Tuesday, 20 February 2024

Imagine estate, Strathfieldsaye

Wendy LOVELL (Northern Victoria) (13:39): Today I want to recognise a local initiative by residents of the Imagine estate in Strathfieldsaye in response to a crime spike in their area. In the Greater Bendigo area from 2022 to 2023 there was an almost 10 per cent increase in crime, including a 15 per cent increase in motor vehicle theft and a 40 per cent increase in aggravated burglaries. In response to this crime spike and the lack of leadership or interest from the state government to address it, the Imagine estate community has begun organising itself and taken steps to form a neighbourhood watch group.

I want to congratulate Alycia and Stacey, the organisers of a recent community discussion forum, for their vision and drive. This local neighbourhood forum was attended by over 200 concerned residents, who cared enough about their community to come out, talk together and find strategies for making their neighbourhood safer. Also attending were local police representatives Rob, Rod and Fleur and the deputy mayor Matt Evans. I thank them for responding to community concerns with their time and attention. Police gave advice to residents on how they can reduce the likelihood of thieves gaining access to their homes or cars. Residents are also taking steps to form a neighbourhood watch group, and I applaud their efforts. These initiatives will bring the community together and make their streets and homes safer for everyone.