Volume 16 Issue 1, April 2016
Print Post 100018975
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CONTENTS Volume 16, Issue 1, April 2016 2
Acting CEO’s Message
Send all content to: publications@nhw.com.au
4
Robyn’s farewell
6
Graffiti problems
Mailing Amendments or Enquiries For any amendments or enquiries regarding mailing please email: publications@nhw.com.au
7
Geelong, Surf Coast and Colac Otway
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Wellington members conduct a membership drive
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Manningham NHW 30 years of community service
10
Mildura Neighbourhood Watch
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The new agency for crime statistics
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NHW Whitehorse community meeting
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Whitehorse volunteer volunteers with BlazeAid
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Crime prevention activities in Whitehorse
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Legion of Honour for local NHW volunteer
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Neighbourhood Watch at the Moonee Valley Festival
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Moonee Valley, Moreland and Hume Neighbourhood Watch at the Open Forum
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Moreland/Hume
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Anti-theft screws are too good
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NHW presence at Parkmore Shopping Centre a great success
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Police Liaison Officers
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Crime Prevention Officers
Advertisers Alert Countrywide Austral is appointed by Neighbourhood Watch Victoria Inc. as the authorised publisher of Sentinel. For enquiries regarding advertising in this magazine, please contact the publishers:
Countrywide Austral Pty Ltd Level 2, 310 King Street, Melbourne 3000 Postal: GPO Box 2466, Melbourne 3001 Ph: (03) 9937 0200 Fax: (03) 9937 0201 Email: admin@cwaustral.com.au Art: Jason Jeffery and Kathryn Steel.
Disclaimer Countrywide Austral (“Publisher”) advises that the contents of this publication are at the sole discretion of Neighbourhood Watch Victoria (Inc.), and the publication is offered for information purposes only. The publication has been formulated in good faith and the Publisher believes its contents to be accurate. However, the contents do not amount to a recommendation (either expressly or by implication) and should not be relied upon in lieu of specific professional advice. Neighbourhood Watch Victoria (Inc.), make no representation, nor give any warranty or guarantee concerning the information provided. The Publisher disclaims all responsibility for any loss or damage which may be incurred by any reader relying upon the information contained in the publication whether that loss or damage is caused by any fault or negligence on the part of the publisher, its directors and employees. Copyright All advertisements appearing in this publication are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced except with the consent of the owner of the copyright. Advertising Advertisements in this journal are solicited from organisations and businesses on the understanding that no special considerations other than those normally accepted in respect of commercial dealings, will be given to any advertiser.
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ACTING CEO’S MESSAGE
FROM THE ACTING CEO
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Geoff Kloot Acting CEO Neighbourhood Watch Victoria Inc.
s you are probably aware, at the December 2015 State Forum the Minister for Justice, the Honourable Wade Noonan MP, announced a State Government grant of $50,000 per annum for three years from July 1, 2015. The grant is for running the NHW Victoria State Office. The government grant was provided on the basis that NHW Victoria would seek funding from other sources and become self-sufficient by the end of the grant period. The grant was the result of considerable effort by the NHW Victoria Board. Late last year, NHW Victoria received submissions from two fundraising consultants on how they could help us to obtain funds. Both proposals required some financial investment from NHW without any guarantee of success. Both submissions advocated that NHW get Deductable Gift Recipient (DGR) status, which would make any donations to NHW tax deductable.
As NHW did not fit one of the standard categories for getting DGR status, the Board is pursuing this by seeking an amendment to the Income Tax Assessment Act. This is the way that Crime Stoppers obtained DGR status. It could be several years before we will
What’s on? To see upcoming events, go to
www.nhw.com.au/Events (or select region/events)
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Sentinel • April 2016
know whether our efforts in this regard are successful. In the meantime, the fundraising consultants are exploring sources of funds that don’t rely on NHW having DGR status, eg from companies which can claim expenditure on NHW as advertising. In parallel with this, the President, Vice President and I met with the NHW Ambassadors on February 29. You will recall that the ambassadors include the Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Susan Riley, the major franchisee of Budget Rent a Car, Paul Wheelton, and significant tourism operator, Craig Opie. In addition there are media personalities Brett McLeod and Denis Walter, and entertainer Lisa Edwards. Together, with Community Patron, David Mann, the ambassadors are also exploring alternative sources of funding for NHW in Victoria. As you can see, there is considerable effort being made by the Board to try to guarantee the financial viability of NHW in Victoria in the long term. You can make sure that this fundraising effort is all worthwhile by continuing your great work in reducing crime and improving safety in your local community, wherever it is located in Victoria.
Have an event to share? Email admin@nhw.com.au
www.nhw.com.au
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FEATURE
S ’ N Y B RO L L E W FARE
Leading Senior Constable Robyn Murphy and John Dowdle. Inset: Robyn Murphy and son at a community event.
Leading Senior Constable Robyn Murphy, our long serving Crime Prevention Officer (CPO) for Banyule, has recently transferred from Banyule to the Police Welfare Office at Police Headquarters.
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obyn has been a wonderful representative for Victoria Police and great support to Neighbourhood Watch. Prior to her appointment as CPO, she was stationed at the Crime Prevention and Neighbourhood Watch State Co-ordinator’s office at the Victoria Police Centre (VPC) in Flinders Street, Melbourne.
