Volume 16 Issue 3, October 2016
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 16, Issue 3, October 2016 2
Acting CEO’s Message
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Maffra Safe Plate Day
Mailing Amendments or Enquiries For any amendments or enquiries regarding mailing please email: publications@nhw.com.au
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A great night of celebration for Boroondara NHW
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Teenagers join the fight against crime
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:
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Neighbourhood Watch: active and important
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Junior Neighbourhood Watch in action
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Whitehorse launch new polo shirts
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Yea annual raffle
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Police Remembrance Day
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Whitehorse walking the streets again
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Greater Dandenong
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A colourful day out and about
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Banyule NHW
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Clyde James Smith Memorial Police Leadership Award
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Epsom Ascot
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Moonee Valley health and safety forum
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Whittlesea NHW
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Whitehorse community meeting
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Police Liaison Officers List
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Crime Prevention Officers List
Send all content to: publications@nhw.com.au
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 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 I have commented before that one of the great things about my current role in NHW Victoria is that I get a chance to visit NHW groups throughout the state. Some of these are long standing operations with volunteers who have given over 30 years’ service to their local communities. Others are in the throes of getting established with new volunteers who we hope will be with us for many years to come.
Geoff Kloot Acting CEO Neighbourhood Watch Victoria Inc.
To see upcoming events, go to
www.nhw.com.au/Events (or select region/events)
Sentinel • October 2016
Despite more than three decades of existence in Victoria and the wide spectrum of media that has been used over that period, NHW should be continually sending the same basic message. It consists of three simple principles:
Some of the long-standing NHW groups were established before the internet • Secure your home, car and came into general use and well before belongings to make them less the concept of social media emerged. of a target for thieves. These groups initially kept in touch with their communities with paper • Stay in contact with your neighbours newsletters and “telephone trees”. As and keep an eye on their home and the use of the internet developed, many their welfare generally. groups embraced this technology and • If you see something suspicious, some have also established Facebook ring Triple Zero (000) immediately. pages which they are running in conjunction with the distributed paper There are about 13,000 police officers newsletters. A challenge here is to in Victoria and they can’t be everywhere. decide when it is reasonable to abandon There are over 4 million adults in the newsletters and move totally to Victoria and we are everywhere. Therefore, the public must support the electronic communication. police by being their eyes and ears in Having said this there are a few NHWs the community. whose members and communities are not comfortable with using the internet. No matter what media we use, the Perhaps when the next generation takes message is the same.
What’s on?
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over this situation will change. By contrast, all of the new NHW groups which are forming are making extensive use of the internet and particularly Facebook and other social media.
Have an event to share? Email admin@nhw.com.au
www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
MAFFRA
SAFE PLATE DAY
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CFA and NHW volunteers with Leading Senior Constable Kell.
n Saturday, September 2, Maffra Neighbourhood Watch, in conjunction with the Maffra CFA, held a Safe Plate Day.
This was an outstanding success with over 100 cars being fitted with the new screws. A fantastic partnership between both community organisations. Job well done!
By Leading Senior Constable Kim Kell Wellington Neighbourhood Watch Police Liaison Officer
The queue of cars that came to have their screws done.
www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
Doing the changeover of screws. October 2016 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
A GREAT NIGHT OF CELEBRATION FOR BOROONDARA NHW Boroondara Neighbourhood Watch held an Awards Night which also celebrated its rejuvenation on Tuesday, August 30, at the Parkview Room at the Camberwell Civic Centre.
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fter a conversation between the Mayor of Boroondara, Jim Parke and the BNHW Chair, Suzanne Dunlop, a great night was planned over a number of months working closely with Kaitlynn Yeomans, Safer Communities Officer, Community Planning and Development Department at Boroondara Council. We were honoured to have Geoff Kloot, Acting CEO NHW and Chairman Manningham NHW as our MC for the evening.
The evening was very well supported with 86 people present, (16 in excess of the anticipated number) which included honoured guests from the NHW Board, volunteers, police, politicians, councillors and members from a number of a resident associations and different community groups.
Mayor Jim Parke, City of Boroondara, and Chairperson, Suzanne Dunlop.
The meeting opened with the opportunity for everybody present to network for about half an hour over a convivial glass before a range of interesting and yummy canapes were served prior to commencing the formal part of the evening. His Honour Michael Strong, as first speaker, updated the audience about the increased interest and invigoration in NHW. He also flagged the change to the criminal checks and membership policy which created interest with the members from the residents’ association. The residents’ associations are considering membership of BNHW which will provide an opportunity for a wider community communication in Boroondara about issues relating to safety and prevention of crime. Currently BNHW works in only a very limited area of the municipality and we believe it is important to cover the whole of the municipality. Inspector Noy was a last minute speaker as the Superintendent due to speak lost his voice. Inspector Noy spoke about his recent appointment to Boroondara and said, “the public are the police and the police are the public”. He stressed the importance of BNHW and the Boroondara Police working as a partnership. BNHW has worked closely with the police in a number of activities over the past nine months with kiosks, leaflet drops, barbecues and street festivals, as well as with Manningham NHW with Safe Plate days. Strongly community-minded, Mayor Jim Parke is the only Australian ever to hold the office of President of Crime Stoppers International. He previously served as Chairman of Crime Stoppers Australia, Chairman of Crime Stoppers Queensland, President of the Victims of Crime Association of Queensland and Deputy Chairman of Volunteering Australia. He also serves as a community member of the Adult Parole Board of Victoria. Without Jim’s support, this evening would not have been possible. Hence, due to his interest in 4
Sentinel • October 2016
Geoff Kloot, Inspector Steve Noy, Mayor Jim Parke, Suzanne Dunlop, President Michael Strong, NHW. From the floor, intense conversation.
Group photo.
