About the program
Knox is a safe place to live, work and visit. However, together we can further improve safety for everyone.
The Knox Empowering Communities program provides funding to support our local community to design and lead projects that:
- address the causes of crime
- improve perceptions of safety
The program will provide eligible community groups and organisations with funding to deliver projects that focus on connecting people to enhance community safety in Ferntree Gully.
This program is funded by the Victorian Government’s Building Safer Communities program.
Host a Neighbour Day event in Ferntree Gully
Neighbour Day is all about neighbours in your street getting together to meet one another in an informal social setting, chatting, sharing food and connecting.
Applications are now open from streets in Ferntree Gully to hold a funded Neighbour Day event in March/April 2024.
Applications close midday Wednesday 31 January 2024 or when allocation is exhausted.
Apply to host a Neighbour Day event
Community-led projects
Community groups and organisations were invited to apply for grant funding to deliver projects that focus on connecting people to enhance community safety in Ferntree Gully. The grant application closed in November 2022.
Funded projects
Six projects have been approved for funding. Projects must be completed by June 2024.
| Project | Details | Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Foothills Community Care Inc - Ferntree Gully Community Safety Outreach Project |
This project will outreach and engage community members to facilitate stronger relationships of trust and understanding, toward improving experiences of safety, inclusion and belonging in Ferntree Gully. A range of community will participate, including local residents, local traders, law enforcement, service organisations, and community groups. The project will create connections in safe community spaces through local activities. |
$207,355 |
| Mountain District Learning Centre - Youth Empowerment for Success (YES) | The YES project will provide a range of activities and experiences for young people beyond school hours and during holidays. The activities co-designed with young people will provide connection and support their social, emotional and educational development, increase confidence and their potential to succeed. | $46,500 |
|
Rotary Club of Ferntree Gully Inc - Knox Nocturnals Youth Group |
A social inclusion program for young people 12 to 18 years old, to strengthen community connections and provide support to young people in Knox. The program is for young people of all abilities including those who may be disengaged or isolated, to participate and connect in a safe and inclusive environment. The program will run fortnightly on a Friday night through to June 2024. It combines a range of fun recreational activities, a Life Skills Workshop, a hot healthy meal, and mini-bus transport home Participants from Knox can join anytime throughout the program, with young people whom are part of the Ferntree Gully Community particularly encouraged. |
$112,655 |
|
Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place - Cultural Connections |
Ferntree Gully has the highest number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island residents in Knox. This project focuses on connecting First Nations community with local Gathering Place, building relationships and understanding with the non-indigenous community. Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place has recently moved to the HV Jones reserve. This project will run three events and activities at HV Jones Reserve providing opportunities for indigenous and non-indigenous community to attend, meet, and connect. |
$20,000 |
|
Neighbours Connecting and Belonging |
Local neighbourhood gatherings in up to 60 selected Ferntree Gully residential streets to bring together neighbours, create belonging and grow an inclusive community. The project will fund food and activities for each of the neighbours gatherings. Linked with the annual Neighbours Day in March in 2024 this project aims to support good relationships with others in our street, reducing loneliness and isolation. Knowing your neighbours improves general wellbeing and safety, neighbours are more inclined to look out for each other, to seek help from or provide support to each other. |
$33,500 |
|
Ferntree Gully Village Traders Association - Safety in Numbers |
Eight monthly markets in Ferntree Gully village will draw a wide variety of people into the village and create an atmosphere of vibrancy and belonging. Providing a positive experience for community coming to the village will improve the sense of and perceptions of safety. |
$39,972 |
Knox Empowering Communities Action Group
The Knox Empowering Communities Action Group has been formed with representatives from:
- the Knox community
- local organisations
- professional organisations
- Victoria Police.
The action group works with Knox City Council and the Department of Justice and Community Safety to provide guidance on the Knox Empowering Communities program.
Need help?
Email [email protected] and we will get back to you.
Or call our Empowering Communities team on 9298 8000.
