Community Village

The Rotary Club of Central Melbourne - Sunrise Inc., Victoria Police, and the City of Melbourne have developed an approach to reducing crime on our city streets. The Community Village program provides a calming influence in known trouble spots late at night. It was trialled in the CBD during Dec 2008 and Dec 2009 and conducted again in 2011. Rotary volunteers provide a well lit and welcoming place where visitors can take a break, get free refreshments, and maybe wait for transport home. The response is almost always positive and surprise that Rotary does this sort of thing.

So far the Community Village has operated on Friday and Saturday nights from 11pm to 4am through December in the run up to Christmas and has been staffed by Central Melbourne - Sunrise members. The 2012 program has been extended to include other peak time – The Grand Prix, AFL Grand Final week, Cup week, and other major events. We are seeking volunteers from other Rotary and Rotaract Clubs to support the extended program.