Robyn has a great affinity with the northern suburbs having been stationed at the Heidelberg West Police Station as her initial training station, then the Reservoir Police Station before moving to the VPC. She and her husband Tim, also a serving member at Diamond Creek Police Station, now reside in Banyule and have two sons at high school. Robyn has been very active with the Banyule Community Safety Committee and Banyule Council Community Safety Officers in many projects. She has been 4
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supported by NHW in a number of these which have included car park audits, special newsletter deliveries and displays at the Greensborough Shopping Centre. As a token of appreciation for her efforts the Banyule Council hosted a farewell morning tea for Robyn at the new Shop 41 project in the Heidelberg West Mall. This was very well supported by Council members, the current Mayor Councillor Craig Langdon, police and Neighbourhood Watch volunteers. John Dowdle, past NHW State President and current Chairman of Banyule NHW, made a presentation of a card and gift to thank Robyn for her support to NHW over many years. It was the only time we have ever seen her speechless. From all at BNY NHW we say a very big “thank you” and extend best wishes for her new career within Victoria Police. www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
Leading Senior Constable Robyn Murphy and Neighbourhood Watch volunteers.
BANYULE ACTIVITIES
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ur first Banyule event for the new year was a sausage sizzle at Bunnings Northland on April 10.
Robyn Murphy and Neighbourhood Watch supporter Ted Smart of Graffiti Removals.
When NHW was first set up, each Area paid a levy to the District (now LGA/PSA) and paid their own volunteers insurance. Once the newsletter paper supply ceased, many Areas had insufficient funds so levies were dropped and fundraising was conducted on a LGA/PSA level. The funds raised are sufficient to cover the biggest expense of the year, the volunteers insurance, and assist in the cost of maintaining the group. In addition to the financial benefits, it is a good team building exercise and showed that NHW is still active. Pete Henry Banyule NHW
Robyn Murphy with Inspector Tony Ryan and Mayor Councillor Craig Langdon.
www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
April 2016 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
I T I F F A GR PROBLEMS For many years the Grimshaw NHW group has been active in removing graffiti in the local area of Bundoora, Greensborough and Watsonia.
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riginally the group paid for their own chemicals and paint. Small graffiti removal kits supplied by Banyule Council were then utilised. The group was fortunate enough to receive one of the large orange bin kits from the Department of Justice.
We try to adopt a policy of removing or covering ‘tags’ as soon as possible. The size, type and location dictate the type of treatment, chemical removal or painting over. Using a borrowed trailer, large working bees are usually held once a month either with the power cleaning unit or painting. Smaller removal is done more regularly. Some of our volunteers carry one or two cans of spray paint in their own cars so that they can respond quickly. The power supply companies are very lax in removing graffiti. In frustration we have completely painted many power poles. Light grey is best for concrete poles and a dark grey for timber. Once painted, it is much easier to cover up offensive tags when they reappear. In recognition of the work done by the Grimshaw HNW group, Banyule NHW have nominated them for a 2016 Banyule Community Group Volunteer Award. The winners will be announced at a function in May. Pete Henry Banyule NHW 6
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Grimshaw graffiti busters.
www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
GEELONG, SURF COAST AND COLAC OTWAY “WE JUST WANT IT TO STOP!” “We just want it to stop!” was the emotional statement from a victim of burglary at a meeting of residents of The Quay, Torquay, late in February. Residents revealed concerns at the increase in crime in the estate over the past 12 months. Hosted by Spring Creek Community House, a number of strategies were discussed and will be implemented in coming weeks to address the concerns of residents. Neighbourhood Watch will work with a small group of residents to develop and deliver a number of strategies, including a “Meet your Neighbour” event, installation of NHW signage in the estate, distribution of car theft prevention bin decals and other strategies to encourage residents to increase their vigilance and security to reduce the likelihood of burglary at their homes.
CCTV FOR DRYSDALE Drysdale and Clifton Springs Neighbourhood Watch have applied for funding for CCTV cameras for the Drysdale business precinct under the Federal Government’s Safer Streets program. The volunteers of this NHW Area are committed to creating a safer and more secure environment for all who work in and visit the Drysdale business area and is part of the greater crime prevention and reduction program operating in the area. Regrettably, Drysdale’s business precinct has been the site of a serious assault and a number of businesses have become victims of burglary, some on multiple occasions. CCTV, sited centrally in the town, would provide police with valuable information in the event of crimes occurring within the area.
Our thanks also to local business people who willingly signed support letters to accompany our application, a number of whom have been victims of crime, and a huge thank you to Jess whose assistance was invaluable as the grant application was developed. Letters of support from local Parliamentarians, SpringDale Neighbourhood Centre, Drysdale Clifton Springs Community Association, Drysdale branch of Bendigo Bank, Inspector Graham Banks, Victoria Police and Neighbourhood Watch Victoria were also forwarded with our application. Let’s hope that in a few weeks’ time when grant recipients are announced that the Drysdale and Clifton Springs Neighbourhood Watch will be among them and the process of installing CCTV cameras can commence.
