GROUP OF FOUR PARTNERSHIP WINS COMMUNITY SAFETY AWARD

15-10-2008
The City of Mandurah and other partners in the ‘Group of Four’ community safety and crime prevention project were officially recognised with an award at the inaugural WA Crime Prevention Awards on September 25. Hosted by the Office of Crime Prevention, the awards recognise and promote outstanding practice in crime prevention with the ‘Group of Four’ winning the category for a Local Government Authority over 30,000 people.

Mandurah Councillor Shane Jones accepted the award on behalf of the City but was accompanied at the presentation by Peel Superintendent Police Pryce Scanlan, Acting Peel District Director Department for Education and Training Brian Dodds, the City’s Manager Community Services Dean Fraser and Community Development Project Officer Belinda Trowbridge.

Mandurah Mayor Paddi Creevey said the ‘Group of Four’ partnership was unusual because it engaged high level officers from the region to come to the table to discuss community safety and crime prevention issues and ensure the City’s 2006-2010 Community Safety and Crime Prevention Plan was actioned.

“Also attending the group’s fortnightly meetings with the police, City and Department of Education and Training representatives is the Regional Manager of Family and Children’s Services, from the Department for Community Development,” Mayor Creevey said.
“The partnership approach has enhanced relationships and developed a more collaborative approach to issues in our community.  We are extremely proud that the ‘Group of Four’ has won this award as it recognises the good work done so far in making Mandurah is a safe and great place to live.”

The ‘Group of Four’ has attracted several grants to implement the City’s community safety plan, including a $150,000 two-year grant from the Federal Attorney-General’s Department, which is being used to run community safety and crime prevention initiatives for the transit precinct.

Other specific issues in the Community Action Plan deal with:

  • Family Dysfunction, including addressing domestic violence, limiting school truancy, and reducing theft and burglaries, responding immediately to incidents of assault and anti-social behaviour
  • Promoting a Safe Community by improving the perception of the City as a safe place to live
  • Road Safety and Traffic Management by reducing ‘hoon’ behaviour and targeting repeat offenders
  • Alcohol, Drug and Substance Abuse by preventing under-age people having access to alcohol and drugs, adopting a harm minimisation approach and enforcing the Peel Liquor Accord.

RELEASE ENDS

6 October 2008

Last modified 15-10-2008 06:27 AM