Eye-catching works of art, improved lighting, smart bus shelters, new footbridges, and a community garden have all been rolled out in Griffith to help make spaces feel safer for women, girls, and gender-diverse people.
On Saturday night, the Her Way 2680 project officially came to a close, with Griffith Mayor Councillor Doug Curran describing the work undertaken as outstanding.
"I am so impressed by what has been achieved. These improvements will make a huge difference to people living in and moving around the area," Councillor Curran said.
In late 2022, Griffith was selected as a pilot council to implement projects to increase safety for women and girls as part of the Safer Cities: Her Way Program funded by Transport for NSW. Following extensive community consultation, the Canal to Coolah Street area was identified as an area of focus.
Over the past 18 months, Council has worked closely with the community through co-design, walkshops, and artist workshops to further develop the project. More than 150 participants, including local residents, high school students, community groups, businesses, and organisations, have been directly involved in the project and its outcomes.
The project achieved the following:
- Two new footbridges, footpaths, and lighting on Kooyoo and Ulong Street
- An upgrade to Don Best Park, featuring a community garden, lighting, BBQ, and water bubbler
- Wayfinding signage with bespoke artwork from Karissa Undy
- Two new smart bus shelters with wireless phone charging and solar capabilities
- Nine new public works of art in the CBD
- Upgraded lighting in two Yambil Street car parks
- A new understanding of how to design and collaborate with the community for the most vulnerable in our public spaces.
"Council would like to thank key partners, Murrumbidgee Irrigation, Griffith Soroptimist International, Banna Lane Festival, Murrumbidgee Regional High School, and the women, girls, and gender-diverse people who gave up their time to assist in the initial co-design and walkshop sessions," Councillor Curran said.
"Moving forward, Council plans to use the co-design framework in future projects and update and develop strategies that include lessons learned from the Safer Cities Project."