Guest speaker, Michael Strong.
preventing crime, Jim has been a very strong supporter of BNHW since becoming Mayor this year. At the conclusion of the evening, Certificates of Appreciation were presented to many long-serving BNHW volunteers and Area Managers. Special thanks for the evening was expressed for the support of the Boroondara Mayor, Councillors and staff for the sponsorship and assistance in arranging this function. BNHW Chairperson Suzanne Dunlop also took the opportunity to thank all present, especially Senior Sergeant Mark Standish, Boroondara Police, who has been a staunch supporter of BNHW, assisting greatly with all the activities BNHW has been involved in this year. By Suzanne Dunlop Chairperson, Boroondara Neighbourhood Watch www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
TEENAGERS JOIN THE
Students meeting with NHW volunteer Ian Morris.
FIGHT AGAINST CRIME F
or some time, Manningham NHW has been aware there is a significant gap in our link with the local community. Many of our activities such as community meetings and brochures are targeted at adults. We also have materials on crime prevention and home security for primary school children, but we don’t have anything that strikes a chord with teenagers.
things as working in teams, managing meetings and showing leadership in the school community, are some aspects of the project from which the students would benefit. As the first step, the students were asked to write an article for the college’s fortnightly newsletter telling the school community about the project.
As well as trying to address the needs of NHW, Belinda is keen to use the project as a learning exercise for the students. Such
By Geoff Kloot Manningham NHW
They are also exploring other ways of getting the To address this deficiency, safety message across to the Manningham NHW Deputy students. For example, there Chairman Richard Heal, and are a number of video screens Secretary Ian Morris, have been in corridors throughout the working with middle school school which provide the students (Years 9 and 10) from students with notices such as Doncaster Secondary College. changes to classrooms. One of The rationale for the project is the team’s ideas is to display that the best way to find crime NHW reminder messages on prevention messages that these screens when they aren’t resonate with teenagers is to ask being used for normal school The students’ article about NHW in the school newsletter. them for advice. purposes. The students would design the messages themselves giving them a good chance Under the guidance of Acting Deputy Principal Belinda of being appealing to the target audience. McGee, a team of students are looking at ways to get the standard NHW messages across to their schoolmates. For It is early days yet but it is hoped that the work of the example, the NHW message of looking after your belongings Doncaster College students will provide us with guidance on by locking your home and car applies equally to school how to engage teenagers in the work of NHW, which could be students who should lock valuables in their lockers and not used in other secondary schools in Victoria. leave them lying around.
www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
October 2016 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH:
ACTIVE AND IMPORTANT Elsie Brown lay dead in her Bentleigh home for nearly two years before police found her remains. This harrowing story pulled on the heartstrings of the nation and is the reason why tireless volunteers make phone calls to make sure isolated people are okay.
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rmed with telephones and computers, members of Neighbourhood Watch sub group Ballarat and District Community Support Register are a far cry from the stereotype of people peering over fences and handing out newsletters.
They provide an essential service and collect key data that police members can use if the vulnerable person signed to the register has any problems – resulting in a quicker and potentially life-saving response. Leading Senior Constable Janine Walker leads the Neighbourhood Watch group and register. She spends time talking with the volunteers, spreading community messages and working proactively with the community to make Ballarat a safer place.
Keeping watch: volunteer Bill Reynolds, Leading Senior Constable Janine Walker and Beryl Hodges enjoy working with the community to promote crime prevention. Picture: Lachlan Bence.
“The program is aimed at giving people who live alone or are isolated in the community a sense of feeling safe, by having a call once a week or fortnight checking on their welfare,” “Some people you call up do a quick check, other people tell Leading Senior Constable Walker said. you their life story,” Mr Reynolds said. Volunteers work most mornings. People voluntarily sign up for the service and volunteers collect information.
“For some people, us and a carer might be the only contact they get all week.”
“Police can access that information – is the key with a neighbour? Who is their next of kin? So we don’t have to break doors or smash glass if we have to do welfare checks,” Leading Senior Constable Walker said.
When Neighbourhood Watch stopped delivering its monthly newsletters with crime updates and pleas for witnesses, many in the community thought the organisation had simply dried up.
“The program is aimed at giving people who live alone or are isolated in the community a sense of feeling safe, by having a call once a week or fortnight checking on their welfare.” Registered members are given an ID card. “If they are in a shop and disoriented, they can look at the ID card and call someone.” Bill Reynolds co-ordinates Neighbourhood Watch and the register. He joined the organisation decades ago, when there were separate neighbourhood branches. The register has been under the Neighbourhood Watch umbrella for four years. Some participants opt to have weekly, fortnightly or monthly phone calls. 6
Sentinel • October 2016
The introduction of Facebook and social media means the way police communicate with the community has changed. The launch of the Ballarat Eyewatch Page has largely replaced the Neighbourhood Watch newsletter as calls for witnesses require that urgency that social media provides, rather than a newsletter. “(I think) we are now more efficient,” Mr Reynolds said. “We are an education program to provide people with access to information. On our website we provide links to crime data. “We still have the same message to get across – that is that people need to take responsibility for their own safety.” Beryl Hodges has been a member of Neighbourhood Watch for more than 20 years. “I lived in Sebastopol and we had no Neighbourhood Watch in our area. Someone went around with a petition to start a Neighbourhood Watch,” Ms Hodges said. “We thought it would be a great way to look out for one another and report crime. www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
“It has changed a lot, particularly in the last five years.” Crime in Ballarat has spiked recently with data showing a steep increase in the number of theft offences, theft from motor vehicle offences and arson. Statistics released in March showed youth crime in Ballarat was at its highest rate in at least five years, with the number of alleged incidents involving young males increasing by 159 since 2014.
during which volunteers fit number plates with safety-screws that prevent stolen number plate thefts. Given the surging number of stolen number plates and motor vehicles that are then in turn used to commit other crimes, the operation is increasingly important. Neighbourhood Watch is recruiting for the volunteer base and seeking individuals in the community that have various skill sets to assist with crime prevention programs.
Males aged 15-17 years were involved in 60 per cent of all alleged youth offences from October 2014 to September 2015. Data released last month also showed a 128 per cent increase in the number of arson offences over a 12-month period.
