By Esther Lauaki
State funding to help councils across the west curb illegal graffiti is hitting the mark in Melton.
Melton council was granted $25,000 in the last round of graffiti prevention grants which it used to deliver workshops about street art, commission public murals and run graffiti education programs in schools.
Council also commissioned iconic street artist Phibs to create a large vibrant mural of bird imagery on a wall in High Street.
Crime Prevention Minister Ben Carroll said there had since been a significant reduction in graffiti in the area.
“Graffiti vandalism can negatively impact our streets, and its removal can be quite costly for councils, local businesses and residents. Our support ensures the community is better placed to deal with it,” Mr Carroll said on a visit to Melton last week.
He urged other councils to apply for a grant by partnering with their local schools, sporting groups, police, small businesses or other community groups.
Melton mayor Bob Turner said the mural was something the whole community could support.
“We’ve seen the evidence that street art can be used to effectively decrease graffiti, crime, as well as create iconic artwork that we can all be proud of,” Cr Turner said.
“This mural also provided inspiration and motivation to a group of young artists who … developed a set of murals for the McKenzie Street Laneway.”
Applications are open for graffiti prevention grants of up to $30,000 each that aim to support councils to partner with community groups and tackle graffiti vandalism.
Eligible graffiti prevention projects include vertical gardens, murals and public art, graffiti removal activities and anti-graffiti education programs that engage young people, local businesses and residents.
Applications close on Friday, April 26 at 4pm.
Details: www.crimeprevention.vic.gov.au/graffitigrants
