Community Participation

• Who is being consulted?

• Our Engagement program involves a range of internal and external stakeholders.

  Stakeholders (external) include support agencies, community groups and local service providers. Earlier this year we undertook some workshops to understand their priorities and challenges for crime prevention which included key themes of;

  • Community Safety, crime statistics and perceptions
  • Public spaces & property, vandalism and damage etc.
  • Violence, gendered and family.
  • Anti social behaviour, harassment, alcohol etc.
  • Personal, fraud, break and enter etc.

  Stakeholders (internal) within Council we have engaged with various teams and services to understand impact and scale regarding the development of this action plan.

  Community committees such as our Social Justice Advisory Committee have also been consulted as the program progresses.

  Community

  We have a number of opportunities for community to have their say during the Consultation phase including;

  • Survey, Do you agree with Councils approach towards community safety
  • Pin drop, identify public spaces and property where your safety is a concern
  • Visions for a safe community, tell us in 100 words what a safe community looks like for you.
• How can I get involved?

• Once we have developed our draft action plan we will host a public exhibition period where all of community can provide feedback.

  Community members may also express their interest in the Reference Group, to learn more about the terms of reference please visit.

Community Safety

• What is Councils role?

• Council lays a crucial role in improving the health and safety of our community.

  When it comes to the role we play in crime prevention and community safety Council is responsible for creating public places where people can live healthy, active lives and participate in the community while feeling safe.

  Under Council’s 2024 Community Strategic Plan Council aims to improve the health and safety and support the lifestyle and social needs of our community.

  The aim of crime prevention is to make crime harder to commit and reduce criminal behaviour by changing the social conditions which lead to such behaviour.

• How do you define community safety?

• Community safety is about helping our residents to be and to feel safe. It is important that you feel safe where you live, work or spend your leisure time regardless of your background and circumstances.

• What initiatives are currently in place?

• Council’s involvement in community safety and crime prevention initiatives is in partnership wit police and other government and non-government organisation. Initiatives that Council works on includes:

  • CCTV
  • Graffiti management
  • Lighting and Wayfinding
  • Implementation of the Child Safe Standards
  • Assisting in the response to homelessness
  • Assisting in the response to Domestic Violence Prevention.
• What is my role in community safety?

• Everyone has a role to play when it comes to Community Safety. For members of our community, including businesses and community groups, some of the simple actions include:

  When you see something concerning, report it to the relevant authority, even if you only have a few details.

  Report damage of Council assets including parks, public toilets and lights to Dubbo Regional Council so they can be assessed and repaired.

  Engage in discussions and programs aimed at achieving community safety.

Crime Prevention

• Why can’t I address my crime issues on this page?

• Council is not the enforcement authority when it comes to criminal behaviour. Council also does not have the authority to investigate, apprehend or reprimand those who have committed a crime.

  If you require assistance in a matter please contact Police on 131 444 or in an emergency dial 000 (Triple Zero).

• I’ve been a victim of crime, what do I do?

• If you have been a victim of crime, or seen a criminal act taking place, please contact CrimeStoppers or your local police.

  In an emergency dial 000 (Triple Zero), for police assistance dial 131 444 or to report a scam visit www.scamwatch.gov.au.

• What can Council do to prevent crime?

• Council’s aim when it comes to crime prevention is to make it harder for a crime to be committed and reduce criminal behaviour by changing the social conditions which lead to such behaviour.

  To do this Council increases awareness of crime risk and prevention strategies; encourages community involvement, identifies problems in public areas and coordinates multifaceted prevention efforts.

• What can I do to prevent crime?

• Everyone has the ability to reduce the prevention of crime in our community by undertaking some simple preventative measures.

  • Make sure you don’t leave valuables unattended.
  • Lock your vehicles and property when you are away.
  • Be observant. If you see people acting in a suspicious manner, contact police.
  • Make your home look occupied, keep your garden neat and tidy to prevent concealment areas for criminals, and use good locks on doors and windows.
  • Don’t keep keys hidden outside your property.
  • Take part in community activities that address social exclusion and promote community cohesiveness.
  • Address any environmental conditions that may promote and sustain crime.
  • Eliminate risk factors that may lead to others engaging in offending behaviour.