Young people across Warrnambool have come together to transform public spaces thanks to a Graffiti Prevention Grant of $30,000 from the Victorian Government.
A total of 54 students and young people took part in the Colour Our World project that provided transferable skills in project planning by working on a public mural, while also boosting confidence and self-esteem and creating a sense of safety and ownership amongst participants.
Prior to the project, there was substantial tagging and graffiti in public open spaces in East Warrnambool, creating a perception that many public spaces were unsafe. Approximately 200 graffiti incidents occur across Warrnambool annually.
Warrnambool City Council is benefitting from the creativity of students and young people in the area, while also enabling them to create social connections through urban art.
The sites were prepared, painted and finished by groups of young people in sessions facilitated by school partners, Victoria Police, the Neighbourhood House and the local community.
The project was led by local artist, Ella Webb, who took care to educate young people on anti-graffiti messaging while also developing their skills and knowledge of art.
Since 2015, the government has provided more than $2.2 million under the Community Crime Prevention Program to support 111 graffiti prevention projects across Victoria, including $80,000 for three projects run by Warrnambool City Council.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“It’s really important we address the key drivers of graffiti behavior and that’s exactly what this project has done through greater education, awareness and empowerment of our young people.”
“The Colour Our World project has instilled pride in our local public spaces and brought our community closer together.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Crime Prevention, Natalie Hutchins
“Members of the community deserve to enjoy public spaces free from graffiti vandalism.”
“Engaging local young people in delivering these beautiful murals in Warrnambool helps foster a connection to the local community and builds ownership and pride in public spaces.”