Council Hosts Safer Towns and Cities Seminar

In a significant move towards increasing community safety, Narrabri Shire Council has hosted a three-day 'Safer Towns and Cities' workshop focused on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).  

The course, facilitated by Local Government NSW CPTED specialist John Maynard, helps underpin the importance of town and urban crime prevention efforts - while guiding communities in implementing and improving their crime prevention action plans.  

The workshop was attended by key Council departments and Chief Inspector of Police Robert Dunn, who was very optimistic about the growing collaboration between Council and local law enforcement. 

“These initiatives galvanise the relationship that we have,” said Insp. Dunn.  

“It’s a true demonstration of a council that is proactive in working with local police and law enforcement bodies to reduce crime in the local community.” 

Chief Insp. Dunn also highlighted the importance of community-wide involvement in crime prevention efforts. 

"As the seminar highlights, it’s not just a policing problem. It requires a whole community approach, and community starts with Council.” 

Narrabri Shire Councillor Cathy Redding, Chair of Council’s Crime Prevention Advisory Committee, attended the seminar and echoed Inspector Dunn's sentiment.  

“We haven’t had a seminar around safer cities and communities before. I’ve heard about it at local government functions and have always been interested in how it works, so I think it’s fabulous to have it here,” said Cr. Redding. 

Redding emphasised the significance of the seminar in reinforcing Narrabri Shire’s already impressive low crime rate.  

“We’re already extremely fortunate in Narrabri Shire, that we have a low crime rate. To have something like this (seminar) here is going to help reinforce and maintain that low rate. 

“Council plays a crucial role in driving community safety initiatives, and the fact that it involves the community is important. I have no doubt there'll be things that will come out of this session that people take away and implement."