Maitland’s three Rotary clubs are calling in the cavalry and asking community members to grab a roller and take part in the upcoming clean up day –  held on Sunday. 

The annual day aims to shine a light on the fight against graffiti vandalism and encourages people to get involved in the removal and prevention of graffiti. 

District governor Brian Coffey, of East Maitland, said it was a great opportunity for the community to come together and give back. 

“Three clubs from this area – Rutherford Telarah, Maitland Sunrise and East Maitland – all have been sponsored by Maitland City Council over the years with graffiti removal trailers,” he said.

“We send out teams throughout the year to areas identified with high graffiti and remove it.

“But this is a major day that we recognise the need for a community push. We invite members of the community to come along and offer to volunteer and help us.

“The removal of graffiti returns prestige to an area and it is actually a crime prevention initiative. 

“It’s a true community service.”

Graffiti vandalism costs the state government and residents more than $300 million each year and affects community centres, memorials, libraries and sporting facilities as well as residential homes and businesses. 

Mr Coffey said there were about a dozen sites in the local area which would be targeted for clean up.

“Each club varies but usually six to eight members per club go out for graffiti removal,” he said.

People who volunteer to help out on the day will be supplied with free cleaning material, safety equipment and training on how to safely prevent graffiti.

A council spokesman said council provides financial support for the work, sponsoring the trailers which holds the necessary tools.

”We are very happy with the reduction in graffiti in the Maitland area,” he said.

“It’s been a great partnership. We have to support the work that Rotary does for us.”

People can register or suggest a clean up site by completing a form at graffitiremovalday.org.au or call 1300 665 310.