Nine Australian projects aimed at preventing or reducing crime have been recognised with an Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Award (ACVPA). 

The ACVPAs recognise best practice in the prevention or reduction of violence and other types of crime in Australia and play a vital role in highlighting effective community-based initiatives to prevent crime and violence before it actually occurs.

This year is the 30th year of the awards, and in that time the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) has recognised more than 1,100 projects for excellence in crime and violence prevention and keeping our communities safe.

“We’re proud to recognise these projects, their work has encouraged safer communities and contributed to stopping crime before it occurs,” Dr Rick Brown, AIC Deputy Director said.

“I congratulate those who were awarded, and thank you for your valuable service to your communities and to the broader Australian public.”

The winners were presented with their awards at a ceremony in Canberra by the Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury.

Gold award winner

The Miranda Project (Community-led) – this program supports women in contact with, or at risk of contact with, the criminal justice system who have been impacted by domestic and family violence.

Silver award winners

Targeted Engagement Program (Community-led) – operates as a limited duration intervention program that engages young people who are at risk of ongoing negative community impact through criminal activity, antisocial behaviour and/or disengagement.

City After Dark (Community-led) – this program involves the delivery of evening walking tours for up to 30 young people through the Perth city nightlife to encourage a safer approach to going out at night.

Walk of Life (Police-led) – this program provides school-aged children with vocational training to develop work ready skills. It was developed by Queensland Police Service and combines with a registered training organisation to target at-risk children and influence a perspective of change.

Logan New Direction Youth Support Program (Police-led) – this program consists of an integrated service response to reduce youth offending, support families, address risks and protective factors, improve health and wellbeing and reduce barriers to treatment and support.

Bronze award winners

Our Way My Choice and Violence Prevention Program (Community-led) – this program is delivered by the South Australian Department of Corrective Services Aboriginal Services Unit and is a culturally responsive preparatory and wellness program for Aboriginal men.

JumpStart (Community-led) – this program provides accessible education and employment for people who are incarcerated, and those at-risk of offending.

Rural Crime Prevention Team (Police-led) – this program aims to improve community confidence, awareness and prevention of rural crime within NSW, by engaging farmers and rural land owners, with technology to enhance farm security, and establishes strong networks with rural related stakeholders.

Cool Heads Young Driver Program (Police-led) – Cool Heads is a free community program that focuses on young drivers aged 16–25 years who are the highest risk group on our roads.

All projects are assessed each year by the ACVPA Board, which consists of senior law enforcement representatives from each state and territory police service, and chaired by the AIC Director.

Photo: Kenny Eliason/Unsplash