CRIME PREVENTION AND ROAD TRAUMA AWARENESS COMMUNITY PROJECT Corio Police conducted a Crime Prevention and Road Trauma Awareness Community Project on the weekend of February 13 and 14. Held over two days and two sites – Beckley Park, Corio and Bunnings North Geelong – the days included displays of a crashed car, road policing and Hoon Hotline information, firearms information, licences, responsibilities/ accountabilities, forfeiting firearms, Crime Stoppers (illegal Firearms) and fitting of number plate security screws. Neighbourhood Watch volunteers and Bannockburn SES Unit assisted at the events and fitted approximately 170 cars with security screws and distributed the NHW vehicle safety brochures. Rhonda Rotherham Neighbourhood Watch Greater Geelong & Surf Coast
WELLINGTON MEMBERS CONDUCT A MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
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n Wednesday, February 3, 2016, Wellington Neighbourhood Watch members had a display at the Gippsland Shopping Centre in Sale. The display was general crime prevention information as well as a recruitment drive to increase the Sale membership, so it hopefully stays afloat. The East Gippsland Trailer was a great source of visual information. Several NHW letterbox cards and newsletters were given out as
www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
well as member application forms. The children loved the fluoro stickers as well. It was a positive day with a great response to all the Neighbourhood Watch volunteers.
Leading Senior Constable Kim Kell, Vic Ferguson and Frank Taylor, East Gippsland NHW Trailer in the Gippsland Shopping Centre.
Thank you to Frank Taylor, Marianne Abbey, Madeline Thornhill, Trish Bodey and Vic Ferguson for giving up their time to help on the day. Leading Senior Constable Kim Kell Wellington Proactive Policing Operative
April 2016 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
MANNINGHAM NHW
30 YEARS
OF COMMUNITY SERVICE t Plaque presented by Manningham Council to the local NHW.
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HW has been operating for 30 years in the City of Manningham. There are 30 volunteers who have been members of Manningham NHW since it started and at a recent celebratory dinner. 15 of these long-standing volunteers were in attendance to be presented with awards to recognise their 30 years of service to the local community. The awards were presented by Brian Welch (Vice President, NHW Victoria) and Anissa Gracie (Manningham City Council Community Safety Officer).
In addition, to mark the significant milestone in the history of Manningham NHW, the Mayor, Councillor Jennifer Yang, attended the meeting of the NHW Committee in December 2015. On behalf of the Council, she presented the group with a plaque acknowledging NHW’s 30 years of service to the people of Manningham. On Australia Day 2016 at the Naturalisation Ceremony run by Manningham Council, Geoff Kloot, Chairman of the local NHW, was announced as Manningham Citizen of the Year, particularly for his involvement in NHW. In making the 8
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FEATURE
Geoff Kloot with wife Louise and the Mayor of Manningham Councillor Jennifer Yang at the announcement of Citizen of the Year.
He has been actively involved in the development and implementation of a number of innovative neighbourhood security measures including: • A children’s activity book (trialled at Serpell Primary School) to teach young children about safety and NHW • A welcome pack for new residents • Safe Plates – a program to replace screws on registration plates with security screws so that the plates cannot be stolen and used in crimes • Working with Warrandyte and Donvale residents to set up NHW in those areas. 30-year NHW Award recipients with Anissa Gracie (fourth from right) and Brian Welch (sixth from right).
announcement, the Mayor, Councillor Jennifer Yang, gave a brief background on Geoff and his involvement in NHW as follows: Geoff has lived in Doncaster for more than 40 years and both during his career as a senior engineer at VicRoads and following his retirement he has been strongly involved in Neighbourhood Watch. Thirty years ago Geoffrey was a foundation member of the Doncaster Area (Manningham) Neighbourhood Watch and has been strongly involved ever since, holding positions of chairman of various groups in Doncaster. He has been on the board of Neighbourhood Watch Australasia and is currently on the board of Neighbourhood Watch Victoria in the role of acting CEO and Secretary. Geoff has given his time, advice, understanding, leadership and hands-on involvement in liaison between police and residents, empowering them to become actively involved in preventing crime in the community. www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
Further afield he works in the Carlton area to assist residents in social housing to run a Neighbourhood Watch to prevent crime. In accepting the award, Geoff made the point that the Manningham NHW is not just one person. There are nearly 700 enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers in NHW and probably over the 30 years of its existence, there have been about four thousand volunteers involved. Never one to pass up an opportunity, Geoff told the large audience about the NHW program and how easy it is to take simple precautions to reduce crime. He also urged residents to report anything that looks suspicious. They should ring 000 and report what they have seen. They should then leave it to the police to take whatever action they consider necessary. Geoff finished his comments by saying that there are about 70 police assigned to Manningham and they can’t be everywhere. There are nearly 120,000 residents and we are everywhere in the municipality. So a little bit of effort from the community in supporting the work of the police can go a very long way in making Manningham a safer place to live and work. Ian Morris Manningham Neighbourhood Watch April 2016 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
MILDURA
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Joe Clarke Mildura NHW
END OF YEAR HIGHLIGHT Last year ended with a real highlight with Assistant Commissioner Tess Walsh attending the divisional break up. A presentation was given in relation to the Junior Neighbourhood Watch program and the video created by participants was shown as part of the presentation. To our surprise the kids involved in the video attended the night with their parents. They were able to meet the Assistant Commissioner and Superintendent Naylor, who were glowing in their praise for the effort they had put in. Superintendent Naylor was kept busy on the night presenting the Divisional Superintendent’s award to long serving committee member Bob Hillier for his outstanding dedication, commitment and contribution to Neighbourhood Watch.
Makayla and Russell.
KOORI CUBS PROGRAM
Bob accepts his award from Superintendent Naylor.
The Koori Cubs Program is up and running for 2016. We have had two Cubs graduate to Scouts over the Christmas period and they have been replaced by Makayla and Russell who were nominated by the community. They are fitting in nicely and all things being equal were confirmed by the King of Sweden at a ceremony in Melbourne on March 18 as part of the centenary of Cubs celebrations.
