Almost $32 million in vital funding is now available to assist organisations working with children that are vulnerable to harassment or violence.
Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton said round four of the Safer Communities Fund will provide funding for security infrastructure and activity-based projects that aim to protect children from violent attacks and harassment.
"We are committed to keeping every Australian safe, especially those who are most vulnerable. No child should ever have to fear for their safety," Mr Dutton said.
The focus of funding round four is schools, community and religious organisations. Funding is available over three years for security infrastructure and activity projects.
The Morrison Government has already approved around 340 grants under the fund for organisations to deliver youth engagement projects and upgrade their security infrastructure, including closed circuit television cameras, and lighting and environmental design initiatives to prevent crime" Mr Dutton said.
Successful round three applicants are progressively being advised of the outcomes of these decisions. Funding under the activity-based projects stream includes almost $10 million for 11 Police Citizens Youth Clubs, Blue Light organisations and Youth off the Streets programs.
Under the infrastructure stream almost $18 million has already been delivered to local councils, community and religious organisations to install security infrastructure upgrades such as closed circuit television cameras, lighting and bollards.
This latest funding announcement brings the total amount available under the Safer Communities Fund to $101.9 million between 2016-17 and 2020-21.
Applications for round four can be submitted from 19 March 2019 and will be assessed progressively in the order they are received until the funding is exhausted. Potential applicants should start preparing applications now. Further details are available on the Australian Government's Safer Communities Fund website at: https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/safer-communities-fund-round-4.
