Shepparton community leaders met on Thursday afternoon to discuss ways to tackle the root causes of local crime and improve safety.
The forum was attended by Crime Prevention Minister Natalie Hutchins, Greater Shepparton City Council, Victoria Police, Neighbourhood Watch, Crime Stoppers, locals and other key partners.
It will see $700,000 in Victorian Government grants spent on crime prevention programs in the community.
The forums aim to give communities the opportunity to identify the issues that matter most in their area and work together to develop local solutions.
These ideas will inform the work of an action group to develop and then deliver local crime prevention activities.
“Shepparton locals best know the issues affecting their region, which is why we want to hear from and empower them to deliver effective crime prevention projects that work for their community,” Ms Hutchins said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the Shepparton community and local action group build on the ideas that emerge from the forum and develop initiatives that boost crime prevention and make their community safer.”
Past projects supported in Shepparton include $660,000 for the Out-Teach program, connecting young people to education, training pathways and support, and $10,000 for security fencing upgrades for Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative.