Volume 17 Issue 1, April 2017
Print Post 100018975
www.nhw.com.au
THE ONLY WEBSITE YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT!
nhw.com.au The Neighbourhood Watch Victoria 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
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CONTENTS Volume 17, Issue 1, April 2017 2
Acting CEO’s Message
Send all content to: publications@nhw.com.au
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Morwell NHW
Mailing Amendments or Enquiries For any amendments or enquiries regarding mailing please email: publications@nhw.com.au
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30 Year Club at Manningham
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Mt Waverley NHW
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Australia Day Honours
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Congratulations go to David Cheatley
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Over 400 hours of footwork by Whitehorse NHW
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Banyule NHW
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Certificates of Service
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Mildura NHW
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Bendigo NHW
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Moonee Valley moments in 2017
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Chief Commissioner comes calling
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Greater Dandenong NHW
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Boroondara membership in 2017
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Mt Evelyn Children’s Christmas Carol event
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 VIC 3001 Ph: (03) 9937 0200 Fax: (03) 9937 0201 Email: admin@cwaustral.com.au
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.
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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.
ACTING CEO’S MESSAGE
FROM THE ACTING CEO
“N
ow this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” The quote from Winston Churchill during the Second World War is perhaps quite apt for the situation NHW Victoria has reached in its search for financial sustainability.
As announced by the President, Michael Strong at the March State Forum, the Minister for Police has confirmed that NHW will receive an additional $100,000 per year for the next two financial years. Geoff Kloot Acting CEO Neighbourhood Watch Victoria Inc.
Michael also indicated that the Caravan Trade and Industries Association of Victoria has agreed to provide us with $25,000 per annum for the next three years. There is also the prospect that the members of the association will contribute a further $25,000 per year to NHW over that same period. We could of course, breathe a collective sigh of relief and just get stuck into helping the Police reduce crime in our communities. However, NHW cannot continue to operate on the basis there will be a financial crisis every three or so years. To this end we are working with our marketing consultant, Peter Cocks, to
What’s on? To see upcoming events, go to
www.nhw.com.au/Events (or select region/events)
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identify and have discussions with more organisations who may be prepared to support NHW in Victoria into the future. This inevitably becomes a slow process because we have to engage with organisations progressively. You can’t simultaneously offer several different companies an exclusive sponsorship deal and then have the situation, where we have to turn one of them down. You would hardly expect a positive response if you approached the unsuccessful company again in a few years’ time if they had been messed around by NHW previously. One of the other benefits of the improvement in our financial position is that we can now take steps to engage a permanent CEO. As Michael also mentioned at the State Forum, a subcommittee of the Board is undertaking the recruitment process and we expect to have the new CEO in place by the end of the financial year. In addition to promoting the organisation’s growth and programs throughout the State, an important part of that person’s role will be to seek additional funds for NHW to improve our financial sustainability. As you can see we are looking forward to some exciting times for NHW in Victoria in the immediate future.
Have an event to share? Email admin@nhw.com.au
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FEATURE
MORWELL NHW There must be something in the local water supply. Three volunteers from Morwell Neighbourhood Watch have received Australia Day Community Service awards. The latest recipient Cindy Shanahan.
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olunteers assisted Morwell Lions club with the Australia day breakfast and this provided an opportunity to raise their profile and engage the general public in conversation about Neighbourhood Watch.
Road fatalities, serious injury and children locked in hot cars all take their toll on available police resources. In a recent incident, a volunteer noticed upwards of 20+ emergency service personnel attending an accident. In an effort to address this, the group contacted VicRoads and also took into account the RACV’s campaign about kids in cars. They then accepted an invitation to set up a marquee with education material about vehicles and children. Although not an official Safe Plate day, the group received a
few requests for safe plate screws and the monies raised went into the pool of money raised at the Bunnings Community BBQ for Morwell CFA and SES. NHW Morwell continue to cover all demographics in our approach to Crime Prevention and Community Cindy Shanahan. safety. We recently printed copies of the Kindergarten and Primary school activity booklet. One of the volunteers also had a speaking engagement in February with a local seniors group and the focus here is Personal safety, keeping your doors locked etc. NHW Morwell also accepted an invitation from Moe SES to attend a send off for their former group leader who is leaving to attend the Victoria Police Academy. As the event occurred on the same day as a Morwell event a representative was sent and good wishes passed on. The challenge for 2017 is to engage every member of the community from toddler to senior and we will continue to read and learn from new activities elsewhere in the state. Keep up the good work and until the next article stay safe. By Gerard Traynor Activities Committee
www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
April 2017 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
30 Year NHW Award Recipients.
43 MORE VETERANS JOIN THE 30 YEAR CLUB AT MANNINGHAM NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH December 2016 saw another 43 volunteers join the 30 Year Club at Manningham NHW. They join the 30 volunteers who have been with our NHW since it started meaning that over 10% of our team of 670 are club members.
