IN a windfall for the South West Kart Club, the group received confirmation it would receive over $4000 in funding from the State Government.
The club was just one of 14 crime prevention projects across the Geelong, Bellarine Peninsular and western Victoria to receive funding under the Community Safety Fund.
Club president Steve Jones-Sexton said the club would receive $4050 towards the purchase and installation of security screens on the external windows and doors of the clubroom and new amenities block to improve the security of the building and its contents.
“It’s fantastic news, we’re very, very happy,” he said.
“In the past we’ve had break-ins which cause a lot of damage and we need to prevent that from happening.
“This (funding) will go a long with providing us some security for the club rooms.”
Mr Jones-Sexton said a committee meeting would be held in February to discuss the implementation of the security screens, but hoped to have them completely installed before mid year.
He thanked the State Government for their support with the project.
“It’s great for the club and provides that bit of security for the complex,” Mr Jones-Sexton said.
Crime Prevention Minister Andrew McIntosh said many of the grants were awarded to local sporting and social clubs, scout groups, community centres and neighbourhood houses to improve security to reduce the risk of theft and vandalism.
“These facilities are at the heart of our local communities, and are often managed by local volunteers, so crime and anti-social behaviours at these important community assets has a significant impact,” he said.
“The locals know the needs of their communities, as they are the ones who experience the problems and know the history of successful, and failed, local solutions.
“The grant program was highly competitive, and I am pleased with the large number of applications received from communities right across Victoria, reflecting the real engagement people have with working to help make their communities safer.”
The Community Safety Fund grants are part of the Victorian Government’s four-year $39 million Community Crime Prevention Program, committed to supporting community action on crime prevention to help make communities across Victoria safer.
There will be further grant funding rounds over the next three years.