WYNDHAM CITY PUTTING AN END TO GRAFFITI

Wyndham City Council has reduced its graffiti by 25 per cent the last 12 months due to education, rapid removal and by engaging with local youths.

In 2018-2019 Council’s graffiti team partnered with 28 primary and secondary schools to deliver 61 graffiti education classes.  

The sessions are a one-hour interactive class highlighting the negative impacts illegal graffiti can have on the community.

Safer Communities portfolio holder Kim McAliney said young people often took part in graffiti to express themselves, but there are less destructive ways to do this.

“That is where our graffiti team come in by finding suitable walls or buildings across the municipality where young people can display their artistic skills, without vandalising property,” Cr McAliney said.

“Council recently called upon the Werribee Scouts to paint a mural on the wall of the 2nd Werribee Scout Hall where they spent two weeks creating a masterpiece.”

“Four dedicated scouts aged from 15 to 17 worked on the project, with the help of a professional artist.”

“The mural is a depiction of scout members on a camping adventure symbolising friendship, working together and having fun”

“Council knows that if an impressive mural is on a wall, people tend to respect the art and are deterred from using spray paint in the area.”

“But that’s not the only advantage, painting a mural teaches young people how to work on projects together and also assists them to develop their artistic skills”

“Another added benefit is that the artwork also enhances the appearance of the area.” 

The graffiti team are always on the lookout for suitable locations for murals and youth groups interested in taking part.

If you have any ideas on future projects or want to report graffiti in Wyndham, contact the graffiti team by emailing  [email protected] or by calling 8734 2709.