Empowering Communities Grants Program

The Wyndham Community Safety Grants were part of the broader Empowering Communities Grants Program, which received funding from the Victorian Government’s Building Safer Communities Program in 2021. The program supported local communities in designing and leading initiatives to address crime and enhance safety perceptions.

Program Objectives: 

• Built the community’s capacity to understand crime-related issues and implement effective prevention strategies.
• Strengthened partnerships among stakeholders to deliver sustainable crime prevention activities.
• Engaged the community to address local safety concerns.
• Established an evidence base for successful community development initiatives.

In collaboration with the Local Action Group (LAG) and the State Government, Wyndham City implemented a community-led approach which included:

• Establishing a LAG to leverage local expertise on improving safety.
• Conducting five community consultations and an online survey to identify safety concerns and solutions.
• Analysing crime and social data to inform strategies.
• Developing shared goals, key safety priorities, and a distribution process for $370,000 in funding.

Successful recipients of the Wyndham Community Safety Grants led impactful community safety projects. A Community Partners register was also created for local individuals and organisations interested in supporting these initiatives without applying for grants.

Wyndham Community Safety Grants

Applications for grants opened in June 2023, and successful projects were announced on 7 September. Grants ranged from $50,000 to $100,000, with a total of $370,000 distributed to projects focused on two priority areas: 

• Building a sense of community by promoting safety, interfaith/intercultural understanding, and community connections;

• Empowering children and young people by providing opportunities and support to help them make positive life choices.

Successful Projects:

• Wyndham Community & Education Centre: Horizons: Empowering Multicultural Youth for Success - Empowered youth (15-24) from diverse backgrounds to cultivate identity and belonging, forging partnerships with community organisations. Grant: $75,000.
• Karuna Compassion in Action Incorporated: Wyndham Karen Youth - Enhanced cohesion and networking among Karen refugee youth (12-25) to promote positive health and development. Grant: $60,000.
• Blue Light Victoria Incorporated: D-A-S-H (Dynamic, Active, Safe & Healthy) - Delivered a 7-session program for Years 5/6 students and families, building resilience and community connections. Grant: $70,000.
• The Youth Junction Inc: Youth Umbrella Project - Wyndham - Provided targeted service interventions to at-risk youth involved in the justice system, achieving sustainable outcomes. Grant: $90,000.
• Festival for Healthy Living, Royal Children’s Hospital Community Development: Wyndham Festival for Healthy Living (WFFHL) - Delivered workshops culminating in a wellbeing festival, improving cultural awareness and celebrating achievements. Grant: $75,000.

From September 2023 to July 2024, these projects were planned, implemented, and completed in collaboration with LAG and community stakeholders.

View the Empowering Communitys 2022-2024 - Summary Snapshot