An outlet: since joining Elizabeth Stephens has gained life-long friends. Picture: Lachlan Bence.
“Our volunteer base are available to assist Victoria Police to facilitate the education of the wider community about crime prevention strategies and target hardening,” Leading Senior Constable Walker said.
“Our volunteers now say they have never felt more valuable at any stage in their involvement in Neighbourhood Watch.” Some key education programs include operation Safe Plate
They are looking for volunteers for the Community Support Register that have basic computer skills and a good telephone manner. The Community Support Register operates Monday to Friday from 9.30am till 12.30pm and our office space is a comfortable central location in Ballarat.
Enquiries regarding volunteering for the Ballarat & District Community Support Register or the Neighbourhood Watch Program Ballarat should be directed to Leading Senior Constable Walker on 0429 004 073. By Olivia Shyling Courtesy The Courier, Ballarat
JUNIOR NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH IN ACTION
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n Term 2 of our Junior Neighbourhood Watch program we had a bit of a conundrum. We conducted a session on the importance of home security, particularly during holiday periods when people are away and their homes are more vulnerable. Several students then raised the point that the school was regularly broken into, or damaged during school holidays. This was confirmed by the teacher who said she couldn’t remember the last time there were no issues when the school was vacant.
Standard letter drops and NHW newsletters had been delivered throughout the area in the past with little impact. It was time to come up with a new solution! In the last session prior to the holidays, we had the students write a letter to the neighbouring homes using the information they had learned during Junior NHW. They took this task extremely seriously and each student produced a personal letter which was delivered by NHW volunteers. The feedback was incredible with local residents contacting the Sunraysia Daily newspaper who published an article and photograph covering the entire front page. The result was no crime over the holiday period, what a difference. Congratulations and thank you all. Joe Clarke Mildura NHW www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
School holiday letters.
October 2016 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
WHITEHORSE LAUNCH NEW POLO SHIRTS NHW Whitehorse have arranged polo shirts, complete with the NHW logo, for volunteers to purchase at a very moderate price. They come in long and short sleeve versions, are quick drying and look great. The first order of 10 units were quickly snapped up by the volunteers. By Chris Summers LGA Whitehorse
YEA
ANNUAL RAFFLE
Yea NHW will be commencing the sale of tickets in their annual raffle outside Foodworks in Yea.
Dates: commencing October 21-22 every week until December 2-3. Hours: 9am to 4pm Raffle tickets will be available in some other outlets in the district as well. As in previous years, the proceeds will give the community a free barbecue and drinks.
PROCEEDS WILL ALSO FUND: • Four primary schools a $200 scholarship, for students’ first year at secondary school; and • One scholarship of $200 to a Year 9 student at Yea High School to further their studies. We are now into our sixteenth year of providing this service and we would like more local people participating into the future. Kind regards and every success to all NHW Areas. By Ken Howson Area Coordinator, Yea Neighbourhood Watch
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Sentinel • October 2016
POLICE REMEMBRANCE DAY National Police Remembrance Day, also known as Blue Ribbon Day in Victoria, is held on September 29 each year. Community members, along with serving officers, recognise it is a time to honour the dedicated men and women who have died serving their community. Blue Ribbon fundraising takes place and funds are used to establish community facilities such as medical equipment. These installations are named to honour our fallen police officers.
THE CEREMONIES ON SEPTEMBER 29 INCLUDED: • Metropolitan service commenced with a parade at 10am and a service followed at the Victoria Police Memorial, Kings Domain. • End of Day Reflection at 4pm Springvale Botanical Cemetery for the official closing of National Police Remembrance Day. The End of Day Reflection and the lowering of the Police Ensign commenced at 4pm. • Informal Lighting of Candles of Remembrance at 6pm Victoria Police Academy, View Mount Road, Glen Waverley. • We honour all officers, past and present whose courage and dedication protect our community. • Victoria Police Memorial - Kings Domain Gardens St Kilda Road. Opened in 2002, the Victoria Police Memorial situated in Kings Domain Gardens, Melbourne, and stands as a dedication and constant reminder as well as a tribute to police who have had their lives brought to a tragic and abrupt end. The memorial is a fitting reminder of the sacrifice each has made to provide a safe and secure community. By Diane E Plim Moonee Valley NHWatch www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
WHITEHORSE WALKING THE STREETS AGAIN
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HW Whitehorse were out walking the streets in August, the first of five weekly crime prevention field activities.
‘Police hot spots’ have been appearing within Whitehorse and on our boundaries with Manningham and Monash, so our volunteers have rallied to the call. We had 13 volunteers rally for the August 18 exercise, where we hit hot spots in Mitcham and Vermont and then proceeded to Monash. Here we met up with Monash Crime Prevention Officer, Leading Senior Constable James Egan, for an ‘attack’ on railway car parks. We delivered over 2,000 Victoria Police notices to letterboxes and car windscreens during a two-and-a-half-hour energetic walking exercise. We all then enjoyed a coffee at a Waverley café. A super big thank you to the volunteers on a beautiful sunny winter’s day with a temperature of 21°. We all had fun and a good laugh along the way. Thank you to Victoria Police for providing us with a minibus and our Crime Prevention Officer, Leading Senior Constable Rebecca Millin, for driving us with such skill.
www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
October 2016 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
Mark Carter, Youth Leader from the City of Greater Dandenong.
DANDENONG City of Greater Dandenong Council invited NHWGD to a breakfast for Volunteer Resource Recognition on May 10, which I used as always to share the information about NHWGD to those who didn’t know it existed.
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n May 11, we attended a Community Safety Council meeting with other stake holders such as police, council staff and councillors where many topics were discussed and reported about personal safety.
Our Public Forum was held on May 18, the largest public attendance ever. The guest speaker was Mark Carter, Youth Leader/Youth Services from City of Greater Dandenong. We also had a surprise visit from Sergeant Bob Carter and his police dog Yaegar. Sadly, Yaegar has since passed away, just a week shy of his 10th birthday.
Reg and Sam spreading the word at Parkmore Shopping Centre.
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Sentinel • October 2016
Friday, May 13, we had a table set up at Parkmore Shopping Centre, Keysborough, and I was there all day from 9am until 9pm. Thank you so much to those who helped: Mavis, Gil, Shirley, Lin, Lyall, Margaret and Semeet (Sam). Reg and I were there to set up and it was the longest day I have ever worked, LOL; slept well that night. We sold a lot of car number plate one-way screws and talked to so many people who were still not aware of what we were about. On Saturday, June 18, we fitted one-way screws to car number plates at Dandenong Plaza. A big thank you
Dawn, Shirley and Howard at Dandenong Plaza.
www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
A surprise visit from Yaegar of the Police Dog Squad at our last Public Forum.
Dawn, Lin and Barry installing one-way number screws at Dandenong Plaza.
again to our volunteers Jeff, Nancy, Barry, Frank, Howard, Lin, Maria, Reg and myself. We also signed up two new volunteers. On July 1 we held our first ever dance – another way to help to communicate with the residents in a relaxed atmosphere. Bloomers Jukebox six-piece band played music from the 60s and 70s at an unbelievable price of only $200. The Noble Park Scout Hall freely donated the use of the hall and about 40 people attended.
Locals having a greater time at our fundraising dance.
Everyone said what a great night it was and we realised it was a shame it was held in the middle of winter. Nina and her husband looked after the kitchen, serving coffee and tea, and Reg (my husband) did so much as always to help make the night a success. Bunnings Springvale have donated a Matador stainless steel four-burner barbecue with a side burner and cabinet for us to raffle valued at over $730. We will draw it at our AGM/Public Forum on September 21. In July, Chris from Crime Stoppers had asked NHWGD to help support their two-week launch of ‘Dob In a Dealer’ in Greater Dandenong. By Dawn Vernon NHW Chair Dandenong www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
Dob in a Dealer launch at Dandenong Police Station. October 2016 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
A COLOURFUL DAY
OUT AND ABOUT
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espite the drippy-day-before and the Met Board’s doom-and-gloom forecast, MON 41/42’s day out at the September Mt Waverley Craft Market dawned bright and sunny. The Valley Reserve team came armed with crayons, felt tipped pens, coloured pencils and colouring-in sheets from Victoria Police to reel in children accompanying grown-ups to the market. They ranged in age from 3 to 11 years. It seemed that while colouring appealed to few boys, the girls got going with gusto, getting to know each other as their colour pencils saturated and crayons careened across the sheets. Up for grabs were two teddy bears, art kits and certificates. Each participant took home a Victoria Police kids’ activity book, chock‑full of puzzles, child-friendly police information, drawing, colouring and dot-to-dot activities. 12
Sentinel • October 2016
On display was a range of NHW pamphlets, stickers and newsletters with which to engage the grownups. This drew a surprising amount of interest.
Though passers by were encouraged to help themselves, Area Manager Judith Clancy often found herself drawn into explanations about the role of NHW and the different types of pamphlets on offer. Despite initial fears that there would be no takers, the stall did a brisk trade. Indeed there were times when there wasn’t quite enough room at the table for the budding Matisses, Monets and McCubbins. The team chatted with parents and grandparents waiting on their children. Such was their street cred that they were even entrusted with a bag of bananas and eggplant! www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
While the children were engaged, their grown-ups sifted and drifted leisurely through the craft stalls or enjoyed a cuppa in the sunshine. Excited little participants ushered their grown-ups to the NHW stall to admire their entries pegged to a line like brightly coloured laundry. The competition closed three hours later, at noon. Tears of disappointment were shed in some quarters when the results were announced, but alas, there could be only one winner per category. Four-year-old April took the prize for her remarkably precise efforts in redesigning the livery of the Victoria Police Car in the category for children aged six and below. April, who hails from Pascoe Vale, was spending the weekend with her grandparents who live in Mt Waverley. www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
Rebecca (above) took home the prize in the category for older children with her entry. The Valley Reserve Team would like to thank all parents and grandparents for the patience and interest they showed while waiting on their (grand) children. We appreciated the opportunity to meet our neighbours and get to know them. Our thanks to the Rotary Club of Mt Waverley for giving us a spot in the market at no charge. We are also grateful to the Victoria Police for making their activity books for kindergarten and primary school children available to us as giveaways to all our enthusiastic little participants. They also donated the Lions’ Club teddy bears that we gave away as prizes. Last but not least, our heartfelt thanks to Graham Lawrence, Monash NHW Sector Manager, who came along later just to judge the entries. By Judith Clancy Area Manager, Mon 41/42 October 2016 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
BANYULE NEW CRIME STATS Banyule, like many areas, has suffered a considerable rise in crime. Figures have been obtained from the new Crime Statistic Agency and for the 12 month period ending March 2016 compared to the same period ending March 2015 we have an overall increase of 14 per cent. Burglaries are up 21 per cent, Theft of Motor Vehicles up 20 per cent and Theft From Motor Vehicles up 30 per cent. NHW is assisting police by purchasing and packaging one-way screws which are available from local police stations in Banyule and Nillumbik. Another Safe Plate Day is planned for October. 14 
Sentinel • October 2016
GREENSBOROUGH SAFETY PROJECT Neighbourhood Watch was recently invited to participate with Greensborough Police in a local safety project. In recent years the Greensborough shopping precinct has undergone enormous changes and created serious traffic problems. The safety project was in two parts. Firstly, speed limit enforcement by the Highway Patrol. Secondly, by Uniform Police and Neighbourhood Watch volunteers, to assist pedestrians crossing the road and to distribute safety information. Discussions are continuing between Banyule Council, VicRoads and police to try and find better solutions to the problems. The old Greensborough swimming pool on the corner of Grimshaw and Flintoff Streets was closed. A new major pool and gym complex now known as WaterMarc was then constructed. www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
Stage one was the actual swimming pool, gym and associated buildings. These included shops, offices and a pedestrian walkway to the Greensborough Plaza Shopping centre on Main Street. Stage 2 has commenced and consists of additional floors above the pool building which will accommodate the new Banyule City Council offices.
