Who you gonna call? Port’s volunteer Graffiti Blasters

THE group known as Graffiti Blasters was among the many community members celebrated during National Volunteers Week.

This dedicated team of volunteers is making a real difference by removing graffiti and keeping the Hastings parks, gardens, public amenities and buildings clean and welcoming.

Since starting in 2015 with just two volunteers, one day a week, the Graffiti Blasters have grown into a team of 10 – now working four days a week and contributing more than 700 volunteer hours each year.

Working as part of a Council-supported program, the team responds quickly to reports of graffiti.

They focus on high-use spaces like playgrounds, toilets, sporting facilities, community halls, signs and park furniture,  often removing graffiti on the same day it’s reported.

“Graffiti Blasters is a powerful example of what community-led action can achieve,” said Lucilla Marshall, Group Manager Community at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

She told News Of The Area that “Our volunteers are not only removing graffiti, but they’re also helping create safer, more welcoming spaces and building a stronger sense of pride across our community.”

The group’s fast response helps repeat vandalism.

“The hardest job we do is cleaning painted-on graffiti from brick surfaces,” Phil Constable told News Of The Area.

“The Council supplies us with all the cleaning materials and tools to make our job easier.”

Two of Phil’s mates, Mal and Trevor, join him in banding together to get the job done.

Their efforts have helped reduce graffiti-related maintenance costs from $74,000 in 2023 to $36,000 to date in 2026,  while also delivering faster, more proactive outcomes for the community.

Greg Ireland of Graffiti Removal Systems told NOTA, “The Graffiti Blasters volunteer program should be a blueprint for every Council that is serious about helping the community enjoy a graffiti-free environment.”

Community members are reminded that if you see graffiti on any Council property; you can report it via the Council website or call Customer Service on 65818111.

By Bill HARROW