Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea is encouraging the local community to register for what is shaping up to be a record breaking Graffiti Removal Day, this Sunday, October 20.
“Anyone in Ku-ring-gai who cares about the appearance of our community can get behind Graffiti Removal Day by joining the clean-up, promoting the day on social media or simply by telling their family and friends about it,” Mr O’Dea said.
The NSW Government and Rotary Down Under will run Graffiti Removal Day with the support of a wide range of community organisations, including the Australian Men’s Shed Association (NSW Branch), Scouts and Girl Guides.
“Graffiti Removal Day is growing each year with about 150 sites across NSW to be cleaned during this year’s event, compared to 105 sites last year. An unprecedented 65 local councils will be participating, including Ku-ring-gai,” Mr O’Dea said.
People can volunteer for Graffiti Removal Day by completing a registration form at www.graffitiremovalday.org.au or by registering on the day at one of the clean-up sites.
“Anyone over the age of 12 can get involved in the clean-up and all volunteers will be provided with training, graffiti removal equipment and protective gear on the day. Participants will include everyone from school students to professionals and retirees, which is proof that graffiti affects people of all ages and walks of life,” Mr O’Dea said.
Hundreds of volunteers from across the state took part in last year’s Graffiti Removal Day, clearing 8,150 square metres of graffiti and saving the NSW Government, local councils and property owners an estimated $530,000.
Mr O’Dea said, “Graffiti is not just an eyesore, it costs the state more than $100 million a year and can cause people to avoid affected areas because they feel unsafe. The NSW Government has introduced new laws into parliament that will provide more flexibility for police when charging graffiti offenders.
“The reforms are designed to encourage charging under the Graffiti Control Act so that the sanctions and remedies available under that Act, including graffiti clean-up orders, are used in more cases,” Mr O’Dea concluded.
