Deadline: 01-May-2026
The Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) invites nominations for its Crime Prevention Awards, recognizing programs that have effectively reduced crime and violence in Australia. Open to government agencies, non-profits, and individuals, the awards highlight innovative, sustainable initiatives that deliver measurable impact in communities, including priority groups such as women, children, Indigenous populations, and rural or remote areas.
What are the AIC Crime Prevention Awards?
The AIC Crime Prevention Awards celebrate programs that demonstrate meaningful outcomes in preventing crime and violence across Australia. The awards aim to:
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Highlight effective prevention initiatives
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Encourage public engagement in crime reduction
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Support governments in identifying practical, impactful programs
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Promote awareness of innovative and sustainable strategies for safer communities
Eligibility
Eligible nominations include projects that:
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Were fully operational before 1 February 2025
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Demonstrate measurable impact on crime or violence prevention
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Address specific communities (rural/remote areas, women, children, youth, families, migrant, ethnic, or Indigenous groups)
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Can be of any scale, including small, locally led initiatives
Eligible nominators: -
Government agencies
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Not-for-profit organizations
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Individuals directly involved in or wishing to recognize others’ contributions
Funding and Purpose
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The awards do not provide funding for new or ongoing projects
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Any monetary award must be used to benefit the nominated project
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Previous winners may apply again only if there has been significant progress or change in the project since the original award
Why This Award Matters
The AIC Crime Prevention Awards:
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Encourage adoption of evidence-based crime prevention practices
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Recognize innovation, adaptability, and sustainability in programs
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Promote public awareness and community participation in crime reduction
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Support the replication of successful initiatives in other communities
How to Apply / Nominate
Step 1: Identify a Project Ensure it has been operational before 1 February 2025 and meets the eligibility criteria.
Step 2: Prepare Nomination Include project description, objectives, target population, evidence of impact, and success measurement methods.
Step 3: Submit Nomination Applications can be submitted by anyone, including project participants or third parties wishing to recognize achievements.
Step 4: Award Use If successful, any monetary award must be reinvested in the nominated project.
Common Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
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Provide clear evidence of measurable impact on crime or violence reduction
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Highlight innovation, sustainability, and adaptability for other locations
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Focus on successful outcomes rather than the size or scope of the project
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Ensure the project meets the operational date requirement (before 1 February 2025)
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Demonstrate the project’s role in raising community awareness of crime prevention
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can nominate a project? Anyone, including government agencies, non-profits, or individuals
2. Are small or locally led initiatives eligible? Yes, projects of all sizes are welcome
3. Can a previously awarded project apply again? Yes, if there is significant progress or change since the original award
4. Is funding provided for new projects? No, awards are recognition-based and any monetary award must support the nominated project
5. What types of communities or issues are prioritized? Rural or remote areas, women, children, youth, families, migrant, ethnic, or Indigenous groups, and projects addressing specific crime challenges like alcohol-related violence
6. How is success assessed? Based on evidence of effectiveness, innovation, sustainability, adaptability, and community impact
7. Are there deadlines for nomination? Specific dates are published by the AIC each award cycle
Conclusion
The AIC Crime Prevention Awards provide recognition for effective programs that reduce crime and violence in Australia. By highlighting innovative, sustainable, and evidence-based initiatives, the awards encourage broader adoption of best practices, raise community awareness, and celebrate the efforts of organizations and individuals committed to safer communities.
For more information, visit Australian Institute of Criminology.