The four corners of the city are now protected against vandals with East Maitland Rotary the final club in the region to launch its anti-graffiti program.
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Members received a crash course yesterday from a Sydney Rotarian who has been running the program since 2008.
“We have a couple of principles we work by: quick removal is a deterrent and one bit of graffiti will attract other graffiti,” Rotary Club of Turramurra member Roger Norman said.
“If you keep painting over it they [vandals] get the message.”
Maitland City Council provided $5000 for the East Maitland club to equip itself with a trailer and gear while Dulux provides free paint to all clubs.
“It wasn’t unusual for council to spend more than $80,000 each year to remove graffiti,” mayor of Maitland, Cr Peter Blackmore, said.
“You will find some business houses are so appreciative Rotary has removed graffiti they give a donation to the club.
“The message to these vandals is we won’t stand for it.
“These vandals want an exhibition and Rotary are denying them of that.”
Rotary Club of East Maitland acting president Brian Coffey said the program has been six months in the making.
“The club is glad to come on board and the process has been well supported by council,” Mr Coffey said.
Maitland’s Rotary clubs will join forces to removal the vandalism on Graffiti Removal Day – Sunday, October 26.
If you have concerns about graffiti phone the council on 4934 9700.