Vice President of NHW Victoria, Brian Welch and Geoff Kloot, Chairman of Manningham NHW at the dinner.
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N
early 100 volunteers and partners gathered at the Yarra Valley Country Club in early December 2016 to celebrate the end of another successful year for Manningham NHW.
The opportunity was taken to present 30 year awards to 18 of the volunteers who were at the dinner. We were very pleased to again have the Vice President of NHW Victoria, Brian Welch, attend to present the awards. We also had Inspector Geoff Darlison and Inspector Paul Breen at the event. (Paul had worked in Manningham for about six months during the year while Geoff was assigned to other duties.) The two Inspectors helped Brian with presenting the awards. Once again, a great job was done by our Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Ian Morris, who is a 30 year awardee himself. Some of the 30 year awardees were unable to attend the dinner because of a clash with other activities at that busy time of the year. Others indicated they were pleased to help their local community but were not comfortable receiving the recognition in “front of a crowd”. These volunteers had their awards presented to them at their homes by their Sector Managers who passed on the thanks of Manningham NHW to the awardees for their great service to the local community. www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
Some of the dinner guests.
Inspector Paul Breen addresses the dinner guests.
The Manningham NHW Annual Christmas and Awards Dinner is becoming a major event on our calendar where volunteers and their partners can gather for a chat in a relaxed atmosphere. Normally, when the volunteers meet they are too busy finding the right screw for a number plate, selling the NHW message to a member of the public, or letterboxing the houses in their assigned area before the weather breaks. By Geoff Kloot www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
Inspector Geoff Darlison with Manningham Deputy Chairman and 30 Year Award Recipient Richard Heal. April 2017 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
MT WAVERLEY NHW
Award Recipients with State Member Michael Gidley.
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t our quarterly meeting on December 7, 2016, we asked all our Zone Leaders to make a special effort to attend because some of their volunteers would be receiving Service Awards. The awards were to be presented by our State Member for Mount Waverley, Michael Gidley. Prior to the business meeting, Sergeant Carl Keenan of Glen Waverley police presented a report on the function of the Car Crimes Division. At the conclusion of the business meeting, our Sector Manager Graeme Lawrence presented an outline of the function and activities of Neighbourhood Watch in Victoria. This was followed by the presentation of Service Awards by Michael Gidley (two 30 years, four 25 years and five 20 years). Michael Gidley also presented State Awards from himself. There was then time for social interaction and supper. By Don Lambourne Manager
AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS TO NHW WHITEHORSE VOLUNTEERS In the 2017 Australia Day Honours listings, NHW Whitehorse had two recipients receive awards. MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE GENERAL DIVISION
Warren Cole
For services to the community through social welfare organisations. Warren is from Area 3 & 4.
Bernard Millane
For service to Local Government and to the communities of Whitehorse and Timor Leste. Bernard is from Area 11 & 12.
CONGRATULATIONS GO TO DAVID CHEATLEY
D
avid Cheatley is a well known and long term NHWatch member of the Jan Juc/Torquay group. David was honoured as a short listed nominee for a Citizen of the Year Award at the Australia Day ceremony in Taylor’s Park Torquay on January 26, 2017. He was congratulated by Surf Coast Shire Mayor Brian McKetrick and presented with a customised wall plaque. The Surf Coast Shire award was for David’s dedication and recognition of his commitment to improving his community, contribution in voluntary work which exceeds the normal requirements of a person’s paid work, demonstration of civic responsibility and providing a positive role model for others whilst actively addressing local issues.
www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
David Cheatley with NHWatch colleagues (David is centre of frame).
April 2017 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
OVER 400 HOURS OF FOOTWORK COMPLETED BY WHITEHORSE NHW VOLUNTEERS IN 2016 During 2016, NHW Whitehorse Volunteers completed approximately 400 hours of footwork, delivering brochures in an attempt to reduce crime in our LGA.
