Community Safety Month 2009 kicks off in October and there are a number of supporting events planned for the Maroondah community.

Councillor Alex Makin said the month aimed to promote awareness about a broad range of safety matters including crime prevention, personal safety, safe work practices, staying safe during emergencies, and improving the perception of safety.

“Community Safety Month is celebrating its 13th year in 2009 and it’s proven to be a valuable tool in raising community awareness of safety matters,” Cr Makin said.

“This October Council will be hosting several events to showcase the activities it is undertaking and supporting to address community safety issues in a variety of ways,” Cr Makin said.

Some of the activities planned for Community Safety Month include:

• Portraits of Positive Seniors – a project that aims to break down the negative stereotypes of the older generation while addressing the broader issue of safety by profiling local citizens and focusing on the positive outcomes of community engagement. The project aims to inspire the older generation to keep moving physically, mentally and socially by providing peer-based examples that are realistic, achievable and identifiable. Portraits will be on display at various Council facilities in the second half of October. Phone Council’s Community Safety Officer on 9294 5745 for further details.
• Launch of Monkami Army in Main St, Croydon – a group of individuals from disability service provider Monkami will embark on a gardening project in Main Street, Croydon from 10.30am on Monday 26 October. The volunteers will help plant and maintain the garden in a bid to further enhance perceptions of safety and wellbeing in the area. Look out for the Monkami Army volunteers the next time you’re in Croydon.
• Responsible service of alcohol – Council and Good Sports are subsidising a Responsible Serving of Alcohol course on Wednesday 21 October at Richard Silcock Pavilion, Croydon. The course, normally $100 per person, is just $15 for Good Sports members and $30 for non-members. Gain the knowledge and awareness to serve alcohol responsibly.

Community Safety Month is coordinated by the Victorian Safer Communities Network (of which Maroondah is a member), and supported by Victoria Police.

To find out more about Council’s community safety initiatives visit Council’s website at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au.

For further information on Community Safety Month in Maroondah, phone Council’s Community Safety Officer on 9298 4212 or email naomi.dashwood@maroondah.vic.gov.au