Communities in the G21 region have benefited from the State Government's Community Safety Fund grants, with up to $10,000 awarded to more than 150 community organisations across Victoria.

Congratulations to the following success applicants:

• Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association - Replacement of locks in poor condition at the Coast Guard Headquarters yard and Rescue Vessel, with locks specifically designed for the harsh, salty marine environment to protect the Search and Rescue vessel and communications facilities.
  Queenscliffe and District Neighbourhood House Inc - Installation of a secure screen door, a solid wooden door and security lighting (to the front entrance area and parking spaces) at the  Queenscliffe and District Neighbourhood House.
• The Bellarine Peninsula Railway - Railway Station Security Lighting Provision of security platform lighting at Queenscliffe and Lakers Siding historic railway stations to prevent incidences of vandalism and theft.
• Geelong East Men's Shed (GEMS) Inc - Supply and installation of "Crimsafe" window security screens at the Geelong East Men's Shed.
• Neighbourhood Watch - Production of a theft prevention brochure, poster and media campaign to raise the awareness of holiday makers and locals in coastal towns from Apollo Bay to Portarlington of the need to practice safety and security measures in relation to their vehicles and their personal property.
• Balliang East Primary School - Security Screens for Junior School Classrooms
• Highton Bowls Club - Installation of improved lighting at the Highton Bowls Club entrance to increase visibility, safety security and confidence to community members.

Minister for Crime Prevention Andrew McIntosh said Community Safety Grants were about finding community solutions for community problems.

“Through these grants, the Coalition Government is empowering communities to decide what’s best for them, and giving them funding to make those solutions a reality,” Mr McIntosh said.

Many of these grants have been awarded to local sporting and social clubs, scout groups, community centres and neighbourhood houses to improve security and reduce the risk of theft, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

“These facilities are the heart of our local communities, and are often managed by local volunteers, so crime and anti-social behaviour has a significant impact,” Mr McIntosh said.

“I’m delighted to be able to help so many communities to provide safer and more secure facilities for residents.”

Funding is also being provided for crime prevention education and awareness projects, including arson reduction initiatives in bushfire-prone areas, and theft prevention programs in summer holiday spots.

The grant program was highly competitive, with more than 350 applications received, reflecting the real engagement local people have in working to help make their communities safer.

“The Coalition Government recognises that local communities are best placed to identify and prioritise issues of concern regarding local crime and safety and is committed to supporting them to do so,” Mr McIntosh said.

Mr McIntosh said the Community Safety Fund grants were part of the Coalition Government’s four-year $39 million Community Crime Prevention Program, committed to supporting community action on crime prevention to help make communities across Victoria safer. There will be further grant funding rounds over the next three years.

As part of the Coalition Government’s Your Community, Your Say Crime Prevention program, Mr McIntosh has conducted a series of regional reference group meetings across the state, listening to the views of communities and ascertaining which measures are most appropriate for different areas.

That process will continue this year, as the Coalition Government remains determined to let communities identify crime prevention strategies that will work for them.