Council granted funding to help revitalise public spaces in Goulburn

A grant of more than $70 thousand has been awarded to the Goulburn Mulwaree Council to make the city more colourful.

It will go towards revitalising underused public spaces and addressing vandalism issues through the council’s Goulburn Graffiti and Art Mural Project.

Goulburn was one of 23 local councils across the state granted a portion of the $1.9 million provided by the NSW Government.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said Goulburn-Mulwaree Council was awarded a total of $71,517.

“The Goulburn Graffiti and Art Mural Project helps address graffiti vandalism by installing a mural at the Tarlo Street Bridge in Goulburn, with local youth being encouraged to help inform the design – expected to begin in April and finish in October this year,” Ms Tuckerman said.

“It is fantastic to see the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government supporting councils to beautify streetscapes and allow the community to reclaim and enjoy previously underused public spaces, which are often prone to illegal graffiti.

“Projects like the Goulburn Graffiti and Art Mural Project also add to the local environment in a way that the community can enjoy, create opportunities to bring people together and even boost the local economy.”

Goulburn Mulwaree Council Mayor Peter Walker said Goulburn had many murals that gave the region a “presence in the arts community”.

“Council thanks the State Government for supporting the Goulburn Graffiti and Art Mural Project which will address the graffiti and vandalism in our region,” Mr Walker said.

“It is disappointing that we have these issues, however hopefully this will assist with making our region look much smarter.”

The NSW Government’s Graffiti Management Program aims to fund projects that revitalise public spaces by supporting local artists to paint murals and encouraging people in the local community to have their say on how they can transform and activate spaces throughout Goulburn.

This in turn, will also help to reduce crime activity such as graffiti vandalism.

“This funding allows councils to deliver tailor-made solutions for their streetscapes, drawing on grassroots knowledge and expertise to make public areas safer, more visually appealing and more enjoyable for their communities,” Attorney General Mark Speakman said.

“I am looking forward to seeing the colour and life that these 23 new projects will inject into streetscapes around our state.”

Renowned Australian street and graffiti artist Tim Phibs said public art had many positive benefits, beyond visuals.

With more than 30 large-scale walls to his name, he also has several of his pieces in the National Gallery of Australia’s permanent collection.

“Street art contributes to creating unique vibrant communities, bringing pleasure and colour into the lives of residents,” Phibs said.

“I really believe that art is meant to be enjoyed by everyone and anyone.

“I’m very passionate about street art and educating and informing people about this artform – what it means to the people who create it and how it can add value to local communities.”