A very high volume of traffic use Grimshaw Street and Flintoff Street to access Para Road to travel east to Eltham, Templestowe and Doncaster. A 40kph speed zone has been introduced in the vicinity and traffic lanes in Flintoff Street have been reduced due to the construction.
EAGLEMONT FESTIVAL
Parking is an enormous problem in any shopping precinct and while multi-storey off- street parking is being included in the project much of this is being used by the builders during the construction.
To assist with the renewal of NHW in Ivanhoe and Eaglemont, a stall was erected at the Festival again this year. Being a very affluent area, Ivanhoe and Eaglemont are frequently the subject of house burglaries.
Also on Grimshaw Street we have the new Centreline and Medicare office building. This is opposite the former Greensborough Hospital which has been taken over by medical consulting rooms which have expanded to an adjacent building. Parking and crossing the road is extremely difficult especially for the elderly.
The group was successful in recruiting some new volunteers.
www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
By Pete Henry Banyule NHW October 2016 • Sentinel 
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FEATURE
Left to right: Councillor Craig Langdon, Sergeant Chetcuti, Acting Inspector Lindsay Cook and Sergeant Anderson.
CLYDE JAMES SMITH MEMORIAL POLICE LEADERSHIP AWARD
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his award recognises a serving police officer for exemplary service to the Banyule community. The award is colleague nominated and assessed by representatives of Victoria Police and Banyule Council.
This award is in memory of Clyde James Smith who was a Victoria Police Constable. He died in 1935 when a colleague accidentally discharged his pistol while they were both working at Frankston. He was only 33 years of age. His younger brother David then joined the Victoria Police followed by Constable Smith’s sons Bill, Len and Clyde Junior who served for 38, 37 and 38 years respectively. Other members of the Smith family also joined Victoria Police collectively bringing the family’s years of service to over 200 years. 16
Sentinel • October 2016
The award was instigated in 2014 by the Banyule Mayor Councillor Craig Langdon. Numerous members of the Smith family attended this year’s award together with other community members. Neighbourhood Watch received a special invitation to attend and were represented by Elsa Pertile, Bob Underwood and former Sergeant Pete Henry. Sergeant Chetcuti of Greensborough Police Station received the 2016 award from Councillor Craig Langdon and Banyule PSA Inspector Anne Patterson.
Constable Clyde James Smith.
Other police members also attended including previous recipients Sergeant Warren Anderson (2014) and Senior Sergeant Lindsay Cook (2015), both formerly of Heidelberg Police Station. www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
EPSOM ASCOT I
n July this year, Epsom Ascot NHW presented four local primary schools with 100 copies each of a Junior Watcher Activity Book. These books are designed for students in grades 3 and 4, to raise awareness of NHW and how to keep our communities safe.
We now have set bookings for barbecues at the Bunnings Epsom site, partnering up with a couple of other local NHW groups and sharing proceeds, working together to keep NHW going in our region. As individual groups we are floundering, working together will be our strength.
The books were printed locally and costs were covered using the $500 grant received from Bendigo Northern District Community Enterprise, which is a partnership with Bendigo Bank, Bendigo Telco and Viewpoint Huntly. We would also like to thank Geoff Kloot for his support and for allowing us to use Manningham’s activity book.
At our next meeting we will be discussing ways to become more visible in the community and ways to work with our younger members of the community. Epsom Ascot welcome our new members who graciously offered to take on executive roles that were left open after our AGM in August leaving the group in limbo for a few days.
Epsom Ascot NHW are excited to have some new executives/ members on board bringing with them some much needed computer skills to the group which enables many tasks to be shared. www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
Shown in the photo from the left are principals Paul Wilkinson (Holy Rosary), Scott Ross (White Hills) and Lyn Coulter (Epsom), and NHW members Barry Rainsford and Les Riddoch, along with students from the Epsom Primary School. Absent on the day was Craig Burnett (Huntly Principal). October 2016 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
Y E L L A V E E N O O M
HEALTH AND SAFETY FORUM On Friday, July 22, 2016, Moonee Valley City Council gathered a wide ranging group of community representatives to participate in the 2016 Moonee Valley Health and Safety Forum. Organised by Craig Dodson, Community Planning Project Officer, its purpose was to evoke answers to the question: What’s your vision for a healthy and safe Moonee Valley over the next five years?
FORUM OBJECTIVES:
• The opportunity to collaborate, share information and be empowered to initiate local actions to address health and safety issues in Moonee Valley. • Provide input to guide Council’s strategic planning for our 2017-2021 Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. After the Welcome to Country ceremony presented by Wurundjeri elder Uncle Perry Wandin, Mayor Andrea Surace welcomed all with an invitation to contribute to Moonee Valley’s strategic planning. Council’s Director of Planning Natalie Reiter followed with an overview of Council’s current activities and planning priorities. A ‘sharing local stories panel’ followed, showcasing some notably positive safety and health outcomes achieved locally.
PANEL MEMBERS: • Parsu Sharma-Luital – New Australian of the Year 2014, New and Emerging Communities Liaison Officer – Victoria Police • Edith Chen – Spirit of Moonee Valley Meritorious Award winner, Moonee Valley Golden Age Women
Left to right: Acting Senior Sergeant Mick Gaul, Moonee Valley Inspector Charmaine Hosking and Senior Sergeant Ian Jones.
Uncle Perry Wandin.
18
Sentinel • October 2016
Moonee Valley Neighbourhood Watch was represented by John Ayers JP and Diane Plim, Neighbourhood Watch State Delegate, Moonee Valley.
