The NSW Government has announced a $2 million Legacy Grant for Central Coast Council to improve night-time safety in the Gosford area in honour of 19-year-old Audrey Griffin, who was murdered while walking home after a night out in March last year.
Responding to the advocacy from Audrey’s family, friends and community calls to enhance public safety, the Legacy Grant will support the Council to deliver improvements in the Gosford CBD and around Gosford Station, Gosford East and Erina Creek, near where Audrey was killed.
“Audrey’s death was a devastating tragedy, but thanks to the advocacy of her family and friends, Audrey’s legacy will make the streets safer,” said NSW Premier, Chris Minns.
“Every woman and young person should feel safe in their community and make it home at the end of a night out.
“I particularly want to thank Audrey’s mum Kathleen, who’s been calling for these safety upgrades in the wake of every parent’s worst nightmare.”
Central Coast Council will now engage with locals, particularly women and young people, to inform the specific upgrades including new lighting, CCTV and landscaping improvements.
“What happened to Audrey was an absolute tragedy. Women and girls deserve to feel safe in our community, whether it’s walking home at night or going out running early in the morning before the sun rises,” said Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison.
“This investment will help create safer public places and transport for women and girls in the Central Coast, and is part of our ongoing work as a government to build a safer New South Wales.
“Thank you to Kathleen who has turned her grief into strong advocacy to enhance women’s safety.”
The Legacy Grant builds on the NSW Government’s $2 million investment in public safety around the Gosford CBD through the Safer Cities program. This funding included lighting, artworks, signage and landscaping at Burns Place Park, Mann Street Laneway, City Car Park, William Street Plaza and Kibble Park in 2024.
The Safer Cities Program is a $50 million multi-year investment improving safety in public spaces, particularly for women and girls, by increased lighting and revitalisation in public spaces near transport hubs.
The Government is also planning significant improvements to night-time bus transport on the Central Coast. An uplift in services will be announced later this year as part of the $150 million committed in last year’s budget.
“I want to thank Audrey’s family and the Central Coast Council for working with the government to deliver these safety measures for the Central Coast Community,” said Minister for Transport, John Graham.
“This grant builds on the work we’re doing in more than 80 communities through the Safer Cities program. If our public spaces are well lit, with increased visibility and food traffic then they become safer.
“Transport is key element to safety on a night out, and we’re currently working improvements for the Central Coast.”
