Removing graffiti one wall, door or property at a time, volunteer group Graffiti Busters is going from strength to strength.
Graffiti Busters coordinator Geoff Bransbury said the success of the initiative - conducted at the group's discretion pending property owner approval, according to strict rules and standards - is infectious at a community level.
"The volunteers love it; the residents love it; and Council can't do it alone, so it's a win-win-win all the way," Geoff said.
"While the removal of graffiti on private property is a private matter, we've been quite successful in liaising with property owners in getting their permission to remove the graffiti, and we've never, ever been rejected."
They are delighted with the results in line with its mission to rid Bayside of unsightly tags or graffiti. The group was originally conceived with Council support as a trial program and established in Beaumaris in 2018, as part of Neighbourhood Watch 3193.
This initiative fosters a collective responsibility and pride in maintaining our wonderful municipality.
In recognition of his magnificent work in the community, Geoff was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia over the King's Birthday Weekend.
Bayside Mayor, Cr Hanna El Mouallem said Geoff is a deserved recipient of the award and praised him for his tireless effort with Neighbourhood Watch 3193.
"Geoff has shown fantastic dedication to his community by volunteering countless hours and I am delighted that he is being recognised for his efforts with the Medal of the Order of Australia," says Cr El Mouallem.
"Beaumaris and Black Rock 3193 Neighbourhood Watch plays an important role in our community raising awareness of community safety issues and activities."
The clean-up in Beaumaris, Black Rock and Sandringham (in progress) has hit such a fresh note with locals that Council is buying another distinctively branded trailer for the Hampton neighbourhood.
"The Council supported the concept and helped us to spawn a Graffiti Busters group in Hampton, so that's how it came about," Geoff said.
Groups in Brighton and Highett are also on the wish list, but dedicated coordination is paramount to the continued expansion of the group.
Calling all group-trained and equipped clean-up crews, preferably with leadership qualities, Geoff said: "If we are to get it going right throughout Bayside, what we need are leaders for the groups."
Volunteer with Graffiti Busters
