Anti-Graffiti Project
The Anti-Graffiti Project began in 1997 when a member of the
public, Anthony Lanza, was so upset at all the graffiti in the
centenary suburbs that he started going and painting it out
himself. The task was enormous and he soon started looking for
help from his neighbours. This small group turned into The Anti
Graffiti Group Incorporated (TAGG inc).
TAGG initiated a group that would go out each Sunday morning
and remove graffiti all around the Centenary suburbs. Rotary
decided to help out by providing regular volunteers to help out each Sunday. Over time Tony moved on and the Rotary board at the time decided that the removal of graffiti was such a worthwhile endeavour and had such a positive impact on community spirit that the Jindalee Rotary Club took over TAGG.
Over the years the State Government and Brisbane City Council have supported the project, providing ongoing supplies and a dedicated TAGG vehicle, a Holden Rodeo Ute. Future Auto has also supported the project for many years by providing maintenance for the ute. Members of Jindalee Rotary have volunteered each Sunday for more than a decade to continue the project. This initiative has inspired the Brisbane City Council to form a unit that removes graffiti all around the city.
Graffiti is an ongoing problem that damages private and public property and reduces property values. We may be treating the symptoms rather than the cause, but until we work out how to change societal values, TAGG will be there to keep the streets clean.
Commnity Begins
Rotary's Commitment
Making A Difference
TAGG began in 1997 when local resident Anthony Lanza took action against the growing graffiti problem in the Centenary suburbs. What started as a personal effort soon grew into a community group, with Rotary volunteers joining the project to help keep local streets and public spaces clean.
For more than a decade, members of the Rotary Club of Jindalee have volunteered every Sunday to remove graffiti throughout the Centenary suburbs. Rotary eventually took over TAGG, continuing its important work with support from Brisbane City Council, the Queensland Government and local businesses.
The Anti-Graffiti Project has made a lasting contribution to the appearance and spirit of the Centenary community. By removing graffiti from private and public property, Rotary volunteers help protect local neighbourhoods, improve community pride and demonstrate the positive impact of ongoing volunteer action.