Community safety for Victoria’s Islamic and Chinese communities has been strengthened today with the start of construction of new lighting and security upgrades around the Islamic Museum of Australia and Chinese Museum.

Through the Victorian Government’s Community Crime Prevention Program, the Islamic Museum of Australia in Thornbury and the Chinese Museum in Melbourne were awarded a $287,183 Community Safety Infrastructure Grant for a partnership project to upgrade security measures and deliver safety programs.

The Islamic Museum of Australia is a valued and important educational institution which provides cultural and educational activities, including tours, community programs and exhibitions.

The new security measures will keep the local community safe and help prevent anti-social behaviour around the museum, with upgraded security, alarm systems and lights.

The Chinese Museum will see upgraded lighting and an installation of a secure front door. New lighting at both sites will increase natural surveillance so that offending behaviour can be seen and deter potential offenders.

A public art mural will also be painted in a partnership between the two museums, demonstrating the importance and value of community connection and creating a more attractive space for visitors to enjoy.

The grants are part of the government’s $2.7 billion Building Works package designed to get thousands of Victorians back to work following the devastating impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency.  

The Victorian Government has provided more than $5.6 million in grants to support 31 Community Safety Infrastructure projects in communities across regional and metropolitan areas of Victoria. This complements the Government’s Crime Prevention strategy, which is underpinned by a $30 million investment to address the root causes of crime.

Applications for the next round of crime prevention grants will open on Monday 15 November 2021 and close on Friday 11 February 2022.

Quotes attributable to Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous

“The Islamic and Chinese communities are working together to bring to life their shared vision of community safety and cohesion at these important public museums”.

“I’m proud the Andrews Labor Government can support these treasured institutions by helping to keep them safe.”