Hawker Park School, Warwick, wins graffiti clean-up award

23/8/96

Family and Children's Services Minister Cheryl Edwardes today presented Hawker Park Primary School in Warwick with the Premier's School Pride Award for graffiti clean-up.

Hawker Park Primary School was one of 10 schools that have been successful in winning the School Pride Award this year.

Mrs Edwardes said that over $1 million a year was spent on graffiti clean-up in schools.

"Schools have a significant role to play in raising awareness among young people of the legal and social consequences of graffiti vandalism, and in developing appropriate attitudes towards the issues," she said.

"The School Pride Award has been initiated by the Premier through the Government's Graffiti Program to recognise the efforts of schools to address the issue of graffiti vandalism in their schools and local communities, and to foster greater pride and respect among students in themselves, in their schools, and in their community.

"I congratulate Hawker Park Primary School on the award, which is well-deserved."

The winning schools have implemented a mix of comprehensive and ongoing programs involving the school community, including parents, teachers and students, as well as outside community groups.

The schools' activities have included mural projects, community involvement, cleanup projects, tree planting and security initiatives.

"The schools are to be congratulated on their success in raising awareness amongst students of the legal and social consequences of graffiti vandalism and in rallying school community support and involvement in their programs," Mrs Edwardes said.

Media contact: Diana Russell Coote 421 7777