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rochures covering Residential Burglaries, Tradies Tool Theft, Handbag Theft, Theft From Motor Vehicles, Theft Of Motor Vehicles and Remove it, Lock it or Lose it were used. These brochures were distributed in police recognised ‘hot spots’ in Whitehorse.
As a result of these twenty plus activities and other Police initiatives during 2016, the crime rate across Whitehorse dropped by 9.4%. Most other municipalities rose – Melbourne 9.6%. Victoria Police provided the Volunteers with a minibus for transport and our Crime Prevention Officer, Leading Senior Constable Rebecca Millin chauffeured us to our ‘hot spots’. Following our brisk walk for two hours we would all gather for a coffee at a nearby café where we engaged in general talk about Neighbourhood Watch and what we all do outside of NHW. In 2017, we are continuing with this successful program.
www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
April 2017 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
BANYULE NHW
OPERATION SAFE PLATE Theft from Motor Vehicles of number plates continues to be a problem in Banyule. Numerous offences have occurred in Heidelberg West at and in the vicinity of the local Mall shopping centre. Following the success of our first Safe Plate Day in the Mall car park in 2015, another event was held late last year. Mid week events present difficulties for SES volunteers and NHW people who are still working. A combined effort was arranged with SES, NHW and Ivanhoe Rotary Club. Heidelberg police supported the event by providing a Sergeant and three Constables. The significant police presence was greatly appreciated. One hundred and twenty cars were fitted with “one way screws” which was a 50% increase over the previous year.
YARRA VALLEY WATER PROJECT We identified a problem with the walls of a water pumping station in Grimshaw Street Watsonia opposite the Loyola College. This is controlled by Yarra Valley Water (YVW) and is behind a cyclone wire fence with barb wire on top which does not stop the vandals. YVW responded to our requests and have cleaned or painted the property on a number of occasions. Our members believed that a mural may assist to overcome the problem. We then entered into dialogue with YVW, Banyule Council and Loyola College to have a mural painted by students. Difficulties were encountered due to
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the pressure of school work. Even if on private property, if the location faces public property then council approval is required. YVW were so impressed, they proceeded to employ a local artist to make the project happen. On Sunday February 19th, we carried out one of our regular graffiti removal working bees. Whilst removing graffiti from a VicRoads control box opposite Loyola, we were delighted to see the outline of the planned mural. Several days later I spoke to the artist Anthony Destotellis as he carried out the finishing touches to his mural. We are extremely impressed with the result which we consider to be a masterpiece.
www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
GRAFFITI REMOVAL Banyule Council is very good in swiftly removing graffiti from council owned property. Although it is not in our actual Grimshaw NHW Area, our group has participated with Banyule Council in two projects to have murals painted. The first was at the Watsonia Timber building adjacent to the Watsonia Railway Station and the other at the Diamond Valley shopping centre. While we regularly report graffiti to other service providers, in the main their response is very poor, especially the power companies. In frustration, our group has also taken ownership with an ongoing project between Watsonia and McLeod stations on the Hurstbridge train line. Devonshire Road and Wungan Street run along the side of the train line. Concrete and steel power poles, fire hydrants, underground power boxes and fences were regularly attacked by graffiti criminals. Most of the items have now been painted several times. Any recurring graffiti is regularly removed by painting or chemical removal. A heavy duty cleaning unit with a petrol motor has been purchased as the smaller units were not sufficient. We have also had a large sign on a folding frame made, which we set up to assist with the safety of our members and to publicise our work. Overall, incidents of graffiti are not as bad as they used to be. Obviously this is due to our diligence in removal. If graffiti is observed on private property, we have a special flyer to give to residents requesting they avail themselves of the free graffiti removal kits available from Banyule Council and remove the offending graffiti. If they can not do this themselves we may offer our assistance, depending on the circumstances. www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
April 2017 • Sentinel 
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FEATURE
CERTIFICATES OF SERVICE NHW Whitehorse Volunteers Receive ‘Certificate of Service’ from Whitehorse Police Inspector and Crime Prevention Officer.
