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It is Buloke Shire Council's priorty to ensure that community members are safe and secure. Our goal is to ensure that all community members feel safe and can live their life free from abuse and violence.
Any crime, or if you see something suspicious by contacting Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000
Council and partners have identified the following areas as being of particular importance in our community:
Community safety involves the whole community taking action and involves Council, key stakeholders and the broader municipality to address the complex nature of community safety.
Council is committed to:
The perceived and actual safety of public spaces is essential to ensuring they are accessible and welcoming for everyone in Buloke. When people feel unsafe, their ability to move freely and independently is reduced—particularly in rural communities where public spaces often serve as key hubs for connection, recreation, and services. Enhancing public safety enables residents to fully participate in community life at all hours, supports physical and mental wellbeing through outdoor activity, and encourages more people to walk, cycle, and engage with their local environment. While Buloke experiences lower overall crime rates compared to urban centres, concerns about safety—especially at night or in isolated areas—can still impact how people use public spaces. These concerns are often shaped more by perception than statistics, and can be influenced by factors such as lighting, visibility, and past experiences. Statewide data shows that perceptions of safety remain a concern, particularly for women. In 2019, around 30% of Victorian women and 10% of men reported feeling unsafe walking alone at night in their neighbourhoods (Victorian Population Health Survey, 2019). This gender gap highlights the importance of inclusive design and gender-sensitive planning in creating safer, more equitable communities. By addressing both the physical and social aspects of safety, Buloke can continue to foster a sense of belonging and confidence in public spaces—ensuring they are places where everyone feels secure, connected, and welcome.
Knowing your neighbours is one of the best ways to improve safety and connection within your community. Knowing each other means we look out for each other. When an emergency strikes, it's our neighbours who’ll be first to respond, well before emergency services can get to us.
Our customers and employees have the right to privacy. Help us create a safe space for everyone. Please do not photograph, film or record customers, visitors or employees without their express consent.
Your rights and responsibilities, Victorian Surveillance Device Act 1999. Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.