Worrall Court housing complex makeover reduces complaints to police by 70 per cent

Complaints to police about an Orelia housing complex have fallen by 70 per cent as a result of a community project that refreshed the complex and discouraged offending.

The City of Kwinana worked with State Government agencies and departments, Kwinana police and other local groups to change the design and landscape of the Worrall Court housing complex.

The two-week transformation project, called Love my Neighbourhood, was based on the award-winning model from Napier, New Zealand, which encouraged people to put forward ideas to “bring a little magic” to their communities.

It involves using environmental design to influence an individual’s perception of safety, restore a sense of pride in the area and discourage offending.

City of Kwinana, WA Police and Department of Communities representatives also doorknocked the 19 units in the complex and other residents along Worrall Court to hear direct from the community what ongoing community safety issues remained.

Kwinana mayor Carol Adams said listening to residents was a “key part” of the project.

“It was important to listen to the residents and respond to their concerns, especially in relation to how they hoped their neighbourhood could improve,” Ms Adams said.

Community safety packs were also handed out with information on how to better connect to their neighbours.

Young people from The Zone’s Outdoor Adventure Group also helped out, laying mulch and putting in new plants outside of several units.

After the two-week transformation, residents and volunteers hosted a barbecue to bring Worrall Court residents together.

In the first three months following the beautification project, calls to Kwinana Police Station about the complex dropped 50 per cent.

Kwinana police Sergeant Anthony Nemeth said the project reflects the work of all involved to “improve the quality of living” for residents and the wider community.

“This has been an outstanding example of how strong partnerships can achieve excellent results,” Sgt Nemeth said.

Calls about the housing complex have now dropped 70 per cent and planting initiatives between the residents are ongoing.

“It was great to hear how this council and community-led initiative inspired residents to go on to create their own gardens, with additional mulch made available upon request from the city,” Ms Adams added.

Ms Adams said the outcomes from the project would “serve as guidance” for any areas other in Kwinana in need of assistance.