The Andrews Labor Government is empowering the Greater Dandenong community to address the causes of crime in the area.

Local Members Gabrielle Williams, Martin Pakula and Meng Heang Tak, today announced $700,000 in crime prevention funding for the City of Greater Dandenong to deliver community-led projects to improve safety and tackle the drivers of crime in the area.

The Empowering Communities grants are part of the Government’s Building Safer Communities Program and will support local communities to kickstart projects and programs to improve safety and address crime in their area.

The City of Greater Dandenong will establish an action group that will develop and oversee community projects that keep people safe.  A community forum 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.

Since 2015 the government has invested more than $4 million for 23 crime prevention projects in the Greater Dandenong local government area, including safety and security upgrades to the Hemmings Street Precinct, as well as $150,000 for a Youth Activating Youth program to support young people away from crime.

The Victorian 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.

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

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

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

Quote attributable to Minister for Crime Prevention Natalie Hutchins

“This funding will give Greater Dandenong the resources and support to develop local crime prevention initiatives to tackle important safety issues identified by the community.”

“I look forward to seeing the crime prevention projects brought to life in the Greater Dandenong community to improve safety for all.”

Quotes attributable to Martin Pakula MP, Member for Keysborough

“Our community has the passion and expertise to put together crime prevention projects that work. This funding will give the community the resources to support their work to keep Greater Dandenong safe.”

Quotes attributable to Meng Heang Tak MP, Member for Clarinda

“Local residents and councils understand their community better than anyone, so we’re investing in their expertise and knowledge to address the root causes of crime.”

Quotes attributable to Gabrielle Williams MP, Member for Dandenong

“We know tackling the root causes of crime is better than responding after it has occurred. This funding will help our community prevent crime and stop at-risk residents from falling into offending, which will benefit the whole community.”