Lithgow City Council was successful in its application for a $1 million grant through Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities: Her Way 2 program to support improvements that help women, girls and gender diverse people feel safer, more comfortable and more confident in Lithgow’s town centre.
The project focuses on the route between Lithgow Railway Station and in and around Main Street, exploring ways to improve perceptions of safety, accessibility and comfort for everyone who lives, works, visits or travels through the town centre.
Minister for Transport John Graham said this was the second round of the first-of-its-kind Safer Cities: Her Way program.
“This new funding builds on the success of the Safer Cities program, which has already engaged with around 30,000 people to shape projects across more than 80 communities across the state.
“Whether walking, riding or using public transport, everyone has the right to travel safely and feel safe in public spaces, both day and night.
“It’s important we continue to invest in programs like this to help deliver local upgrades that make a big difference in building safer, vibrant, thriving communities for everyone.”
As part of this project, Lithgow City Council is asking the community to share ideas on how to make local public spaces more welcoming, accessible, and vibrant. Consultation will run from August to November 2026. Feedback will help identify improvements such as better lighting, clearer directions, improved visibility, easier access and better public amenities.
Lithgow City Mayor Cr Cassandra Coleman said community knowledge will play a critical role in shaping future initiatives.
“People experience public spaces differently depending on their age, gender, mobility, confidence and the time of day. We want to understand what helps people feel comfortable, confident and welcome in Lithgow’s public spaces, and where improvements can be made.
“When women, girls and gender diverse people feel safe and welcome in public spaces, everyone benefits. More welcoming spaces help create more vibrant and inclusive communities for all.”
The consultation will include an online survey, daytime and nighttime walkshops, and co-design workshops. During the walkshops, participants will walk the route from the railway station to the town centre, identify what works well and what could be improved, and discuss ideas to make the area feel safer, more comfortable and easier to access during the day and after dark. Young people will also be able to share their views through student workshops, visual activities and creative design workshops.
Provide feedback or find out more: www.letstalksevenvalleys.com.au/safer-cities-lithgow
This project is delivered in partnership between Lithgow City Council and the NSW Government through Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities: Her Way 2 program. The project aims to help improve perceptions of safety in public spaces and transport hub precincts, particularly for women, girls and gender diverse people. Find out more about the Safer Cities program: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/industry/cities-and-active-transport/place-and-precinct-revitalisation/vibrancy-initiatives-2-0