Nationals’ Federal Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack, announced more than $10,000 funding for closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre in Forbes on Tuesday. Michael told a small gathering at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre the Forbes Council would receive $13,600 to install two solarpowered cameras. “Serenity, that’s what this place is, serenity,” said Aileen Allen of the centre where the integrated philosophy of the Wiradjuri people that connects them with all living things and the land can be experienced.
Unfortunately, the serenity has been broken too many times by vandalism and antisocial behaviour. Aileen and Forbes Mayor, Graeme Miller as well as Forbes Shire General Manager, Danny Green welcomed the funding provided by the Safer Streets Program. The program supports communities at the grass roots level to boost crime prevention. Chief Inspector of Police, Nick Weyland, said: “CCTV can assist in enhancing perceptions of safety, deterring criminal and anti-social behaviour, as well as helping to apprehend those responsible for crime in the community.”
Aileen thanked the Forbes police for their prompt assistance in the past and said she hoped with the CCTV cameras working both the Aboriginal, Torres Strait and Australian flags would remain on the flag poles. They have been stolen a total of seven times. Michael offered that his office would replace the missing flags. “Only safe communities can be strong and prosperous, and the best way to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour is to prevent it from happening,” said the MP. “Most importantly the funds used to pay for this program are from the proceeds of the Crime Account – that is money taken from criminals and reinvested into the community to prevent more crimes.”
By Dianne Collie