Mackay program awarded for preventing crime

Mackay City Council and the Department of Communities were recognised today at the Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards for the positive contribution they have made to preventing crime.

The awards are a national event recognising individuals and organisations in each state and territory that have significantly contributed to reducing crime and raising community awareness of crime and violence prevention.

Mackay City Council and the Department of Communities were awarded a certificate of merit for their Mackay Community Crime Prevention Action Team.

Acting Communities Minister Kerry Shine said the organisations had made a positive contribution to community safety and crime prevention and recognising their positive efforts was important.

“These awards highlight the significant impact each and every one of us can play in ensuring the community we live in is both peaceful and safe,” Mr Shine said.

The Mackay Community Crime Prevention Action Team identified a number of priority issues relating to crime in the region such as community safety in public spaces, family violence and illicit drug use.

As a result of the initiatives that have been formed around these priority areas, a number of partnerships have been formed with individuals and agencies whose actions impact on crime prevention.

The Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards were established in 1993 and are a joint initiative of the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments to recognise individuals, community groups and other organisations that play an active role in preventing or reducing instances of crime and violence.

Member for Mackay and Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said it was important to acknowledge the efforts of community, business and government to reduce crime and violence.

“The Queensland Government acknowledges it has a role to play in crime prevention, and since 1999, has developed a range of crime prevention programs and initiatives,” he said.

“This is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to developing innovative and effective responses to crime and violence prevention in Queensland.

“We acknowledge that the government cannot do it alone and the support of people and organisations such as those who have won awards is invaluable in preventing crime.”

11 December 2006

Media contacts:Joe Begley (for Minister Shine) 3235 4280

Julie Dahl (for Minister Mulherin) 3239 3000 or 4957 8422