Central Coast Council is urging residents to join the fight against graffiti by taking part in Graffiti Removal Day on Sunday 30 October 2016.

The state-wide graffiti removal and prevention day is a joint initiative of the New South Wales Government, Rotary Down Under and Graffiti Removal Australia and is a great opportunity for individuals, community groups, sporting clubs, businesses and other organisations to help us in the fight against graffiti.

Council’s Community Development Coordinator, Ms Shari Young said everyone can play a part in keeping the Coast graffiti free.

“Anyone over age of 12 can get involved in the clean up – we’re encouraging people to get involved,” Ms Young said.

“All volunteers will be provided with training, graffiti removal equipment and protective gear on the day.”

Official Graffiti Removal Day sites for the Central Coast are located in Point Clare, Ettalong, Umina, Woy Woy, Wyong, Gorokan, Watanobbi and Toukley.

Some of the more successful anti-graffiti initiatives carried out on the Central Coast include the neighbourhood volunteer graffiti removal groups, an education program in high schools and an extensive community mural program.

Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said graffiti was an ongoing challenge that impacted most communities.

“It is one of the most visible crimes and the cost to the community is not just financial,” Mr Ian Reynolds said.

“Indirect costs include environmental harm, increased concerns for personal safety, and reduced civic pride.

“Removing graffiti costs NSW ratepayers more than $100 million each year, and even though Council has had increased success in our efforts to reduce graffiti vandalism, we cannot do it without the help of the community.

“We are committed to improving the Central Coast community’s quality of life so let’s roll up our sleeves and work together to keep our community beautiful and free of graffiti vandalism.”

To get involved and find a local clean up a site on 30 October please visit graffitiremovalday.org.au.