29 September 2016

MEDIA RELEASE

Community hero and graffiti fighter

Graffiti vandalism costs the NSW community over $100 million dollars annually, but each year thousands of volunteers give up their own time to remove graffiti from other people’s property.

Once a year they come together and joint forces as part of the NSW Government’s state-wide graffiti removal and prevention day known as “Graffiti Removal Day.”

Graffiti Removal Day draws attention to the widespread problem of graffiti vandalism and encourages people to volunteer their time to remove and prevent graffiti.

“Last year volunteers who participated in the Day removed about 21,000m² from over 450 sites across NSW.”

Many of the volunteers who participate in Graffiti Removal Day also do this thankless task all year round.

“These volunteers are true heroes of our community, and deserve recognition for the fantastic job they do.” Said Bob Aitken, Chairman, Graffiti Removal Day

One such local hero is Mr John Oakey from the Lower Blue Mountains in Western Sydney.

John has spent most mornings over the past 20 years driving around his local area removing or painting over graffiti.

John records each piece of graffiti and ensures it is reported to the police. His actions have helped the authorities to track the behaviour of graffiti vandals and increase the chances of a successful conviction.

In some cases he is able to find the individuals responsible. When he does John has no hesitation in confronting the parents about their son or daughter’s behaviour.

“Graffiti vandalism is a criminal offence, it is important young people understand if they are caught and convicted, a criminal record is something which could affect their future employment.”

“In most cases when parents find out about their son or daughter’s actions and the potential consequences it comes as a complete surprise to them.” Said Mr Oakey

“Another challenge is to discourage young people from engaging in this kind of behaviour in the first place. One of the best ways we can do this is to remove graffiti quickly so offenders don’t get the satisfaction of seeing their work on display.” Mr Oakey Said

“Events like Graffiti Removal Day play an important role in raising awareness of the problem of graffiti and encouraging people to report it, so it can be removed quickly.”

“Another benefit of Graffiti Removal Day is it provides an opportunity for people to do something about the graffiti problem and make a real difference to the appearance of our local community.” Said Mr Oakey

This year over 2500 volunteers from Bondi to Broken Hill are expected to give up their time on Sunday 30 October to participate in Graffiti Removal Day.

People can volunteer or nominate a clean-up site through the official website www.graffitiremovalday.org.au

ENDS

Media Contacts: John Oakey, 47396143 Bob Aitken AM, Chairman, Graffiti Removal Day, 0417 722 190

Jeff Egan, Graffiti Removal Day, 0425 340 044

Editor’s note: John Oakey is happy for photographs to be taken of him at work removing graffiti.

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