• Mahir Muhammad – Youth Community Leader, Flemington Community Centre Forum members were provided the opportunity to engage and discuss challenges encountered by newcomers and our community liaison workers. Panel members gave generously detailed accounts of their personal journeys before and after arriving in our community. Mahir arrived from Egypt as a youngster and graduated from LaTrobe University. This has given him very insightful views working with Victoria Police alongside Flemington’s youth. Edith, an educator, gave accounts of her work in school contexts in China and how this translated into her voluntary work, then professional involvement in education circles in our region. Parsu, from Bhutan, a devoted volunteer, has spent over a decade working with new arrivals (Awarded New Australian of the Year 2014) and now makes valuable contributions as Liaison Officer with Victoria Police, Moonee Ponds. www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
Left to right: Mahir, Edith and Parsu. Facilitator Wei Leng Kwok, WLK Consulting.
Doctor John Bates.
Forum organisers then provided a hands-on training session in ‘story craft’, demonstrating and guiding participants in the use of smart phones and affordable technology to document and share stories. (Presented by Digital Storytellers). Participants were invited by email prior to the Forum to select two breakout workshops to attend from: • Mental Health – Facilitated by Dean Alexander, (cohealth) and Nathaniel Proctor (MVCC)
Left to right: Colleagues Gui Lan and Edith Chen from Moonee Valley Golden Age Women.
• Gender Equity – Facilitated by Elly Taylor (Women’s Health West) and Gabby Tyacke (Victoria Police) • Cultural Diversity – Facilitated by Elissa McMillan (MVCC) and Penny Jordan (MVCC) • Alcohol and Other Drugs – Facilitated by Jill Kilpatrick (Victoria Police), Danny Jeffcote (cohealth) and Jackie Langbrook (Turning Point) • Emergency Recovery – Facilitated by Ian Jones (Victoria Police) and John Bates (SES).
Left to right: Anna Lemcue and Ruth Matthew, Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN).
Many issues vital to ensuring ongoing community health and safety were canvassed including in Leading Senior Constable Jill Kilpatrick’s group: how many of our schools take advantage of the excellent ‘Turning Point’ drugs prevention programs available for Year 9 students? And in Senior Sergeant Ian Jones’ group: do the growing number of high-rise apartment buildings have emergency exit drills? How do emergency services gain entry to these ‘security enhanced’ buildings? Where are the identified emergency relief centres located in the event of a major industrial accident, widespread ongoing power outage or seriously damaging weather event? etc. Issues and resolutions were duly recorded to be taken forward to be included in strategic planning. A reporting back session to conclude the day was facilitated by Sarah Edwards, MVCC Coordinator of Social Planning and Wellbeing. Clearly, much was gained and much contributed during this productive workshopping day and results will be available in MVCC’s policy documents when published. By Diane E Plim NHW State Delegate Moonee Valley
Left to right: Moonee Valley Police Commander Charmaine Hosking and Sarah Edwards, MVCC Coordinator of Social Planning and Wellbeing.
www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
Forum Organiser: Craig Dodson MVCC Community Planning Project Officer October 2016 • Sentinel
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FEATURE
WHITTLESEA WCNHW VOLUNTEER/ MEMBER PROFILE
Meet our Police Liaison Officer, Leading Senior Constable Sandra O’Connor. We interviewed Sandy on August 19, 2016, for our eNews newsletter. Hear what she has to say on crime prevention, NHW and other important matters like who her favourite football team is.
HUSKISSON RESERVE COMMUNITY DAY!
On August 21, WCNHW volunteers Nella, Mary and Beryl attended with Leading Senior Constable Sandra O’Connor and Leading Senior Constable Tim Foster for the Huskisson Reserve Community Day in Lalor. The weather was typical for this time of year, cold and wet, but it didn’t stop locals getting out and experiencing some fun. The event was supported by Epic Youth, Mernda Dragons And West Lalor Tennis Club! There were giveaways, local groups promoting a rugby clinic and game, tennis lessons, music and even better a free sausage sizzle. Yum! NHW had a small “pop up” stand and interested community members were able to find out about what we do and how to prevent crime in the area. Well done folks.
By David Slattery WCNHW Committee Member and Webmaster Photos by NHW volunteer Mary 20
Sentinel • October 2016
Q. What is your current role in Victoria Police and where are you stationed? I am currently based at Epping Police Station and serve as the Whittlesea Police Service Area Crime Prevention Officer and Whittlesea City Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer. Q. What crime is affecting residents in the City of Whittlesea the most and what can be done to reduce it? The most prominent crimes affecting residents are family violence, thefts from motor cars, theft of motor cars and residential burglaries – these are an issue not only within the City of Whittlesea but right across the state. Theft from motor vehicles is the first crime that comes to mind. There are a number of things that people can do to help themselves and reduce the chance of becoming victim to this type of opportunistic crime. Here are some very simple tips: • Try not to park in dark, unlit or isolated areas. • Don’t leave valuables such as mobile phones, packages, handbags, laptops or loose change visible in your car. This only encourages would-be thieves. • Ensure your car is left locked – that is windows, side vent mirrors and doors. • Don’t hide spare keys in the car. • Remove remote controls from the vehicle and any personal papers which may identify your home address. • If you have a driveway, use it. Don’t park your vehicle out on the street where it is easily accessed. To avoid theft of motor vehicles please make sure you are locking them and don’t leave them running unattended to warm up or whilst you just run into a shop or drop your child off at day care. Hide spare keys well and consider the use of vehicle security devices such as steering wheel locks, GPS tracking devices and immobilisers. In regards to home burglaries the best advice I can give people is to lock your windows and doors (including security doors). Nearly 20 per cent of home burglaries are through unlocked doors and windows. Don’t make your home an easy target; we have locks for a reason so we should all be using them. The most important thing to remember is that ‘If you see something, say something’. There’s no point telling everyone on Facebook that you’ve seen a suspicious person entering a house if you haven’t told police. Reporting suspicious activity to police or Crime Stoppers is a must. Little pieces of information together help to solve crimes. www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
Q. How important are NHW volunteers to local crime prevention within Whittlesea and why? Neighbourhood Watch volunteers play a very important role in helping police in their mission to educate the community on crime prevention strategies. With around 70,000 homes within the City of Whittlesea, it’s hard getting the message out there. Neighbourhood Watch volunteers are often the link between police and local residents whether it be via newsletters, Facebook, conducting targeted letterbox drops or by face-to-face contact when working at events alongside police. The Whittlesea City Neighbourhood Watch group as it stands have been a great asset to Victoria Police in the past few years.
