STUDENTS from schools in Bayside now have a greater understanding of the social impact of graffiti after participating in a three-year Graffiti Education Program.

The Graffiti Education Program was made possible thanks to $99,000 in funding from Bayside City Council and a grant of $150,000 from the Federal Government’s National Community Crime Prevention Programme. It aimed to educate young people about the importance of graffiti prevention and eradication.

All students in Year Six and Eight in Bayside schools participated in the three-year program, which will finish at the end of the 2009 school term.

Bayside City Council Mayor Cr James Long said the program was a great success as it encourages young people, schools and Council to get involved in helping tackle graffiti and vandalism problems together.

“The program included performers who demonstrated the consequences of people who are involved in graffiti vandalism,” Cr Long said.

“The sessions were entertaining and informative and gave a strong message that graffiti vandalism is not acceptable.

“The students attending the program were given strategies to help them deal with peer pressure, and encouraged them to look for more rewarding activities with their mates.

“It is part of Council’s long-term plan to work with the community to prevent and remove graffiti vandalism in the area and create a healthier, safer and more liveable community,” Cr Long said.

For more information, please contact Bayside City Council’s Communications Department on 9599 4444.