‘For your contribution and generous support of Victoria Police in helping to reduce crime and increasing public perception of safety in Whitehorse’. NHW Whitehorse Crime Prevention Officer, Leading Senior Constable Rebecca Millin recently presented approximately 60 ‘certificates of thanks’ to the NHW Volunteers who have regularly contributed to the Victoria Police/NHW crime prevention program in Whitehorse. It was a great thrill to receive the acknowledgement from the police for a lot of hard work done throughout the year right across Whitehorse.
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www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
MILDURA NHW
These kids will be the future of our community and with the involvement of NHW in their lives, the future looks bright.
JUNIOR NHW PROGRAM
KOORI CUBS PROGRAM
Once again it has been a busy start to the year in the north west. After an independent evaluation late last year we have expanded our Junior NHW program to seven full time schools with a further two part time schools to be included in the second half of the year.
The evaluation also recommended the expansion of the Koori Cubs program. The result has been the development of a Koori Scouts program for older kids, which is being run by the Police CPO Leading Senior Constable Mark Baumann. Both the Cubs and Scouts programs are tracking well. We have begun the year with a real highlight with one of our cub members being awarded his gold boomerang and being elevated to a sixer position within the group.
Due to the impact of the program we were recently invited to the Parents, Student, Teacher and Mentor Breakfast at Mildura South Primary. It was great to see so many parents in attendance and to have the opportunity to chat with them about Neighbourhood Watch.
www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
April 2017 • Sentinel 
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FEATURE
Neighbourhood Watch members Alison White, Helen Bradshaw and John Smith are keen to boost the group’s online presence, and work with other community organisations. Picture: Darren Howe.
BENDIGO NHW Bendigo’s goals for 2017 are to reach a greater number of people and to work together as a collective group. The following is taken from an article in the Bendigo advertiser in a move to bring the NHW back into focus.
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sing online tools to bring Neighbourhood Watch into the 21st century could be a way to stem the rise in petty crime in the suburbs, members of the six Bendigo groups believe.
They are calling for support in establishing an online presence as a way of bringing communities closer together to take a proactive approach to crime prevention.
“Residents are entitled to feel safe. At the same time, we need to take responsibility for our own actions.”
Alison White of Golden Square NHW and Helen Bradshaw, of Epsom-Huntly Neighbourhood Watch, said the groups wanted to change the perception that they were simply about “prying” on neighbours.
“We have to change the energy of our neighbourhoods.”
Moving into the digital age with web pages while forming partnerships with community organisations would bring back the feeling of “community”.
“People don’t know their neighbours as much, but online, people are much more willing to get in contact with each other.”
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“Years ago, you’d be having the same neighbours for 50 years. These days, you might be the only person in your street that’s been there for more than 10 years.
www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
Bendigo will soon have a seventh Neighbourhood Watch group, in Myers Flat. About 400 people are involved in the groups in Bendigo alone, and the numbers are increasing. John Smith, of the Maiden Gully group, said they wanted to follow in the footsteps of other public safety campaigns. He said crimes like thefts from vehicles – one of the city’s most common forms of crime – could be preventable if people had the right information. “Residents are entitled to feel safe. At the same time, we need to take responsibility for our own actions,” Mr Smith said. “Keys in an ignition even while paying for fuel are a serious temptation and for the majority of instances, the vehicles are not secured.” Getting more children involved in the movement was one of their priorities. Elsewhere in the state, a partnership with the Scouts has led to the creation of a Neighbourhood Watch badge where children complete good deeds in the community. In Melbourne, groups work with schools to create programs focused on home security, road safety and stranger danger.
“We rely on information from members of the public. The more accurate it is, the more valuable it is for police.”
“Neighbourhood Watch groups can be good for looking out for each other, and knowing who should be around a certain area, and who shouldn’t.” “As a group, they provide useful information to police. They are aware of their area. “We rely on information from members of the public. The more accurate it is, the more valuable it is for police.” Senior Sergeant Gaffee said theft of motor vehicles and theft from motor vehicles remained the most common forms of crime in Bendigo – and a well-functioning Neighbourhood Watch can be useful in creating awareness of preventing the form of petty crime. Rates of other crimes, including assault, drug use and possession, sexual offences and stalking, remained steady compared with previous years. A representative from each of Bendigo’s six Neighbourhood Watch groups meets with police every month to discuss crime statistics in the local area. Local group members are able to spot trends and spread the data through their local Neighbourhood Watch branch, with the hope the message would reach members of the local community through their newsletter.