Margaret, Connie and Charlie meet the bosses. Class of 2016.
JUNIOR NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH The program was evaluated at the end of 2015 and the results were staggering. With 97 per cent of students being more aware of Neighbourhood Watch, 96.5 per cent of students paying more attention to home security and 90.5 per cent of students talking to parents about what they had learned throughout the program, it is clearly having an impact which will be long term and sustainable.
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www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
THE NEW AGENCY FOR CRIME STATISTICS This article about the Crime Statistics Agency is based on a presentation to the NHW March 2016 State Forum.
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he Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) was established in 2014, and commenced public operations on January 1, 2015. It is a business unit within the Department of Justice and Regulation, independent of Victoria Police. The Crime Statistics Act 2014 establishes the role of the Chief Statistician to:
• publish and release statistical information relating to crime in Victoria • undertake research into, and analysis of, crime and criminal justice issues and trends in Victoria. The key objectives of the CSA are to restore public confidence in recorded crime statistics and develop a suite of statistical products to inform the public about recorded crime trends. It also aims to increase access to information, build the evidence base available to researchers, policy and decisionmakers and the broader community, and support greater statistical literacy. The CSA website went live on January 1, 2015, and includes an interactive crime data tool – ‘Crime by Location’, statistical releases, and the research agenda and research papers. There is also explanatory information about the statistics, the agency and how to obtain assistance.
State crime map for 2014/15. The darker the colour, the higher the crime rate.
The transparency and integrity of the statistical release process is essential so the releases of crime statistics are advertised in advance. The statistics for the period from October to December are released in March, the January to March figures are released in June, the financial year results in September/October and the July to September statistics in December. The Victoria Police are still providing crime information, and the respective roles of the police and the CSA in providing this information are shown in the following table. Victoria Police
Crime Statistics Agency
Qualitative information
Official, aggregate statistical data about recorded crime trends
Operational information Supporting statements Information about a specific incident or people
Data about offences, incidents, victims, offenders and family incidents
The CSA also provides customised data and statistics, the evaluation of projects, and general statistical advice. There are opportunities for NHW to obtain customised reports based on the bulk crime data held by the CSA. As a hypothetical example, a report could be prepared for all NHW groups or all postcodes, showing the ages of the victims of theft from motor vehicle crimes. If we had various www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
Local Government Area dashboard (summary information for Ballarat).
theft-reduction brochures for different age groups, this CSA report would guide us on which brochures should be used in which areas. If you want more information on the Crime Statistics Agency you can visit their website at: www.crimestatistics. vic.gov.au. If you have a specific question, please email: info@crimestatistics.vic.gov.au. By Geoff Kloot Acting CEO April 2016 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
NHW WHITEHORSE COMMUNITY MEETING
A community meeting was organised by NHW Whitehorse and was held on Wednesday evening, November 18, at The Avenue Fellowship Centre, Blackburn.
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he meeting was well supported by local residents, and it was a very informative meeting. The keynote speaker, Leonie Burnham from the Eastern Community Legal Centre, spoke well about what their office in Box Hill can assist with – guiding residents to mediation over neighbourly disputes, ie fences, trees, noise, yapping dogs, intervention orders, etc.
All attendees were shocked to hear that family violence in Whitehorse is as bad as any other suburb and Leonie asked that we all be aware of what is happening around us and report any incident which one might consider comes under ‘family violence’, ie the physical attacks we are all aware of, mental abuse, sexual abuse, etc. Our fences are higher in Whitehorse – so we cannot see what is happening. 12
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Another point which stunned the attendees was the fact that ‘elder abuse’ was bad in all suburbs and the other of course, was the ice issue – dreadful results. Acting Senior Sergeant Sarah Carmichael brought us up-to-date with happenings police-wise in Whitehorse. Crimes are lower than elsewhere largely thanks to NHW volunteers being so active – thank you and please keep up the good work. Leading Senior Constable Rebecca Millin spoke about new flyers she has had printed with grant money received from NHW Australasia. These full colour, double-sided flyers covering theft from motor vehicles, tradie’s tool thefts, construction site thefts, handbag thefts and remove it and lock it or lose it. www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
WHITEHORSE VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEERS WITH BLAZEAID
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here is more to NHW Whitehorse as our secretary Allison recently spent time volunteering with BlazeAid at Barnawatha after the recent fires there. BlazeAid is a volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires and floods. Working alongside the rural families, our volunteers help to rebuild fences and other structures that have been damaged or destroyed.
Equally important, volunteers also help to lift the spirits of people who are often facing their second or third flood event after years of drought, or devastating losses through bushfires. BlazeAid volunteers work in a disaster-affected area for many months, not only helping individuals and families, but also helping rebuild the local communities. You don’t need any fencing experience, just a willingness to give it a go and learn on the job. You can volunteer for a day or two, or a week or more. Fencing isn’t only ‘men’s work’ and age is no barrier. Over one-third of the previous BlazeAid volunteers – Black Saturday 2009 and Cyclone Yasi and floods 2011 and 2012 – were ladies. Many of our long-term volunteers are in their 50s and 60s, with other volunteers aged from teens to their 80s.
www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
Not all of the fencing involves heavy work. Many fences need to be cleared of debris before they can be stood up and rebuilt. For new fences, the wires need to be run through the holes in the posts, and posts need to be held in place while the sighting is done. Chris Summers LGA NHW Whitehorse Courtesy: http://blazeaid.com/volunteering-information/being-ablazeaid-volunteer/
April 2016 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
CRIME PREVENTION ACTIVITIES IN WHITEHORSE For the crime prevention Activity on November 4, NHW Whitehorse had a team of volunteers at Nunawading Police Station. Decked out in our hi-vis tabbards we were then driven to our ‘hot spot’ by our Crime Prevention Officer, Leading Senior Constable Rebecca Millin.
