Katoomba Chamber of Commerce and Community graffiti removal trailer volunteers, from left, Mark Jarvis, Robert Stock and Tom Colless. Photo: Peter Adams.
More than 50 extra pairs of hands will be on board to tackle graffiti vandalism across the Blue Mountains on Sunday, September 23.
The NSW Government is joining forces with six Rotary clubs to hold the inaugural Blue Mountains Graffiti Removal Day to highlight the costly problem of vandalism and encourage more people to volunteer and get involved in the removal and prevention of graffiti.
More than 45 people have already registered. They will receive basic training and join a core of experienced members of volunteer-run graffiti removal units currently operating on most weekends in areas including Leura/Katoomba, Faulconbridge, Springwood and Blaxland.
Rotary governor of this district Keith Roffey said graffiti is a major problem which costs the NSW Government, councils, businesses and households millions of dollars each year.
“Rotarians are passionate about combating graffiti, which is why we are proud to be working on this campaign with the NSW government, Blue Mountains City Council, local chambers of commerce and great sponsors like Dulux, Rokset and Smart Graffiti,” said Mr Roffey.
“Our local Rotary volunteers led by Tom Colless and Paul Cashel are doing a great job, but we cannot win the war against graffiti on our own — we need more people to get involved.”
Mr Colless said the registered volunteers will be supplied with cleaning materials, safety gear and training on how to safely remove graffiti.
“The volunteers will be cleaning off whatever graffiti they see on the day and will be going to known graffiti hot spots, for example near the depot on South Street in Katoomba.
“We would encourage everyone to support and promote this event and to let us know of any graffiti hot spots they’ve noticed recently.”
For more information visit www.graffitiremovalday.org.au or send an email to tc@colless.com.au.