Community partnerships and local ideas to improve public safety in Knox are receiving support thanks to funding from the Andrews Labor Government.  

Minister for Crime Prevention Natalie Hutchins and MP for Bayswater Jackson Taylor today announced $700,000 in crime prevention funding for Knox City Council to ensure community designed and delivered projects improve community safety in the area.

The City of Knox will establish an action group that will oversee community projects that keep people safe.

The funding will be used for projects that build local capability to understand and implement effective crime prevention projects, build local community partnerships and strengthen relationships to deliver crime prevention activities.

Community forums will be held with Neighbourhood Watch, Crime Stoppers Victoria, local community groups and Victoria Police to workshop ideas on the best way to tackle local crime and safety issues.

This funding builds on already established partnerships with the community to find local solutions to local issues.

Since 2015 the government has invested more than $900,000 in 14 crime prevention projects in the Knox local government area, including the Marie Wallace Bayswater Park Solar Lighting Project, and the Be Prepared, Be Protected, Feel Safe project in partnership with The Scout Association of Australia.

Today’s funding is part of the Building Safer Communities Program, which provides grants and community forums to support Victorian councils and community organisations to deliver innovative projects to address the causes of crime and improve community safety. 

Applications for the next round of competitive grants will open on Monday 15 November 2021 and close at 4pm on Friday 11 February 2022.

The Government has invested over $85 million in crime prevention projects since 2015, including almost $20 million over four years through the 2021-22 State Budget. Over 860 projects to increase community safety and confidence across Victoria have been delivered. 

For more information visit  Building Safer Communities Program | Community Crime Prevention Victoria 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Crime Prevention Natalie Hutchins

“We’re investing in local communities because they have the local knowledge and expertise to address the root causes of crime.”

“I look forward to seeing the Knox community come together to create a safer community for all to enjoy.”

Quote attributable to Jackson Taylor MP, Member for Bayswater

“This will give Knox the resources to tackle important community safety issues and to support the community to develop local crime prevention ideas that work.”