Goulburn Mulwaree Council is one of 23 local councils across the state being provided with NSW Government grants to revitalise underused public spaces and prevent graffiti vandalism.
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said Goulburn-Mulwaree Council has been awarded $71,517 to support its Goulburn Graffiti and Art Mural Project.
“The Goulburn Graffiti and Art Mural Project helps address graffiti vandalism by installing a mural at the Tarlo Street Bridge in Goulburn, with local youth being encouraged to help inform the design – expected to begin in April and finish in October this year.
“It is fantastic to see the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government supporting councils to beautify streetscapes and allow the community to reclaim and enjoy previously underused public spaces, which are often prone to illegal graffiti,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“Projects like the Goulburn Graffiti and Art Mural also add to the local environment in a way that the community can enjoy, create opportunities to bring people together and even boost the local economy.”
“The Goulburn Mulwaree Local Government Area has many murals throughout that gives our Region a presence in the arts community. Council thanks the State Government for supporting the Goulburn Graffiti and Art Mural Project which will address the graffiti and vandalism in our region. It is disappointing that we have these issues, however hopefully this will assist with making our region look much smarter,” said Goulburn Mulwaree Council Mayor, Peter Walker.
Attorney General Mark Speakman said the NSW Government’s graffiti management program funds projects that activate public spaces, support local artists and reduce the incidence of crime, like graffiti.
“This funding allows councils to to deliver tailor-made solutions for their streetscapes, drawing on grassroots knowledge and expertise to make public areas safer, more visually appealing and more enjoyable for their communities,” Mr Speakman said.
“I am looking forward to seeing the colour and life that these 23 new projects will inject into streetscapes around our state.”
The objectives of the NSW Government’s Graffiti Management Program include preventing and minimising graffiti vandalism and reducing the social, environmental and economic impact of graffiti vandalism.
One of the Australia’s most respected and renowned graffiti and street artists, Tim Phibs, says public art has so many positive benefits beyond the purely visual.
Phibs has more than three decades of large scale walls to his name and several of his works have been acquired by the National Gallery of Australia for its permanent collection.
“Street Art contributes to creating unique vibrant communities, bringing pleasure and colour into the lives of residents,” Phibs said.
“I really believe that art is meant to be enjoyed by everyone and anyone. I’m very passionate about Street Art and educating and informing people about this art form – what it means to the people who create it and how it can add value to local communities.”
A total of $1.9 million has been allocated for 23 councils in the latest grants round.
WENDY TUCKERMAN 