Mr Smith said they were having a positive effect.
But the newsletter can only reach so far.
“We now hear of people niggled from the back seat when speed exceeds legal limits,” he said.
Epsom-Huntly Neighbourhood Watch’s Helen Bradshaw said an increased online presence would make the information more readily available for residents, who could then better secure their property and their families.
“The Neighbourhood Watch groups in Bendigo are beginning to move in that direction, but desperately require more technology-savvy people. We need the age group that can find their way around a computer and navigate around the areas we wish to break into. “Neighbourhood Watch is undergoing a revival.”
POLICE BACK A HOLISTIC COMMUNITY APPROACH A rise in thefts in Bendigo in recent years means communitybased approaches to crime prevention are more important than ever, local police believe. There were 700 more thefts in the 12 months to June 2016 in Bendigo compared to the previous 12 months – an increase of 35.1 per cent.
“At the moment we only print off newsletters. If we had a webpage, we can target a lot more people,” she said. Farmers are more computer savvy these days and keeping in touch online can help them to protect their areas and bring them into line with making their properties safer. Farmers are less likely to lock up their equipment, times have changed and they are now seen as an easy target. Having NHW operate online can help to change trends and keep those living remote updated with the crime states and what is happening in their area.
The crime rate as a whole in Bendigo increased 10.1 per cent. There was one criminal offence for every 10 people in the city. Senior Sergeant Craig Gaffee said groups like Neighbourhood Watch can play an important role in keeping communities safe. “Neighbourhood Watch groups can be good for looking out for each other, and knowing who should be around a certain area, and who shouldn’t,” he said. www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
April 2017 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
MOONEE VALLEY MOMENTS IN 2017 MOONEE VALLEY FESTIVAL The Moonee Valley Festival, usually the highlight of the calendar early each year was no exception once again with a very popular and well attended event. It was held at Queen’s Park in the heart of Moonee Ponds on Sunday, February 26, 2017, and NHWatch local volunteers were attentive and welcoming. Our volunteers were kept very busy during the day conducting an information and safety education service for the community.
NHWatch volunteers at the Festival (Group) Diane Plim, Morag Sinclair, Neil Dunk and Arthur Cale. Ian Hiscock NHWatch volunteer.
Moonee Ponds Police CPO Luki Yantono and officers conducting a police recruiting drive at the festival.
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St John Officers Cath and Chantel, Emergency Services booth at Moonee Valley Festival.
www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
Senior Constable Dom Alderman and Sergeant Dean McLeod looking after the crowds at the Moonee Valley Festival.
COMMUNITY BARBECUE IN WALLIS MALL, NIDDRIE The annual display and sausage sizzle conducted by Niddrie/Airport West/ Valley Lake NHWatch groups on Saturday, October 22, 2017, in Keilor Road Niddrie was very well received by local community members. Scores of passers-by were enticed to enjoy a free barbecue sausage and to be informed by NHW volunteers on the aspects of safety in the home and environs. Gabrielle Nilsson greets locals in Niddrie.
NHWatch volunteers with Ben Carroll MP for Niddrie at NHW barbecue.
www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
Duncan, Neil and John manning the barbecue.
MP Ben Carroll and Arthur NHW volunteer collect donations. April 2017 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
Neil Dunk is congratulated for his NHW Service Award.
NEIL DUNK PRESENTED WITH A SERVICE AWARD Neil is a long term NHWatch member in Moonee Valley who has faithfully worked in a range of roles for NHWatch Moonee Valley during close to fifteen years of service. He accepted his award at the February meeting of Moonee Valley NHWatch Coordinators held in a Moonee Valley Council meeting room.
Jan Chantry receiving congratulations for her OAM award from NHW President Arthur Cale.
JAN CHANTRY NHW COORDINATOR IN MOONEE VALLEY AWARDED OAM IN THE 2017 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS Awarded for service to local government, and to the community of Moonee Valley. Service includes: Moonee Valley City Council: Mayor, 2013-2014 and 2005-2006. Councillor, since 2003. Chair, Emergency Management Committee, since 2010. Chair, Arts and Cultural Committee, since 2010. Justice of the Peace, Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices, since 2001. Coordinator, Zone MNV16, Neighbourhood Watch, since 2000. Member, Founding Committee, Strathmore Community Garden. Awards and recognition includes: Recipient, 10 year service award, Municipal Association of Victoria.
