The heart has returned to Drouin after the rundown Memorial Park in the town centre was given an extreme makeover.
The Victorian Government gave $250,000 and the Baw Baw Shire Council $81,300 to overhaul the park, which commemorates Australia’s fallen soldiers and sits on land sacred to the indigenous people of the area.
The revamped public space is being officially launched today.
The makeover includes new landscaping, lighting, entrances and pathways. There is a community art display and new table settings to woo families back to the park.
Representing the Minister for Police Wade Noonan, Parliamentary Secretary for Justice, Ben Carroll congratulated Baw Baw Shire Council on the Reclaiming Memorial Park project, which turned an area that attracted vandalism and antisocial behaviour into a safe and welcoming place for all residents.
Public safety is part of the Andrews Labor Government’s commitment to crime prevention, with a $5.8 million investment to support local communities in their crime prevention efforts.
The funding will ensure the Public Safety Infrastructure Fund continues to help councils improve areas known to attract crime.
It also maintains the Community Safety Fund where community groups and councils can apply for up to $10,000 to implement local crime prevention projects
Applications are now open for both the Community Safety Fund and Public Infrastructure Fund Grants, with more information at:
Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Justice, Ben Carroll
“Drouin Memorial Park is now a more inviting and vibrant space.’’
“The new lighting, upgraded paths and community art display opens up the park and will encourage more people to use the park, deterring potential crime.”
“Drouin residents can now feel safer in their own park.’’
Reviewed 19 August 2020