Being subject to arson, vandalism and break-ins may soon be a thing of the past for a group of Werribee Scouts.
The 2nd Werribee Scout Group is one of three community organisations in the Wyndham region that will benefit from state government crime prevention grants.
Group leader Allan Thompson said the $7044 grant would pay for steel fencing for the group’s two halls.
“Our existing fencing was made of mesh and had been cut open many times, leading to graffiti, damaging of water tanks, break-ins and arson,” Mr Thompson said.
“Building a new steel fence means volunteer time and finances will no longer be wasted on repairs and cleaning up; instead it will go to helping the kids … and also making our halls a lot safer.”
Wyndham Park Community Centre has received $5840, also from the state government security/safety pool, which will be used to buy and install external security lighting at the Wyndham Park Community Shed.
Community development worker with the shed, James Dredge said the building was quite isolated and the lighting would help prevent break-ins and vandalism.
The Werribee Community Education Centre received $5070, which is expected to go towards funding a crime prevention and community safety workshop for people who have recently arrived in the community from Burma.
Werribee MP Tim Pallas said the grants would help fund practical and innovative projects in a bid to promote community safety and prevent crime in communities across Wyndham.
“Local organisations know best when it comes to their community and preventing crime,” he said.
“I’m glad that the government is supporting them.
“Crime prevention needs to involve communities to be effective.”
