Greater Shepparton City Council are the successful recipients of a $700,000 Empowering Communities Grant to support innovative, evidence based approaches to address crime and improve community safety in Greater Shepparton.
Council were one of six Local Government Areas who were successful in receiving the grant which is part of the State Government's Building Safer Communities Program. The targeted Empowering Communities program aims to support local communities to design and lead innovative initiatives to address the causes of crime and improve perceptions of safety.
The successful regions were identified based on an analysis of their crime and social data, along with an ability to show community readiness for action and an opportunity to build on and complement local community safety efforts.
Mayor, Cr Kim O'Keeffe said Council were extremely pleased to be a recipient of the Empowering Communities Grant, thanking the State Government for their contribution.
"We know that Greater Shepparton has a number of challenges which relate to crime, both statistically and through community perceptions however one of the true strengths of our region is its fantastic community," she said.
"We have a long history of individuals and services who come together when needed to build our community safety and resilience. Through the strength of our key partnerships we have been working to address community perceptions and ensure Greater Shepparton is a safe and welcoming community.
"This grant will enable us to continue this important work into the future."
The grant will enable Council to launch the Empowering Communities program in Greater Shepparton. This investment will enable Council to take a more proactive approach to community safety and crime prevention.
Cr O'Keeffe said the funding would also allow for the development of a Local Action Group which will ensure further engagement with the community to investigate concerns and develop actions to increase safety and security.
"This grant will enable us to further encourage local community partnerships and strengthen relationships to deliver effective crime prevention activities in our region," she said.
"Council look forward to seeing the positive work which will come from this grant and benefit the region now and long into the future."
