Williamstown Youth Pilot Initiative

Each site will have bins set up near the wall areas, and they’ll be checked regularly to keep things neat and tidy. Young people will be supported by the facilitator and community mentors, with clear and friendly expectations around respectful behaviour set during the workshops. Easy-to-read signage will also explain how to take part, what content is okay, and the stay-up wall guidelines.

Noise is expected to be low and in line with other everyday community activities. As this is a public space, any noise concerns such as music, raised voices or vehicle noise are managed by SA Police (SAPOL) through their non-urgent assistance line on 131 444. SAPOL Community Engagement Officers are also part of the project team, helping guide the approach from the outset.

Workshop painting sessions will take place during reasonable daytime hours, and the project team will keep an eye on feedback from nearby residents and work with SAPOL if any issues arise.

In South Australia, it’s against the law to sell spray paint cans to anyone under 18. However, young people can legally have spray paint or other graffiti tools if they have a lawful reason, such as a job, a school project or creating approved, legal artwork.

It becomes an offence if someone is carrying graffiti implements with the intention of using them for illegal graffiti. Police have the power to stop and search people, and they may issue cautions or charges if the items are being carried or used unlawfully. In public places, police can also confiscate graffiti implements if they believe they have been used, or are intended to be used, for illegal graffiti.

As part of this initiative, all spray paint cans are supplied and managed on site, which helps minimise the risk of misuse elsewhere.

The public art design will be created collaboratively with young people during the workshops with guidance from the facilitator and Community Development. The community survey identified some key aspects for the Williamstown identity to be included, such as local native plants and animals. By involving young people in shaping the artwork, the pilot builds a sense of ownership and pride in the space which helps reduce ongoing vandalism.

Clear wall etiquette will also be set from the start, including respecting others’ work and not tagging over finished pieces, to help keep the wall looking its best.

Young people will take part in structured, hands-on workshops led by experienced artists. These sessions will focus on building skills in design, painting techniques and the safe use of materials. The aim is to support high-quality artwork while helping participants build confidence, pride in their work and skills they can take with them beyond the project.

Community members should report a maintenance issue to the Council via the website, app or a phone call to Customer Support. To report a crime, contact SA Police on 131 444.

Any inappropriate or offensive artwork will be removed quickly, following standard Council practice.

The public art design will go through the workshop process with mentoring and be approved before it goes up on the wall. The goal is to keep the focus on positive, creative expression that showcases young people’s ideas and builds community pride.

Before coming to the wider community, Council’s Community Development team first spent time listening and planning. In September 2025, a focus group was held with young people, graffiti artists and other community members to help agree on what a suitable site would need. Key priorities included a central location where young people already gather, some privacy, shelter, and easy access to shops.

Once those criteria were clear, Council looked at what was realistically available on Council-owned land.

Options were limited, but several locations in Williamstown were explored. The area under the Victoria Creek bridge was ruled out as it is owned by DIT and can be unsafe in bad weather. The public toilet wall was identified as suitable for a revolving design wall. Williamstown QVJ Park courts were considered as a temporary workshop space, but the location was out of town and less accessible for young people.

Colonist Corner pump track stood out as the best fit for a practice wall. It meets the agreed criteria by being central, close to local traders, and already a space used by children and young people. It also has nearby shelter, lighting, toilets and bins.

Confirming possible sites first meant that community conversations could be practical and focused on real locations, rather than hypothetical ones. Now that the sites have been identified, the project team is actively engaging with residents and stakeholders.

Council is also open to working with private landowners who may have suitable spaces and would like to be part of a community-led option.

This project is starting as a 12-month pilot in Williamstown so the team can test the approach, learn what works, and make improvements along the way. If the pilot is successful, there’s potential to expand the model to other towns, like Nuriootpa, in line with the Wellbeing and Inclusion Strategy.

This way, lessons learned in Williamstown can help guide similar initiatives across the region.

All workshops will be supervised by the facilitator to ensure everyone is safe. Participants will be provided with safety gear like masks and gloves. The project team is also working closely with the Community Safety Team, following clear guidelines to keep both participants and the public protected.

The Williamstown Youth Pilot Initiative has evolved from its original concept to better reflect participation and youth interests, leading to a lasting outcome for the community.

The initial vision for the pilot was to create a canvas for youth to regularly update (in consultation with a panel of representatives). However, considerations around ongoing youth engagement, interest and commitment has meant the pilot has shifted from a rotating display to a static piece of public art.

The pilot will now deliver a permanent piece of public art on the Victoria Creek toilet block, co-created by local young people alongside artist, Stiles Be aka Simon Burt. This large-scale artwork will celebrate local flora and fauna and create a vibrant display in a heavily utilised community space.