Media Releases

Communities in the Rodney electorate are being empowered to improve their own safety and security through a share in $1 million in grants announced today by Minister for Crime Prevention Andrew McIntosh.

Community Safety Fund grants of up to $10,000 have been awarded to more than 150 community organisations across Victoria, including in Picola, Nathalia, Echuca, Rochester and Rushworth.

Minister for Crime Prevention Andrew McIntosh said Community Safety Grants were about finding community solutions for community problems.

“Through these grants, the Coalition Government is empowering communities to decide what’s best for them, and giving them funding to make those solutions a reality,” Mr McIntosh said.

Member for Rodney Paul Weller said grants had been awarded to six local sporting clubs, recreation reserve committees and schools to improve security and reduce the risk of theft, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Local recipients and projects include:

• Picola Recreation Reserve – the installation of a security window in the building and external lighting in the car park area;
• Nathalia Golf Club – the installation of self-closing security screen doors and keyed window locks to all windows at the club;
• Echuca East Primary School – the construction of a secure bike storage facility;
• Rochester Secondary College – the installation of security lighting at the entrance of the college;
• Rochester Tigers Cricket Club – the installation of a security system for the Corop Community Centre; and
• Rushworth Public Park Reserve – the installation of security window grills and security screen doors to the social club rooms

“These facilities are the heart of our local communities, and are often managed by local volunteers, so crime and anti-social behaviour has a significant impact,” Mr Weller said.

“I’m delighted to be part of a government that is helping so many communities to provide safer and more secure facilities for local people.”

The Community Safety Fund grants are part of the Coalition Government’s four-year $39 million Community Crime Prevention Program, committed to supporting community action on crime prevention to help make communities across Victoria safer.

There will be further grant funding rounds over the next three years.