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e were taken to the Heatherdale and later Mitcham Railway Station car parks where we delivered about 1,500 full colour, double-sided flyers to all vehicle windscreens. These flyers were from Victoria Police warning motorists of vehicle theft from these car parks.
On December 1, with another team of volunteers, we headed off in what has become affectionately known as our ‘Mystery Tour Fun Bus’. Our team leader, Leading Senior Constable Bec Millin, delivered us to our recognised ‘hot spot’ and on this occasion, we delivered approximately 800 business kits in both English and Chinese, to all business houses from the Whitehorse/ Maroondah boundary along Whitehorse Road, to the Blackburn/Nunawading boundary. It was a very warm day but the task was completed with most businesses very grateful for receiving the business kits. A great job well done – and we enjoyed a cuppa afterwards where we had some social time together. Chris Summers LGA NHW Whitehorse
www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
April 2016 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
LEGION OF HONOUR FOR LOCAL NHW VOLUNTEER
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erald McPherson might be spotted operations over Germany as a rear gunner in walking the streets of Burwood Lancaster Bombers. delivering Neighbourhood Watch Recently, Gerald was awarded the ‘Legion of newsletters. He has been doing this for Honour’ or as the French decoration is called 20 years! Gerald also looked after the ‘Chevalier dans l’Ordre National de la Légion NHW accounts, with meticulous detail – d’Honneur’. accounting for every cent, for most of those 20 years. But behind the calm demeanour The Ambassador of France to Australia, of this gentleman Cedric Prieto said: there lies a HERO! “I have the great pleasure to inform you that, by decision of the President of the French Gerald served in Republic, you have been awarded the the Air Force in the French decoration of Chevalier dans l’Ordre Second World War. National de la Légion d’Honneur … I am Gerald served on delighted with this decision, it recognises an RAF Squadron your outstanding services during the Second (No. 186) in World War. This is France’s way to express Bomber Command gratitude toward those who risked their lives between October for the Liberation of France.” 1944 and April 1945 in England. He flew on 37
We have a decorated HERO in our midst! Congratulations, Gerald McPherson.
Gerald in 1945 with crew on wing of a Lancaster.
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www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
Margaret assists local communit y members wa tch ed by Moonee Va lley A/C hairm an Arthur Ca le.
H C T A W D O O H R U O B H NEIG AT THE
MOONEE VALLEY FESTIVAL
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eighbourhood Watch volunteers in Moonee Valley stationed the NHW display alongside the lake at the ever popular and well attended festival event held at Queen’s Park in the heart of Moonee Ponds on Sunday, February 28, 2016. Volunteers were kept very busy conducting an information and safety education service for the community during the day. Moonee Valley NHW volunteers noted that the public were generally very appreciative of the work of Neighbourhood Watch in the area and, for those living where there was not active coverage, expressions of support for commencing new groups were common. Diane E Plim Moonee Valley NHW www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
Volunteers Kevin Marshall, Neil Dunk and Dorothy Parker ready to attend to community enquiries. April 2016 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
Attendees focused on Judge Strong’s address.
MOONEE VALLEY, MORELAND AND HUME NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH AT THE OPEN FORUM
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eighbourhood Watch volunteers in Moonee Valley, Moreland and Hume gathered in the Moonee Valley Council Chambers to hear a presentation from State President Judge Michael Strong and, as an added extra, to meet new Moonee Valley Police Commander, Charmaine Hosking. Also present were Moonee Valley Councillors Deputy Mayor Councillor Paul Giuliano (Chairman), Councillor Jan Chantry also a NHW volunteer, Councillor Jim Cusack and Liberal Party representative Fred Ackerman. Chairing the event, Councillor Paul Giuliano introduced the session and called on Moonee Valley NHW Assistant Chairman Arthur Cale to invite Police Commander Hosking to the microphone. Inspector Hosking outlined her wide experience in policing across several major areas and gave a comprehensive outline of the areas across the municipality causing concern to police. She also emphasised the strategies NHW needs to be promoting to assist the community in crime prevention, then proceeded to answer questions from the floor. Diane Plim introduced keynote speaker Judge Michael Strong, noting that he 18
Sentinel • April 2016
comes having retired from the County Court but continues in his role as Crimes Commissioner where he has headed some major investigations in the public arena. Comments were made regarding the major contribution Judge Strong has already made in guiding and strengthening NHW, particularly in creating links with Victoria Police.
Mustapha and Judith.
Diane Plim thanks Fred Ackerman for attending.
Judge Strong addressed issues that were raised in questions to Inspector Hosking and outlined immediate plans for NHW Victoria: • Police senior management has stated their strong support for NHW in a recent policy document. • Victoria Police has provided considerable support to NHW with office space in Police HQ, access to support from Inspector Zorka Dunstan and Kelsey Sully, both of the Safer Communities Unit. • Police are holding a Strategic Planning Day with NHW on April 6 which will be attended by Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton who is a patron of NHW, Superintendent Dave Cowan and Deputy Commissioners. Individual NHW members will be invited to attend. www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
Kevin, Margaret and Rob.