Q. What do you think volunteers gain from getting involved in NHW? There’s a lot to gain from joining any volunteer group – new friends, knowledge and the chance to give back to their community come to mind but what I hope they get most out of it is a better understanding of how police work and a knowledge of the little things we can do to help ourselves. And if you make some friends along the way, that’s a bonus too. Q. Are you particularly proud of anything you have achieved with the volunteers and WCNHW? When I became liaison officer for this group current members had pretty much decided to disband. A handful of members though stuck with it and together we were able to re invigorate Neighbourhood Watch in the City of Whittlesea. Since then we have been joined by a number of keen and enthusiastic volunteers who bring a number of different skills to the group. They are happy to get involved with both police and the community and their help is much appreciated. We now have a very strong, active group. I am proud to be associated with every single member of Whittlesea City Neighbourhood Watch but most of all I am proud of them as a team. Together, we have partnered with various other organisations including local Council, Blue Light and the Department of Justice to implement a number of local initiatives such as the ‘Tradies – Secure Your Tools’ information packs, www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
the recently run Ice education forum and the Remove It or Lose It initiative which involved signs reminding people to remove valuables from their cars being erected in public car parks across the municipality. Q. What are some of the positive things you have noticed in crime prevention and the attitude of the community? To be honest, I think the attitude of the community is in part quite complacent. People often don’t worry about leaving valuables in their cars until their car gets broken into or locking windows until someone enters their home uninvited. Crime prevention requires a whole-of-community approach, everyone needs to do their little bit. Q. Favourite football team? Collingwood. Q. How long have you served Victoria Police? 25 years. Q. Funniest moment as a police officer? Chasing a goat down Moreland Road in Brunswick at about 5am about 20 years ago. He thought he was smart, leading us down every laneway he could but we won in the end. One goat, tackled, secured and returned to his rightful owner … it only took us a couple of hours. Q. What’s the best part of being a police officer? The friends you make along the way. It sounds cliché but the police force is like one big family, the officers you work with along the way often become the people you talk to and look to for support most. Editors Footnote: Sandy is a pretty humble person, but we all agree she does a stellar job. So much so that in May 2015 Neighbourhood Watch Victoria awarded her a “Certificate of Appreciation” for her service to our group. Well done Sandy, you sure are an asset for VicPol, NHW and our community.
CONNECTING WITH YOUTH – SCOUTS On June 1, 2016, WCNHW volunteer Mary dropped in and gave an insightful talk to the local Hazelglen Scout group. About 35 Cubs listened intently to Mary talk about community crime prevention, personal safety and the work of NHW. This was followed by Q&A. In 2007 NHW, in conjunction with the Cub Scouts, instigated a new badge for the Cubs based upon NHW and community safety. Collaboration between different elements in the community is an important way of engaging with the wider community on crime prevention. WCNHW would like to thank the cub leader Brad and all the fantastic kids for their keen interest in what we had to say.
October 2016 • Sentinel
21
FEATURE
“GET INVOLVED” CAPS ARRIVE
In May WCNHW, with the help of First Impressions, designed and ordered a small quantity of “Get Involved” caps. The caps serve two purposes, to keep our heads out of the hot sun at events, but also to use as a talking point with the public.
It was also sobering to hear some real stories from the UNDERSTANDING ICE DRUG EDUCATION FORUM The “Understanding Ice” Drug Education Forum was audience of parents, friends and siblings talk openly about held April 28 in South Morang. Over 120 members of the the stories of how this drug has devastated lives. The positive community attended the forum, held in the Woodstock was hearing how one mother of an addict, was after seven Theatre. Attendees included nurses, health care workers, years, able to support and help her son finally overcome police, emergency services personnel, affected family addiction. members and interested members of the public. The room Thank you to the panelists VicPol Whittlesea Local Area was almost at capacity. Commander, Inspector Paul Tysoe (also Chairperson), VicPol Funding for the event came from a City of Whittlesea local North North West Metro Division 5, Superintendent Tim grant, which was a joint application between Whittlesea City Hansen, Caraniche Senior Forensic Psychologist Dr Alana Johnston and Caraniche Psychologist Gemma Munro. Neighbourhood Watch and the Blue Light foundation. Whittlesea City Neighbourhood Watch appreciated the The forum touched many areas of this complex drug; it positive public turnout and obvious interest in the topic. included the need for a whole-of-community approach. The discussion identified the important role and positive The initial assistance in grant application and hard work over steps local community leaders, local governments, local the last 12 months in planning for this event from our police community groups and schools can play to identify, connect liaison officer Senior Constable Sandra O’Connor, with her colleague Senior Constable Wendy Shields, was appreciated, and target the core issues around this drug. In general, from an enforcement point of view, police as is the work of the efforts of the many NHW volunteers involved in this event on the night. highlighted how small pieces of intelligence that the public report via Crime Stoppers can be incredibly helpful, even Community responses following the event on social media included: though it may seem insignificant. It was interesting to hear from two panelists who worked “Well done on presenting such a highly professional and for Caraniche. They discussed both the psychology informative forum. Positive step in educating the community, and treatment processes of addiction. They highlighted how with real insight on the issues at hand …” – JK easy it was for Ice users to move from “occasional user” “Thank you and well done to all involved. A very informative to “addict”. and emotional forum.” – KMR 22
