There’s something pretty special about a community that refuses to sit back and accept damage to the place it calls home.
In August, Clarence Town was hit by a spate of graffiti, with tags appearing across the heart of town on signs, roller doors and walls — and, most disappointingly, across our new bridge and the walkway beneath it.
The graffiti was particularly upsetting given how hard our community fought to see the bridge become a reality after more than 20 years of campaigning. To see it defaced so soon after opening was incredibly disappointing.
But rather than simply shake our heads and complain, Clarence Town snapped into action. We want to acknowledge and thank Damian Morris and Dungog Shire Council for responding so quickly and arranging for the graffiti to be removed. Some of which is ongoing due to environmental considerations.
We also thank our local Home Hardware, owner Vince, and the legendary Lana, who generously donated graffiti-removal products to help get the job done.
And, as always, it was local people who rallied. Residents spoke up, offered assistance and made it clear that this sort of behaviour is not acceptable. Graffiti is more than an eyesore. The cost of supplies and staff time to remove it has exceeded $8,000 – money that could be better spent elsewhere in our community. Police have been notified and are investigating the incident.
We care about our streets, our bridge, our businesses, our public spaces and, most of all, the people who live here. That community spirit is something no graffiti can take away.
– Clarence Town Progress Association
