Community News

(Left – right) Mark Butler – Grafton Chamber Executive Officer, Andrew Gee, Des Harvey – Grafton Chamber Vice President, Tim Ellem (More 4 Men business owner) and Chris Gulaptis.

Clarence community encouraged to apply for government safety fund

(Left – right) Mark Butler - Grafton Chamber Executive Officer, Andrew Gee, Des Harvey – Grafton Chamber Vice President, Tim Ellem (More 4 Men business owner) and Chris Gulaptis.
(Left – right) Mark Butler – Grafton Chamber Executive Officer, Andrew Gee, Des Harvey – Grafton Chamber Vice President, Tim Ellem (More 4 Men business owner) and Chris Gulaptis.
  Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Police Andrew Gee MP joined local Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis last Friday to meet with community representatives in Grafton to discuss how the community can benefit from the NSW Government’s $10 million Community Safety Fund. Mr Gee said local community and business groups are invited to apply for assistance under the Fund before 22 January 2016 for crime fighting projects that help improve community safety. “The Community Safety Fund will invest up to $250,000 in individual grants for non-government or not-for-profit organisations, community groups, chambers of commerce and businesses to enhance safety. “Putting community safety front and centre is a key priority for the NSW Government and this $10 million fund will enhance our efforts to have stable or falling reported violent crime rates.” Mr Gee said. Clarence MP, Chris Gulaptis said it was wonderful to hear first-hand from the local community about their concerns and ideas to improve safety for everyone. “I encourage community groups to come up with ideas that will help combat crime and make people feel safe. “Our local communities are innovative and passionate and want the best for our region, and this Fund gives them the opportunity to address local crime hot spots and provide safer communities.” The Community Safety Fund aims to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour through infrastructure and service delivery projects. Examples include upgrades to public spaces and community facilities or treatment programs for people at risk of offending. The fund will address crime and anti-social behaviour across NSW through collaborative approaches to community safety and crime reduction, prevention and detection initiatives. The Community Safety Fund will support projects that: • Address local crime hot spots; • Address anti-social behaviour in communities; • Promote safe and inclusive use of public spaces; and • Promote collaborative approaches to community safety and crime reduction, prevention and detection initiatives. For further information and to apply, visit: www.crimeprevention.nsw.gov.au.