The co-ordinator of a team of volunteers who repainted a graffiti-covered wall at the Loftus tram museum on Sunday is under no illusions the site won’t be subjected to further attacks.
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
“They will come back, absolutely,” John Gardner said of those responsible for the vandalism.
“But, they will soon learn we will paint over any further graffiti very quickly.”
Mr Gardner is a member of Rotary Club of Engadine, which undertook the project on Graffiti Removal Day with help from other members of the community
Attorney-General and Cronulla MP Mark Speakman and Heathcote MP Lee Evans joined the team of about 28.
Organisers of the annual event said graffiti, covering more than 200 square metres, was removed from a number of sites in Sutherland Shire.
In St George, 20 volunteers from Scouts, Guides and Rotary cleaned up more than 300 square metres at four sites in South Hurstville and Blakehurst.
Mr Gardner said the wall of the Loftus tram museum had been “an eyesore for years”, and seen by thousands of train passengers each day.
“One of our members suggested we tackle it,” he said.
“It’s a community service and it keeps the place looking nice.
“We will be doing follow-up work there.
“We have applied for more paint, and we may even get some anti-graffiti paint and spray equipment.”
Mr Gardner said the club had previous success against graffiti attacks on a wall at Heathcote “because we kept going back to it”.
“We have a few members who hit it straight away,” he said.
“[[The vandals] have left it alone for about eight months.”
“Graffiti Removal Day demonstrates the power of community pride, and the tremendous work of volunteers will help NSW to look its best,” Mr Speakman said.
Volunteers were provided with free graffiti-removal equipment, protective gear and training.
“The number of graffiti incidents reported to NSW police has fallen by 46 percent over five years, from 9,932 to 5407,” a government spokesman said.
Mr Evans said the fight against graffiti wasn’t limited to one day of the year, and residents were encouraged to report vandalism to the Graffiti Hotline on 1800 707 125.
People interested in volunteering to help remove graffiti on an ongoing basis can contact Graffiti Removal Australia by calling 1300 665 310 or emailing: info@graffitiremovalday.org.au
