MORE than 1000 local young people will take part in a new education program targeting graffiti.
As part of the 2014 Safer Queensland Community Grants initiative – supported by Suncorp Insurance and the Queensland Police Service – Noosa Shire Council received over $5,000 for its graffiti education program, being delivered at local secondary and primary schools.
Mayor Noel Playford said in a press release the initiative, which is part-funded by council, is now underway.
“Graffiti costs the community greatly. This program has been designed to discourage young people from engaging in graffiti crime, by making them aware of the repercussions and the impact it has on the community,” Cr Playford said.
The initiative is among several the council is undertaking to help reduce graffiti incidents across the shire.
Young offenders are also now being made to clean up graffiti under an agreement with Sunshine Coast Youth Justice Service.
The education program has the support of local authorities including police, youth services and utility providers.
It includes a 45-minute presentation, letter to parents, handbooks for teachers, and stickers, comics and other materials.
Its message is: ‘Respect it. Don’t wreck it’.
An experienced youth presenter and actor delivers the presentations, which send a clear message that illegal graffiti is about choices and consequences.
Warner Youth Education will implement the program. Warner’s graffiti education program has seen successful results and positive feedback from students and teachers at schools across Australia. For more information visit:www.warneryoutheducation.com.au
Noosa Council was among more than 35 successful applicants to share in more than $200,000 worth for funding for community-led projects.
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