Connecting people & communities PAKENHAM
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Thursday, 6 March, 2014
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By BRIDGET SCOTT
At the presentation of the graffiti removal kit were, Guide Leader Sonya Boloski, Member for Gembrook Brad Battin, Minister for Crime Prevention Edward O’Donohue, District Manager Joan Vogels, Guide Leader Jackie Murphy and children Isabella, Madeline, Chelsea, Anna and Clare. 115832
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Jason MacLeod, manager of the graffiti removal program for the Department of Justice demonstrates how to use these graffiti removal Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS systems. 115832 among other community groups to receive a graffiti removal system. A demonstration at the Pakenham Plaza earlier this year showed potential owners of these kits how to use them.
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Member for Gembrook Brad Battin said both the Neighbourhood Watch and other community members would be able to use the systems to help rid the streets of unsightly graffiti.
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systems will act as a deterrent. “I hope it prevents it,” she said. “It’s wrong - if these kids are doing something pro-active, they’re less likely to cause harm.” Mr O’Donohue said that existing graffiti at the hall would be removed through the Victorian Government’s graffiti removal program. In January the News reported that graffiti was a serious problem, and various community organisations were taking a stand. Cardinia Neighbourhood Watch and the Beaconsfield Business group were
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Thursday, 6 March,
2014 Page 1
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Clean sweep Guides GRAFFITI is a shocking problem for the Pakenham Girl Guides according to Guide Leader Sonya Boloski, who hopes a new graffiti removal kit will stamp out the issue. In a presentation at the hall last week, Minister for Crime Prevention Edward O’Donohue, as well as members from the Department of Justice, presented the kit to delighted members of the Girl Guides. This came after Ms Boloski requested a removal system for the hall, saying every week there was more graffiti. “It’s a shocking problem for the Guide Hall,” she said. “Graffiti in Pakenham is a major issue.” The graffiti removal system includes a 120-litre wheelie bin, a high-pressure water system, graffiti removal products and personal protective equipment. Mr O’Donohue said he was happy to present this kit to the group and was committed to helping local groups fight the issue. “Pakenham Guides sought a portable graffiti removal system to combat the graffiti at the Guide Hall,” he said. “I am very happy to present the kit to the Guides, so they can continue to enjoy their activities in graffiti-free facilities.” Ms Boloski said it was a relief to know she and other volunteers at the Guide Hall would no longer have to bring along their own tools and spend endless hours removing the unsightly graffiti. “We try to keep the hall looking good but we are still getting vandalism,” she said. Mr O’Donohue said it was evident this was an ongoing problem in Pakenham and these removal systems were an ideal attempt to prevent the problem. “Feedback from the community shows that illegal and unsightly graffiti in Pakenham and the wider Cardinia Shire area continues to be a problem,” he said. “Portable graffiti removal systems are valuable assets in the ongoing fight against graffiti as they help community members to remove graffiti as quickly as possible after it appears.” Ms Boloski is confident these removal
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Youths charged FOUR youths have been charged after an incident with a security guard at the Pakenham Central Marketplace. Cardinia Criminal Investigation Unit and Tactical Anti-Crime Team police were called to the John Street shops at 4pm on Tuesday. They arrested the four youths just after 5pm, following an attempted theft. A 14-year-old boy was charged with theft, threatening to inflict serious injury, assault with a weapon, possessing a controlled weapon and resisting arrest. The Carrum Downs boy was due to face the children’s court yesterday (Wednesday). The three others were charged and bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date. They included a 14-year-old Lynbrook boy who was charged with theft, hindering police and assaulting police and a 15-yearold from Traralgon who was charged with hindering police, resisting arrest and assaulting police. A 16-year-old Springvale girl was also charged with hindering and assaulting police. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.