Graffiti – A Community Initiative in Greater Geelong

Based on a strong commitment to community involvement, the Graffiti Strategy is framed around three key elements: rapid removal, prevention and policing.

City of Greater Geelong - Graffiti Strategy

Like many solutions, the Graffiti Strategy is working because it gets back to basics. People from business, schools, neighbourhoods and community groups are involved at every step.

The Strategy is flexible, allowing different approaches for different areas, and provides a range of opportunities for action and results. To date more than fifty community initiatives have been undertaken or are in progress.

The energy and enthusiasm of the Geelong community is vital to the continued success of the Graffiti Strategy. Together we are translating a passion for change and improvement into action.

Local solutions to local problems

As one of Australia’s largest municipalities, the City of Greater Geelong covers some 1200 square kilometres of rural, coastal and urban areas: each area with its own challenges. One of the principles underpinning our new approach is to recognise that there are different ways of addressing issues in different communities.

Partnerships

In developing the graffiti policy we have taken the very best of previous approaches and research. We continue to look for innovative solutions as well as the tried and tested. The problem of graffiti cannot be solved by government and legislation alone. Only through support from all sectors of the community can we successfully reduce graffiti.

An integrated approach

No single response to graffiti will achieve the results possible with a well co-ordinated, integrated approach. In Geelong there is an equal commitment to the three elements of the strategy: Rapid Removal, Prevention and Policing. It is recognised that in all of these the City must engage the community and build strong links to community actions.

In addition the City has identified other local government responses to adapt successful strategies and learn from these experiences. The City of Greater Geelong model for managing graffiti is one that several local governments have shown interest in adopting.

Re-produced with the permission of City of Greater Geelong.

For further information

Contact	:	Steve Singline, Graffiti Project Officer
Address	:	City Of Greater Geelong
Phone	:	03 5227 0511
Email	:	ssingline@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

WWW

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http://www.geelongcity.vic.gov.au/