NATIONAL COMMUNITY SAFETY PROJECTS AWARDED
3 December 2009
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today recognised 14 community-based projects from across the country with Australian Safer Communities Awards.
The Awards recognise projects to increase community safety within the emergency management context. Award categories cover state government emergency agencies, local government, volunteer organisations, NGOs, education institutions and the private sector.
Among the Winning and Highly Commended projects were:
- 'Teenagers in Emergencies' project initiated by four 14 year old volunteers in Victoria that exemplifies self-reliance and community service;
- a conference to bring culturally and linguistically diverse communities in the ACT together to share important safety messages;
- a marine stinger prevention project for a remote Queensland indigenous community;
- a collective of South Australian local government councils that focused on community flood risk preparedness;
- a University project in NSW to help beachgoers understand rip currents;
- a Tasmanian migrant resource centre’s efforts to raise awareness of fires;
- a safety program for night patrol workers in the Northern Territory who help people with alcohol and drug related issues; and
- an Association for the Blind of WA 'Living Safe' workshop.
"These awards acknowledge local projects that improve community preparedness and resilience," Mr McClelland said.
"The winning projects are impressive for their enterprise and imagination. I congratulate those who have contributed to making their communities both safer and better places to live."
Altogether 75 projects were entered from across all states and territories for this year’s Awards, which are promoted by the Attorney-General’s Department through emergency services agencies and departments, non-government emergency related organisations, volunteer groups and private enterprise.
A full list of award recipients of the 2009 Australian Safer Community Awards is attached. An extensive list of all 2009 entries and descriptions of the winning projects can be found at: www.ema.gov.au.
Media Contact: Daniel Gleeson 0409 562 425