The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to support projects that tackle the causes of crime through the Building Safer Communities Program.

Councils, not-for-profit groups and other specialist organisations are encouraged to submit locally driven projects for the next round of grants, with up to $300,000 of funding available to make local communities safer through two streams.

The Creating Safer Places grants provide funding for councils for urban design projects which aim to prevent crime by creating inclusive environments and safer public places.

Previous projects from this fund include CCTV, lighting and streetscape upgrades at Hemmings Street in Dandenong and a security upgrade of activity precincts in Mordialloc, Chelsea and Carrum.

The Crime Prevention Innovation Fund provides supports councils and not-for-profit organisations to develop innovative community safety and crime prevention initiatives.

Previous projects include an Aboriginal mentoring program in Mildura for young people who have been in contact with the justice system, a program to improve women’s safety in the CBD and a mentoring program for South Sudanese youth in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne.

Applications are currently open and close at 4:00pm on Friday, 11 February 2022.

The Building Safer Communities program is a cornerstone of the Government’s Crime Prevention Strategy, which sets out a long-term approach to address the root causes of a crime in order to keep Victorians safe.

The grants are in addition to funding of $4.2 million allocated to six priority communities through the Empowering Communities grants last week.

Ballarat, Casey, Dandenong, Knox, Shepparton and Wyndham councils were provided $700,000 in funding for projects that build local capability to effectively keep vulnerable people away from crime, encourage local community partnerships and strengthen relationships to deliver crime prevention activities.

For more information, including the application guidelines and frequently asked questions visit www.crimeprevention.vic.gov.au/buildingsafercommunities.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Crime Prevention Natalie Hutchins

“We’re taking action and providing necessary localised support to tackle the causes of crime and keep at-risk people away from offending.”

“Our Building Safer Communities grants will invest in projects tailored for those who need a bit of extra support to stay on the right path.”