aim of improving safety, and supporting people at risk of involvement with the justice system.

At locations including Bannockburn’s Golden Plains Youth Hub, young people and their broader families will be able to access funded employment, wellbeing and resilience training, and parenting workshops.

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens and Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney recently visited the Youth Hub and made the grant announcement.

“The Bannockburn and Golden Plains community have some fantastic ideas to address the causes of crime and these important grants will help to make positive change in our community,” Ms Tierney said.

Ms Couzens said the money will enable Bannockburn residents, and those across the Shire, to find home-grown answers to challenges faced by young people and the wider community.

“By investing in local solutions to local problems we know the community is going to directly benefit and have safer places to call home,” she said.

Building Safer Communities program is a statewide initiative and Minister for Crime Prevention Natalie Hutchins said the scheme has produced positive outcomes in other Victorian communities.

“I’m excited to see more projects come to life… These grants support local communities to create and deliver solutions to local problems, we’re providing funding where it’s needed most and building a safer Victoria for all,” she said.

The Creating Safer Places and Crime Prevention Innovation Fund also funds safety upgrades to public places including lighting and security technology.