Neil Dunk’s Award.
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Diane E Plim NHWatch Moonee Valley
www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
Commissioner Ashton.
Commissioner Ashton and Rob Ward, Chair Casey NHW.
Rob Hill, KC Dog and Maureen Fowler (Casey NHW).
Commissioner Ashton and Mayor of Casey, Cr Sam Aziz.
CHIEF COMMISSIONER COMES CALLING Neighbourhood Watch groups in Melbourne’s south east met Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton earlier this year to discuss community safety.
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e joined the group’s first meeting of 2017, eagerly listening to how Neighbourhood Watch groups from Cardinia, Casey and Greater Dandenong have initiated projects that have contributed to community safety.
Actions speak louder than words, and Mr Ashton was the one who suggested to Neighbourhood Watch Casey Chairman Rob Ward that he would like to attend a meeting and meet NHW volunteers and residents.
Mr Ashton spoke at length about steps Victoria Police are Mr Ward thanked the Chief Commissioner and other senior taking to deal with crimes being committed in the south east, police officers who attended this unique event, commenting especially by a small group of recidivists. “the partnership between Victoria Police, the community, community organisations and local Council stands us in “We’ve got a whole group in that mid-teen range who I don’t good stead to help build safer communities. Crime prevention know that we’re going to save,” Mr Ashton said. and community safety is everyone’s responsibility and we can “There’s a group that are well-entrenched who I think are only achieve results by working together. Tonight is another going to be institutionalised for most of their lives.” step in that direction”. Mr Ashton faced tough questioning from residents who were concerned about rising crime rates, but he assured them crime rate growth would be minimal when crime statistics are released in June. He also re-affirmed his support for Neighbourhood Watch, encouraging citizens who want to prevent crime to join their local group. www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
Cardinia and Casey Mayors attended the meeting, as well as representatives from the SES, CFA and other community groups.
Story and photos by Matt Male Casey NHW April 2017 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
Fund Raising Dinner.
GREATER DANDENONG NHW Greater Dandenong NHW had an attendance of over 43 people at our fund raising ‘Dine Out Christmas Dinner’ in December.
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e came back after our holidays to attend the City of Greater Dandenong’s Australia Day Celebrations at Rotary Park in Central Dandenong. Tina, Reg and myself handed out over 1,000 newsletters. It was really pleasing to hear that people were asking at the council marquee where the NHW Marquee was so they could get a copy of our newsletter.
The weather was perfect and well over 9,000 people attended the event. It was really pleasing to again see so many people from over 160 countries enjoying the day and all getting on so well. Not one ounce of trouble. 20
Sentinel • April 2017
www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
Australia Day Celebrations.
The Producer of A Current Affair rang me one afternoon, to see how scared I was living in our City where Apex Gangs first started. I told her about how I carried our NHW personal alarms with me and how I make myself aware of my surrounds. We go out for dinner in Springvale, Noble Park and Dandenong, catch the train at Sandown to go to the footy and I told her that I am not scared. It was very disappointing that they did not report this on air. So many residents I know are scared to come out at night so we are holding a 3pm afternoon forum as well as our normal 7.30pm meeting in March. www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
Our first committee meeting for the year was held in February and it was good to see everyone again ready for our busy year ahead. We had our first `Coffee with a Cop’ at the Dandenong Plaza and many of the shoppers were really enjoying the experience, laughing and asking many questions. By Dawn Vernon NHWGD President
April 2017 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
BOROONDARA
MEMBERSHIP
IN 2017 B
oroondara Neighbourhood Watch (BNHW) finished 2016 with approximately 240 members and only seven active Areas. Some volunteers no longer have active Areas where they live. Within existing Areas you can see the change that is taking place with a number of homes in this leafy municipality up for sale or just sold; some homes appear derelict. BNHW is transitioning toward a municipal-wide organisation without Areas as we cannot find people who are free to take on the roles required to set up Areas. It is a bold move and communication will be paramount and primarily available via an eNewsletter with hard copies available at selected public outlets. It reflects, to some extent, the changing face of Boroondara Neighbourhood Watch where we will see even the remaining active Areas under threat as gentrification takes place. Typifying this change is the recently commenced construction which will take the next two years, of a new community hub in North Balwyn with a big focus on maternal and child health with an early childhood centre and kindergarten.
