An interactive initiative is set to improve safety for women and girls in Nelson Bay through art, data and community insight.
The installations, now “live” on Yacaaba Street, will help offer awareness into how people feel in public areas at night.
Featuring four digital displays, the Nellies Safer Spaces for Women and Girls Project – an alliance between the University of Newcastle (UoN), FASTLabs, Design Anthology, Saphi, Peclet, Urbis and Port Stephens Council – forms part of the streetscape and remains operational for the next six months.
By using light, sound and artwork, they’ll attract attention and encourage interaction.
The data captured will then enable the NSW Government to better understand how public spaces are used and how safety can be improved.
UoN’s Professor Tamara Blakemore said the collaboration combined community insight with innovative design.
“This venture places the voices of women and girls at the centre of public space design and safety,” she explained.
“It helps test how activation can improve security.”
Mayor Leah Anderson said council was proud to support the groundbreaking undertaking.
“It’s great that our own local women and girls helped shape the look, feel and function of the interactive installations,” she added.
“Innovative projects like this allow us to understand how our community experiences public spaces.
“They also show how creative design can make places feel safer, more welcoming and more connected.”
The venture aligns with Port Stephens Council’s Community Wellbeing Strategy, too, by supporting its goal to ensure people feel safe and secure in public spaces.
It also builds on the organisation’s ongoing work in placemaking, public art and town centre activation.
Community members can visit the Nellies, starting from the corner of Magnus Street and Yacaaba Street… and take part in the experience to help shape future public space safety.
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