Known as ‘SWANS’, the Safer Women Around Nambucca Shire program will aim to make licensed premises more attractive and secure for women patrons.

Local coordinator Colleen Henry said she would be conducting safety audits of local pubs and clubs, to suggest ways their safety could be improved.

She said some of things she would be looking at were the location of toilets, lighting around carparks, cover by shrubs, taxi availability, public phones and other problem areas.

A total of 13 clubs and pubs across the Valley have signed up for the voluntary audit program.

Macksville Ex-Services Club has already been audited, and CEO Judy Ward said it could have benefits for all patrons.

“I see the benefits, not just for women, but for everybody. It’s always good to get someone else onsite – a fresh eye to tell you what’s working and what could be improved,” she said.

In launching the Nambucca Shire Council-led program at the local Liquor Accord meeting on Tuesday, General Manager Michael Coulter said it was recognised that alcohol-related violence was probably the single biggest crime problem in the Valley.

Mid-North Coast Licensing Coordinator Sergeant John Lawrie welcomed the new initiative, which he said would not only make patrons feel more safe, but also encourage business for those that moved towards safer premises.

“By taking some steps towards trimming vegetation and putting better lighting in dark areas, you are not just preventing violence against women, but all kinds of anti-social behaviour that happens in these ‘blind spots’,” he said.

The $50,000 grant program, funded by the State Government, will run until mid next year. The audits of clubs and pubs will take place over the next month.