Glenferrie Festival.
Many of our volunteers are in their later years and are not as active as they once were. It is at this point that we can see a significant change coming and have started making plans to increase the number of volunteers within the municipality but it is not easy. New residential buildings going up reflect homes for time poor families – always so busy; apartment blocks where almost everybody works in some capacity and are unlikely to be home during the day. A number of the retired folk are looking to move out of the municipality into other areas closer to family or friends. This change has not happened overnight but it has been gradually creeping in. In 2016, BNHW became active again establishing information stalls at street festivals, brochure distribution in the hotspots in our suburbs in respect of theft of, and theft from, motor vehicles followed later in the year with information on target hardening residential properties.
Ashburton Festival BNHW with Senior Constable Josephine Pokiri.
We held a BBQ at Woolworths which featured a police car and two officers which delighted young children. We had an Awards Night to recognize the work of many people who have been volunteers for many years. Our work has been undertaken always with the assistance of Boroondara Police and in particular, Senior Sergeant Mark Standish, who many of you know.
BNHW was without a Crime Prevention Officer for much of the year until Senior Constable Josephine Pokiri was appointed in August. This has helped us enormously as she has a vibrant personality and is very enthusiastic. We have formed a great partnership and have started off 2017 even more actively than 2016.
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Sentinel • April 2017
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FEATURE
“Like many NHW groups we need more volunteers and, in particular, volunteers who are able to roll up their sleeves and be active in crime prevention.” We have, in partnership with Josephine and some of her colleagues attended the Ashburton Festival, Glenferrie Festival and the Kew Festival. The next two months will see another three major activities to be completed. Thinking back on last year made me realise that although we have a significant number of volunteers, we only have a limited number who are ever-ready, active volunteers who are able to assist throughout Boroondara. We are at a precipice in the life history of the organisation. Reviewing last year, whilst it was successful, it made me see that we rely on a core group of about 15 BNHW volunteers. Like many NHW groups we need more volunteers and, in particular, volunteers who are able to roll up their sleeves and be active in crime prevention. To achieve this as one of our 2017 goals, BNHW is trying to gain further publicity about the activities of our group, so we www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
have joined the Boroondara Volunteers Resource Centre (BVRC) who actively search for volunteers. We have attended the brilliantly organised Volunteer Expo promoted by Boroondara Council which was recently held at the Hawthorn Arts Centre where many charitable, sporting, health and other organisations had tables to encourage people to become volunteers of the organisation of their choice. In addition, BNHW attended the Swinburne International Orientation Day for Overseas students where we had a table with the Police, Student Services, Boroondara Council, Ambulance Victoria and many other organisations. International students are encouraged to work with charitable organisations which assist students to become part of the community, improve their English including speech and earn credits towards recognition of the work they undertake. At the very least, BNHW is extending the area and the number of people who will know BNHW is alive and active in the world of crime prevention. At the very best by the end of 2017 we will see a stronger organisation with more volunteers, especially active volunteers. I look forward to seeing the results of our efforts at the end of the year. By Suzanne Dunlop Chairperson BNHW April 2017 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
Santa, Captain Koala and KC Neighbourhood Watch Dog.
MT EVELYN CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS CAROL EVENT On Saturday December 10, 2016, families of Mt Evelyn enjoyed a morning of Christmas festivities and song.
T
he Mt Evelyn Neighbourhood Watch together with Mt Evelyn Community House had much pleasure in presenting their second Children’s Christmas Carol event much to the delight of those present.
The morning’s events included carol singing by a group from Mt Evelyn Combined Schools Choir, a visit by KC Dog from Casey Neighbourhood Watch and Captain Koala from Mt Evelyn CFA. Balloons and show bags were handed out and bicycle safety engraving was popular with the passing cyclists on the Warburton Trail. Children’s activities – letters to Santa and making Christmas decorations – and sausage sizzle completed the activities. Also present were our local community Police Officers Leading Senior Constable Lisa Brooks and Linda Hancock, but of course the arrival of Santa on the CFA fire truck was the highlight of the morning with Santa busy handing out goodies to the lineup of excited children and their families. The organisers wish to thank everyone for their generous support and the opportunity to promote the work of Neighbourhood Watch. 24
Sentinel • April 2017
Oliver Ventur (Kilsyth NHW) offering bike safety engraving.
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