Graffiti vandalism across the City of Canning is being tackled through a new program that combines free removal services with youth engagement and education.
The Urban Art and Graffiti Intervention Program will run from August 2025 to July 2026 and is designed to reduce the impact of graffiti while helping residents and businesses feel safer and more connected to their neighbourhoods.
At the centre of the initiative is the Graffiti Removal Incentive Program, which offers free professional graffiti removal and prevention support for eligible residential and commercial properties.
The service is delivered in partnership with Kleenit and is available until July 31, 2026 or until funding is exhausted.
Mayor Patrick Hall said graffiti affects how people experience their local area.
“Graffiti has a real impact on how safe and welcoming our neighbourhoods feel,” he said.
“Through this program, the city is supporting positive creative outlets for young people while reducing repeat graffiti in our local areas. It is about strengthening community pride and investing in solutions that deliver long term benefits for residents, businesses and visitors.”
Alongside removal services, the program includes two six-week urban art workshops for young people in Bentley and Cannington.
The workshops are led by art therapist and local artist Olivia Robinson and will result in large scale murals in known graffiti hotspots.
Ms Robinson said the workshops went beyond learning to paint and focused on building confidence and connection.
“One of the key takeaways from these workshops was the sense of belonging and teamwork that the children walked away with, especially in community where there are often challenges growing up,” she said.
“On the first day everyone was shy and timid, but by the end of the six-week block of workshops, everyone was working together. In addition to learning to paint, the children were able to develop important social skills like conflict resolution, which is very important for social development.”
She said leaving a lasting mark on public spaces helped young people feel heard and valued.
“Leaving a physical mark on the space is great for self-esteem, giving them a voice and the opportunity to create something bigger than themselves,” she said.
“I hope this project has given them a sense of confidence in the new skills they have learnt, and a sense of pride, achievement, ownership, and connection to their community.”
The program also includes school-based theatre sessions delivered by the Constable Care Foundation, using performance to educate students about the consequences of graffiti and encourage positive decision making.
Residents are encouraged to report graffiti on City of Canning assets through canning.wa.gov.au/goodbyegraffiti, while graffiti on private property can be reported through the WA Police online reporting system.
The Urban Art and Graffiti Intervention Program is supported by the Department of Justice Criminal Property Confiscation Grants Program.
