Victorian councils can now apply for grants of up to $25,000 to work with their communities to prevent graffiti vandalism.

Minister for Police Lisa Neville announced the latest round of grants this morning in front of an iconic 345-square-metre street art project on Fitzroy’s Fry’s Storage building.

Featuring some of Australia’s most iconic street artists such as Rone and Adnate, the work was part-funded by the Andrews Labor Government’s Graffiti Prevention Grants Program and has helped to turn a graffiti hot-spot into a landmark attraction.

Applications for the latest round of grants open today, with funding available for Victorian councils that team up with residents, sporting groups, schools, local police, small businesses and traders’ associations to develop and deliver projects that help prevent graffiti.

Graffiti vandalism is costly for communities and property owners and affects the appearance of neighbourhoods.

It also influences community confidence in the safety and security of public places.

Project ideas that may be eligible to receive funding include vertical gardens, landscaping, murals and public art as well as school-based anti-graffiti education programs and initiatives that encourage local businesses and residents to help prevent graffiti.

The grants are part of the Labor Government’s Community Crime Prevention Program, which helps promote community safety and prevent crime in communities across the state.

The Labor Government delivered a $19.4 million funding boost in the 2016–17 Victorian Budget to support and expand the Community Crime Prevention Program.

Applications for the Graffiti Prevention Grants close at 4pm Friday 12 May and should be submitted online via the Community Crime Prevention website, crimeprevention.vic.gov.au/graffitigrants

Community groups with ideas for a grant application should contact their local council.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Police Lisa Neville

“Graffiti can have such a negative effect on how a neighbourhood is perceived and is costly for councils, businesses and residents to prevent and remove.”

“These Graffiti Prevention Grants are set up to help Victorian communities combat vandalism with local solutions.”

“By involving the community in these projects, councils can reinstill residents’ sense of pride and confidence in the safety of the area.”