GRAFFITI HOTSPOTS PROJECT

THE PROBLEM

Increased reports of graffiti and antisocial behaviour around the municipality received through Council’s Graffiti Hotline

Further concerns expressed by community members at the Police Community Consultative Committee Community Consultation

Increase in customer service enquiries and reports to various council departments relating to graffiti in Melton, Caroline Springs, Hillside and Melton South

Through these, two ‘hotspots’ were identified

Evidence of the problem

HOTSPOT 1- HILLSIDE

Before

HOTSPOT 1- HILLSIDE

Before

HOTSPOT 1- HILLSIDE

Before

HOTSPOT 1- HILLSIDE

Before

HOT SPOT 2- MELTON SOUTH

Before

HOT SPOT 2- MELTON SOUTH

Before

HOT SPOT 2- MELTON SOUTH

Before

HOT SPOT 2- MELTON SOUTH

Before

HOT SPOT 2- MELTON SOUTH

Before

THE SOLUTION/PROJECT

A Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) approach was utilised

To ensure sustainability:

Solutions were guided by consultations with the community, residents and traders

Solutions were also guided by relevant evidence based literature

Two hotspots were identified, with two different solutions

Identifying solutions

PROJECT PARTNERS Engaged with local Victoria Police Crime Prevention Officer

Other Council departments, some already involved in graffiti management

Continuous communication to remain engaged with partners

Local graffiti workshop groups

Local traders

Following completion of funded component, partners remained engaged in project related activities, Eg, bus shelter and OD, workshops and YS

PROJECT OUTCOMES

Encourage and support councils and communities to identify and develop options for graffiti prevention and removal in local areas

Community consultations (residents, traders, community groups, local Police)

Graffiti and safety audit

Gauged interest in wall murals

Feedback on making spaces safe and maximising use of space

Feedback on graffiti prevention

Aims

PROJECT OUTCOMES Assist councils and communities to improve the visual amenity of

neighbourhoods through the prevention and removal of graffiti

Provided graffiti removal kits and paint supplies to traders

Provided information on reporting graffiti vandalism

Workshops on mural design

Recommendations to council for further improvement in visual amenity, eg planting, seating, facilities

Engage with existing street art groups to work on projects around Council

Aims continued

PROJECT OUTCOMES

Support the development of sustainable graffiti prevention of sustainable graffiti prevention and removal solutions in Victorian communities

Education about the role of rapid removal in graffiti prevention

Promote to the wider community about the Graffiti Hotline

Results will support the development of a Council Graffiti Policy and Strategy to guide a more collaborative and consistent future approach 

Aims continued

PROJECT OUTCOMES Increase the sense of community confidence in the safety and

security of public spaces

Feedback from consultations indicate that a visually appealing space would attract more people and activity, with a sense of pride and ownership of the space. With a frequently used space, a community connection will be fostered, resulting in increased feelings of safety and security.

As the project has moved forward, it has increased momentum and interest from the wider community wanting to be involved. The higher the involvement of community members in community projects, the higher the sense of belonging and protection of their community.

Aims continued

HOTSPOT 1- HILLSIDE

Graffiti workshop

HOTSPOT 1- HILLSIDE

Graffiti workshop

HOTSPOT 1- HILLSIDE

Community members and street artist at wall mural

HOTSPOT 1- HILLSIDE

Community members and street artist at wall mural

HOTSPOT 1- HILLSIDE

Community members working on the mural

HOTSPOT 1- HILLSIDE

Community members gathering to work on mural

HOTSPOT 1- HILLSIDE

Community members working on the mural

HOTSPOT 1- HILLSIDE

After

ISSUES Positive:

Flow on projects

Further interest by the community beyond the scope and time constraints of the project

As much as possible, these people were connected to other departments within council. For example, connected young people to a graffiti workshop program with youth services. Connected youth services to other departments more directly involved with this project (eg, OD) for further collaboration and community spaces

ISSUES

Negative:

Traders hesitant about graffiti removal

Provided education around rapid removal and consulted with them on what would be most beneficial. (eg, paint vouchers in addition to graffiti removal solutions).

LESSONS & THE FUTURE If the same graffiti problem was identified today:

Apply for the same project

Small changes:

Include smaller hotspot sites and engage more youth

Engage more community members in implementing solutions

More youth graffiti workshops

LESSONS & THE FUTURE

Keys to success:

Community engagement, with as many stakeholders as possible

Constant contact with community

Find out what benefits the community would like to see and work to create those

Share a vision

ADVICE FOR OTHERS

Consult with the community (residents, community groups, traders)

It creates interest and gets people talking – this enables you to generate and spread interest quickly

Engage the community in the solutions

Brainstorming solutions as well as implementing solutions

Connect and collaborate with other departments within your council- eg, youth services