Kevin, Ian and Ian’s dear mother in law.
Angela, Debbie and Emmy.
Michael, Councillor Giuliano meet Fred Ackerman Liberal representative.
Councillor Jim Cusack meets volunteer Duncan Walker.
• Judge Strong met recently with NHW Ambassadors and the Community Patron, David Mann. The Ambassadors include Deputy Lord Mayor Susan Riley, Budget Rent a Car Franchisee Paul Wheelton and media identities Denis Walter and Brett McLeod. As ambassadors, all offer their support to NHW now and into the future. A possible NHW re-launch is being considered and could be held in the Melbourne Town Hall. • NHW has instituted processes to have donations to NHW accepted as tax deductions. • As police can no longer undertake criminal record checks for NHW personnel these will have to be conducted through CrimTrack, NHW is investigating cost-free checks for volunteers. Judge Strong spent considerable time responding to questions and was whole-heartedly thanked by Councillor Jan Chantry www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
Pat and Michael.
with a gift and she made some very sound points regarding the need to strengthen NHW in our community. In concluding proceedings, Councillor Giuliano outlined experiences he has had working in property development where criminal activity on sites is a major issue and, encouragingly, CCTV has proven an important tool in solving some of these issues. Councillor Giuliano offered a big thank you to all NHW volunteers for their work and for attendance at the forum. All present enjoyed refreshments and NHW thanks MVCC for providing use of Council Chambers and for very generous catering. All present expressed appreciation for an excellent NHW forum.
Diane E Plim Moonee Valley NHW Delegate to State Forum April 2016 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
MORELAND HUME
ANTI-THEFT SCREWS ARE
TOO GOOD N
HW Whitehorse received an email recently from a resident congratulating us on the Sentinel Magazine and articles covering NHW Whitehorse activities.
Residents of Craigieburn and Greenvale were invited to attend an information meeting to inform them on how to establish a Neighbourhood Watch group to service their area.
The reader is a ‘lost number plate’ collector from anywhere in his travels, be it in Australia or overseas. His complaint is, he rarely finds ‘lost number plates’ anymore, saying that our anti-theft screws are too good and the fixing of plates securely to vehicles.
T
Even when bike riding, he rarely sees plates on the verge as these are being mown more these days (to help prevent fire spread) and when plates do drop by the wayside, being plastic or aluminium, they are rapidly chopped up and just become gravel on the side of the road.
The event was widely publised in the Hume Leader with residents invited to attend the evening at the Broadmeadows Global Learning Centre.
On a recent trip to Greenland, he saw a number plate he would have loved to bring home, but it was still attached to the vehicle and there were only two vehicles in the village. So, he photographed the number plate, came home and mounted the life size photo onto aluminium, cut the plate to shape and added it to his number plate collection.
he event was organised and conducted by the Moreland/Hume Neighbourhood Watch group, chaired by Ken Mathews. Present, along with local residents, were Geoff Kloot Acting CEO of NHW, Kelsey Sully from Victoria Police’s Safer Communities Unit and members of both Moreland and Hume NHW groups.
Kelsey Sully spoke about Victoria Police’s role in crime detection, crime analysis and informed residents about crime statistics on the Crime Statistics Agency website.
Chris Summers LGA NHW Whitehorse
Then Geoff Kloot was invited to the microphone to address the group. He spoke of the value of NHW to the community and how to establish new NHW groups. Ken Mathews concluded by inviting residents to attend a further meeting in Craigieburn where volunteers will be sought to form a NHW group and consider accepting an active office bearer role. It was gratifying to note a number of residents expressed interest in accepting office bearer roles. A big thank you must go to Kelsey and Geoff for giving up their time to attend the meeting. Ken Mathews Moreland/Hume Neighbourhood Watch
20
Sentinel • April 2016
www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
NHW PRESENCE AT PARKMORE SHOPPING CENTRE A GREAT SUCCESS Thursday, February 18 saw Greater Dandenong Neighbourhood Watch set up a stand at the busy Parkmore Shopping Centre in Keysborough. Those NHW volunteers who came on the day, Nina, Lyle, Lin, Reg and Dawn, were kept busy for several hours handing out many hundreds of copies of the latest newsletter and talking to passers-by.
I
t was an interesting experience talking to many people throughout the day – many people we spoke to had no idea what Neighbourhood Watch was about and what we did. The range of reactions went from keen interest right down to total indifference!
Also present with us for the day was a contingent of trainee police officers from the Police Academy, along with their Sergeant. The objective was for the “rookie” trainees to get a taste of meeting and interacting with people in the public arena. These lads were extremely helpful to us throughout the day, handing out leaflets and interacting with the public on our behalf, and we thank them for their efforts. In addition to the trainees, the Area Commander for Greater Dandenong, Inspector Bruce Kitchen, was present for some time with us, and we also had Senior Constables Paul Peebles and Richard Walter with us for a period. We are sincerely grateful to our police www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
for all that they do in our community and for us in Greater Dandenong Neighbourhood Watch. The well stocked table displaying many information leaflets and brochures drew plenty of interest from the people
Leading Senior Constable Paul Peebles, guest speaker in November at our public forum and information night, and Richard Walter, both policemen, always attend our forums, which is so important for residents to be able to talk to them and be informed on what is happening in our city. Their role is Proactive Policing Unit in Greater Dandenong. To close our year over 40 people attended our fundraising three-course Christmas dinner held in December at Sandown Entertainment Centre.
