Cinema screens to beam safety messages for international visitors

A new campaign to reduce street robbery offences and highlight road awareness for international visitors has been launched in Sunnybank.

Police Minister Jack Dempsey and Acting Deputy Commissioner (Regional Operations) Peter Barron launched the Safer Sunnybank Project with a message focusing on the need for international students to be aware of their outdoor surroundings.

“This Government committed to revitalise frontline services by putting more police on the beat and projects like this only help enhance community safety,” Minister Dempsey said.

“Brisbane is a culturally diverse region with a large number of international students residing and studying in the area.  It is important to ensure they know how to enhance their personal safety and awareness around roads.

“This joint project demonstrates our commitment to building a strong plan for a safer community and I believe our international visitors will benefit from the advertisements.”

The Queensland Police Service together with the Brisbane City Council developed three cinema advertisements to be screened at the Hoyts Cinema Complex at Sunnybank with a message focusing on the need for international students to be aware of their outdoor surroundings.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Barron said the majority of the victims of street robbery offences in the Sunnybank area were international students.

“The advertisements offer viewers visual cues about why it is important to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Barron said.

“Viewers will see the positive outcomes when they are aware and alert and the dangerous outcomes when they are preoccupied.”

Acting Deputy Commissioner Barron said one of the advertisements also highlighted the importance of paying attention when crossing the road.

“This may seem a simple enough message but international visitors need to be aware drivers do not give way to pedestrians in Australia unless at a pedestrian crossing or at a set of lights,” he said.

“This cultural difference needs to be emphasised to ensure our international visitors are aware of our road rules and I believe the advertisements demonstrate the behaviour that is required.”

The Brisbane City Council provided funding to the Queensland Police Service for the Safer Sunnybank Project.

“Council and QPS developed a community safety plan aimed at making residents feel safer in the Sunnybank business precinct by implementing improvements in lighting, signage, pedestrian access, surveillance and delivery of a community safety education program,” Cr Quirk said.

“There are some very clear messages and themes in these advertisements.  The advertisements highlight the importance of being committed to your own personal safety and taking steps to be aware of your surroundings at all times.”

Member for Sunnybank Mark Stewart said international visitors in his electorate had a right to feel safe.

“These advertisements will give visitors an understanding of the tactics they can use to avoid dangerous situations,” Mr Stewart said.

[ENDS] 29 May 2014

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Minister Dempsey’s office:               Andrew Kos  0408 912 821

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