Mr Frank McGuire MP, Victorian Government Parliamentary Secretary for Crime Prevention, visited Taylors Gully Park in Stawell this morning as part of his regional tour to announce the completion of a security lighting project funded by the department.
Mr McGuire met with Northern Grampians Shire Council and project stakeholders to view the security lighting funded by the department.
The project cost a total of $43,000 and was made possible through a $36,650 grant from the Victorian Government's Community Safety Infrastructure Grant supplemented by $3,350 in funding from Council and a further $3,000 in-kind contribution for project management.
Marrang Kindergarten and Early Learning Centre is the key beneficiary of this project; the lighting has been installed in the adjacent carpark and nearby Taylors Gully Park playground. It consists of nine 8 metre-high light poles with LED light fittings that effectively flood the area and improve visibility and safety for anyone visiting the park at night-time.
Mr McGuire was accompanied by Ms Michelle Wood, Executive Director for the Department of Justice and Community Safety (West Area). The pair were greeted at the site by Northern Grampians Shire Councillors, Mayor Cr Murray Emerson and Central Ward councillor, Cr Kevin Erwin.
Also present at the site visit were Marrang Kindergarten and Early Learning Centre representatives Ms Carole Clarke, Early Years Coordinator and Ms Hannah Argall, Vice President of the parent advisory group. Leading Senior Constable Ms Toni Chegwin, of Stawell Police was also present. Ms Chegwin is a member of the Wimmera Proactive Policing Unit. Both the kindergarten and Ms Chegwin were instrumental in helping Council to secure funding.
The mayor commenced the event with an Acknowledgment of Country, thanking Mr McGuire for visiting the shire and taking the time to inspect the completed project and meet the stakeholders.
Mr McGuire officially announced the completion of the project.
Quotes attributable to the Parliamentary Secretary for Crime Prevention Frank McGuire
"Our government is listening to local concerns and providing funding to make a direct impact."
"I'm delighted to see the community already embracing these upgrades after our digital meetings. The Crime Prevention strategy is being rolled out across the state and is focusing on addressing causes rather than symptoms of crime."
Mr McGuire and Cr Emerson were photographed with children aged three to five years from the long day care program and the project stakeholders.
Mayor Cr Murray Emerson said this was a fantastic outcome for the community.
"I would like to thank Mr McGuire for taking time out of his busy schedule to stop in and visit us here at Taylors Gully Park in Stawell to announce the completion of this project," expressed Cr Emerson.
"The Victorian Government's funding towards this lighting project has contributed greatly to the safety and welfare of our community using this carpark not to mention extending the usability of the playground after dark for our local families. Thank you for making our community's wellbeing a priority."