we spoke to. All in all, the day was quite a success, and all praise to our enthusiastic President, Dawn Vernon, for her initiative in organising this event. The success of this exercise has given us confidence to do it again and it is planned to do another one in May. Lin Richards
10,000 people attended Australia Day 2016 at Rotary Park in Dandenong. Trent, our secretary, and committee member Gil met many residents, talked to them about NHW and handed out many newsletters. April 2016 • Sentinel
21
THE ONLY WEBSITE YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT!
nhw.com.au The Neighbourhood Watch State website is constantly being updated and features various tips on how to be safe and secure. There are also many volunteers who work on the Local Government Areas of the website and do a fantastic job. Please show your support of the volunteers and visit nhw.com.au
www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic Visit the Neighbourhood Watch Victoria Inc Facebook page and ‘Like Us’
NHW Web Support – Contact Us If you wish to contact Neighbourhood Watch Web Support, please email support@nhw.com.au. This service is provided by a volunteer and is only provided during ‘out of hours’. 22
Sentinel • April 2016
www.nhw.com.au
POLICE LIAISON OFFICERS LIST REGION
NAME
PHONE
PSA
EASTERN (RE) RED1 – Nunawading
LSC Linda Kane
8851 1179
linda.kane@police.vic.gov.au
Boroondara Manningham
LSC Burnard Postma LSC Rebecca Millin
8892 3381
burnard.postma@police.vic.gov.au
Monash
rebecca.millin@police.vic.gov.au
Whitehorse
RED2 – Knox
Knox LSC Audrey Jones
9871 3000
audrey.x.jones@police.vic.gov.au
Maroondah
LSC Linda Hancock
9739 2386
linda.hancock@police.vic.gov.au
Yarra Ranges
LSC Wendy Willingham
5735 0236
wendy.willingham@police.vic.gov.au
RED4 – Wangaratta
LSC Helen Parfett
5723 0888
helen.parfett@police.vic.gov.au
Wangaratta, Wodonga
RED5 – Morwell
LSC Brett Godden
5131 5085
brett.godden@police.vic.gov.au
Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Latrobe
RED6 – Bairnsdale
LSC Bruce Dawkins
5150 2625
bruce.dawkins@police.vic.gov.au
East Gippsland, Wellington
RND1 – Melbourne
LSC Glenn McFarlane
9637 1100
glenn.mcfarlane@police.vic.gov.au
Melbourne, Yarra
RND2 – Westgate
LSC Amma Bridgeman
8398 9841
amma.bridgeman@police.vic.gov.au
Maribyrnong
RND2 – Westgate
LSC Dawn Youla
9742 9444
dawn.youla@police.vic.gov.au
Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Wyndham
RND3 – Brimbank
LSC Matthew Mudie
9361 4711
matthew.mudie@police.vic.gov.au
Brimbank, Melton
RED3 – Goulburn Valley
Benalla, Mansfield, Murrindindi Mitchell, Strathbogie Shepparton
NORTH WEST METRO (RN)
RND4 – Fawkner
Moonee Valley, Moreland
RND4 – Fawkner RND5 – Epping
Hume LSC Nicholas Wheeler
9479 6111
nicholas.wheeler@police.vic.gov.au
Banyule, Darebin, Nillumbik
LSC Sandra O’Connor
9409 8146
sandra.oconnor@police.vic.gov.au
Whittlesea
RSD1 – Prahran
LSC Mark James
9520 5252
mark.r.james@police.vic.gov.au
Port Phillip, Stonnington
RSD2 – Moorabbin
LSC Gary Oram
9556 6577
gary.oram@police.vic.gov.au
Glen Eira, Bayside, Kingston
RSD3 – Dandenong
LSC Melissa Blair
9767 7671
melissa.blair@police.vic.gov.au
Cardinia, Casey, Dandenong
RSD4 – Frankston
LSC Sharron Coburn
9784 5639
sharron.coburn@police.vic.gov.au
Frankston, Mornington Peninsula
SOUTHERN METRO (RS)
WESTERN (RW) RWD1 – Geelong
LSC Andrew King
5225 3261
andrew.king@police.vic.gov.au
Geelong, Surf Coast
RWD2 – Warrnambool
S/C Nicholas Smart
5560 1193
nicholas.smart@police.vic.gov.au
Southern Grampians, Warrnambool
RWD3 – Ballarat
S/C Janine Walker
5335 9503
janine.walker@police.vic.gov.au
Ballarat, Moorabool
RWD4 – Horsham
LSC Les Power
5382 9231
les.power@police.vic.gov.au
Horsham, Northern Grampians
RWD5 – Bendigo
LSC Glenn Maillard
5448 1477
glenn.maillard@police.vic.gov.au
Bendigo, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Macedon Ranges
RWD6 – Mildura
LSC Joe Clarke
5018 5494
joseph.clarke@police.vic.gov.au
Mildura
LSC Andrew Downes
5036 4444
andrew.downes@police.vic.gov.au
Swan Hill
CRIME PREVENTION OFFICERS LIST REGION
NAME
PHONE
PSA
EASTERN (RE) RED1 – Nunawading
RED2 – Knox
LSC Linda Kane
8851 1179
linda.kane@police.vic.gov.au
Boroondara
LSC Carla Reardon
8841 3999
carla.reardon@police.vic.gov.au
Manningham
LSC James Egan
9566 2112
james.egan@police.vic.gov.au
Monash
LSC Rebecca Millin
8892 3381
rebecca.millin@police.vic.gov.au
Whitehorse
LSC Auggie Nguyen
9881 7948
vp38558@police.vic.gov.au
Knox
9881 7927 LSC Linda Hancock RED3 – Goulburn Valley
Maroondah
9739 2386
linda.hancock@police.vic.gov.au
5762 1811 LSC Wendy Willingham
Benalla, Mansfield, Murrindindi
5735 0236
wendy.willingham@police.vic.gov.au
5820 5830 RED4 – Wangaratta
Yarra Ranges Mitchell, Strathbogie Shepparton
LSC Helen Parfett
5723 0888
helen.parfett@police.vic.gov.au
Wangaratta
SC James Donovan
02 6049 2600
james.donovan@police.vic.gov.au
Wodonga
RED5 – Morwell
LSC David Halliday
5131 5084
david.halliday@police.vic.gov.au
Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Latrobe
RED6 – Bairnsdale
LSC Sharon Blegg
5150 2625
sharon.blegg@police.vic.gov.au
East Gippsland
LSC Keith Patterson
5143 5015
keith.patterson@police.vic.gov.au
Wellington
NORTH WEST METRO (RN) RND1 – Melbourne
LSC Janie Lambert
9637 1201
janie.lambert@police.vic.gov.au
Melbourne
LSC Glenn McFarlane
9637 1100
glenn.mcfarlane@police.vic.gov.au
Yarra
RND2 – Westgate
LSC Craig McDonald
8398 9842
craig.j.mcdonald@police.vic.gov.au
Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Wyndham
RND3 – Brimbank
LSC Matthew Mudie
9361 4711
matthew.mudie@police.vic.gov.au
Brimbank, Melton
RND4 – Fawkner
SC Jacqui Newman
9302 8295
jacqui.newman@police.vic.gov.au
Hume
SC Andrew Laird
9373 5256
andrew.laird@police.vic.gov.au
Moonee Valley
LSC Alicia Lippiatt
9355 6049
alicia.lippiatt@police.vic.gov.au
Moreland
LSC Nicholas Wheeler
9479 6111
nicholas.wheeler@police.vic.gov.au
Banyule, Darebin, Nillumbik
LSC Robyn Murphy
9435 1044
robyn.murphy@police.vic.gov.au
Banyule, Darebin, Nillumbik
LSC Tina Robinson
9479 6111
tina.robinson@police.vic.gov.au
Banyule, Darebin, Nillumbik
LSC Sandra O’Connor
9409 8146
sandra.oconnor@police.vic.gov.au
Whittlesea
RSD1 – Prahran
LSC Mark James
9520 5252
mark.r.james@police.vic.gov.au
Port Phillip, Stonnington
RSD2 – Moorabbin
Sergeant Michael White
9556 6312
michael.white@police.vic.gov.au
Coordinator – Office of Proactive Policing
SC Dawn Eddington
9556 6529
dawn.eddington@police.vic.gov.au
Kingston (North)
LSC Lisa Dobbie
9556 6314
lisa.dobbie@police.vic.gov.au
Kingston (South)
LSC Gary Oram
9556 6174
gary.oram@police.vic.gov.au
Glen Eira (Bayside)
LSC Peter Stefaniw
9556 6313
peter.stefaniw@police.vic.gov.au
Glen Eira
LSC Brett Owen
9767 7671
brett.owen@police.vic.gov.au
Cardinia, Casey, Dandenong
LSC Paul Peebles
9767 1144
paul.peebles@police.vic.gov.au
Cardinia, Casey, Dandenong
LSC Richard Walter
9767 1144
richard.walter@police.vic.gov.au
Cardinia, Casey, Dandenong
LSC Sharron Coburn
9784 5639
sharron.coburn@police.vic.gov.au
Frankston
SC David Foster
5986 0444
david.j.foster@police.vic.gov.au
Mornington Peninsula
RWD1 – Geelong
LSC Adrian Goodwin
5225 3260
adrian.goodwin@police.vic.gov.au
Geelong, Surf Coast
RWD2 – Warrnambool
LSC Mal Agnew
5560 1192
malcolm.agnew@police.vic.gov.au
Southern Grampians, Warrnambool
RWD3 – Ballarat
LSC Donna Parsons
5335 9503
donna.parsons@police.vic.gov.au
Ballarat, Moorabool
RWD4 – Horsham
LSC Linda McLennan
5382 9231
linda.mclennan@police.vic.gov.au
Horsham, Northern Grampians
RWD5 – Bendigo
LSC Margaret Fitzpatrick
5448 1420
margaret.fitzpatrick@police.vic.gov.au
Bendigo, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Macedon Ranges
RWD6 – Mildura
LSC Mark Baumann
5018 5494
mark.baumann@police.vic.gov.au
Mildura
SC Tania Peters
5036 1655
tania.peters@police.vic.gov.au
Swan Hill
SC Jessica Rosewarne
9247 3282
jessica.rosewarne@police.vic.gov.au
Sergeant Mark Vonarx
9247 3268
mark.vonarx@police.vic.gov.au
RND5 – Epping
SOUTHERN METRO (RS)
RSD3 – Dandenong
RSD4 – Frankston
WESTERN (RW)
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