Sentinel • October 2016
www.nhw.com.au
FEATURE
WHITEHORSE COMMUNITY MEETING Wednesday, September 7 Wow! What a night. This event was a special occasion as NHW Whitehorse celebrated and honoured 37 volunteers who had been with NHW since 1986 and a couple from 1985. What an achievement, and these volunteers are still delivering newsletters to letterboxes monthly. Our number of attendees was so great we had to move from the booked Fellowship Hall and utilise the church which is part of the complex. We had over 100 attendees and invited guests and we thank the church officials for making this facility available to NHW Whitehorse. Before proceedings began, David Mann OAM, community patron, arrived direct from a flight into Tullamarine. We were surprised to see him as we understood he was not available to speak – he was out of state. He said, “I’m not here to speak, just to support Whitehorse which is such an active and go-getter group”. He then enjoyed a quiet cuppa and talked with anyone around him. Thank you David for making that effort. Invited guests included Inspector Robert May from Whitehorse Police, His Honour Michael Strong, President of NHW Victoria, our Crime Prevention Officer, Leading Senior Constable Rebecca Millin, local Councillor Denise Massoud, politicians, Robert Clark MP for Box Hill, Neil Angus MP for Forest Hill and Samantha Dunn MP for Eastern Metropolitan Area. We also had several apologies from other politicians and councillors as they were booked for other functions. Chairman Ray Summers opened proceedings explaining to guests a little more about what Whitehorse does – radio broadcast monthly, e-News, Volunteers’ Newsletter, the NHW In School’s Program and the large increase in crime prevention field activities requested by Whitehorse Police, which we have undertaken during 2016 and our newly created Facebook page. Inspector Robert May spoke on crime in Whitehorse and stressed how low our crime rates were compared to the greater Melbourne area. He was very supportive of NHW and what we do for Victoria Police, for example, in the past month, volunteers have delivered 6,000 specific flyers to police recognised ‘hot spots’ in Whitehorse. He has no doubt that attacking these areas keeps our crime rates down and we are always trying to be better. His Honour Michael Strong opened his address with the comment that he had not been to such a large gathering of active NHW members and it was wonderful to see such enthusiasm. He also spoke about the crime rates and the new system for accreditation which will no longer be done by Victoria Police but by an independent agency. Michael then presented the framed 30-year certificates to 30 volunteers who were present. Supper was served in the hall facility and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the cakes on offer and took the opportunity to talk informally with politicians, Robert May, Michael Strong and the Councillor present as well as other NHW members. It was a very friendly and happy atmosphere. www.facebook.com/NHW.Vic
LIST OF RECIPIENTS
(not all are in the photo as they did not attend) Peter Alford, Graeme Armstrong, Barclay Chadwick, Joe Femino, Vivien Ibbott, Mark Rogan, Philip and Helen Woodall, Joseph Maher, Branka James, Anne Lupton, David Osborn, Anne Turner, Bryan and Beth Davis, Richard Taylor, Su Dempsey, Vern and Dorothy Williams, Eve Kolar, Kathleen Barritt, Warren Cole, Neville Moulden, John and Stephen Taylor, Vince Joyce, Brian Condor, Victor Iwanov, Betty Young, Leslie (Mick) Truscott, Ursula Hannemann, Mary Rossely, Lynette Perry, Peg Snell, Helen Reid and Ray Summers. We also had three great supporters of NHW Whitehorse presented with appreciation certificates. • Drew Wadsworth – Pro Act Building Consultants - also a zone rep but his business supports NHW with donations for signs and printing in new areas re-launched. • Cameron Way – Woodards Real Estate Blackburn with signage for Safe Plate Days. • Peter Cassidy – Radio 3WBC 94.1 FM - for continued promotion of NHW Whitehorse.
Thank you to all for your contribution which made the community meeting a great successful night. There were many jobs you all did that I was not aware of until after the event. My sincere thanks and your support was much appreciated. Ray Summers
October 2016 • Sentinel
23
POLICE LIAISON OFFICERS LIST REGION
NAME
PHONE
PSA
EASTERN (RE) RED1
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 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
RED3
Benalla, Mansfield, Murrindindi LSC Wendy Willingham
5735 0236
wendy.willingham@police.vic.gov.au
Mitchell, Strathbogie
LSC Glenn Gibson
5820 5830
glenn.gibson@police.vic.gov.au
Shepparton
RED4
LSC Helen Parfett
5723 0888
helen.parfett@police.vic.gov.au
Wangaratta, Wodonga
RED5
LSC Brett Godden
5131 5085
brett.godden@police.vic.gov.au
Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Latrobe
RED6
LSC Sharon Blegg
5150 2624
sharon.blegg@police.vic.gov.au
East Gippsland
LSC Kim Kell
5142 2200
kim.kell@police.vic.gov.au
Wellington
NORTH WEST METRO (RN) RND1
LSC Glenn McFarlane
9637 1100
glenn.mcfarlane@police.vic.gov.au
Melbourne, Yarra
RND2
LSC Amma Bridgeman
9742 9497
amma.bridgeman@police.vic.gov.au
Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Wyndham
RND3
LSC Matthew Mudie
9361 4711
matthew.mudie@police.vic.gov.au
Brimbank, Melton
RND4
Moonee Valley, Moreland
RND4
Hume
RND5
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
SOUTHERN METRO (RS) RSD1
LSC Mark James
9520 5252
mark.r.james@police.vic.gov.au
Port Phillip, Stonnington
RSD2
LSC Gary Oram
9556 6577
gary.oram@police.vic.gov.au
Glen Eira, Bayside, Kingston
RSD3
LSC Melissa Blair
9767 7671
melissa.blair@police.vic.gov.au
Cardinia, Casey, Dandenong
RSD4
LSC Sharron Coburn
9784 5639
sharron.coburn@police.vic.gov.au
Frankston, Mornington Peninsula
WESTERN (RW) RWD1
LSC Andrew King
5225 3261
andrew.king@police.vic.gov.au
Geelong, Surf Coast
RWD2
S/C Nicholas Smart
5560 1193
nicholas.smart@police.vic.gov.au
Southern Grampians, Warrnambool
RWD3
S/C Janine Walker
5335 9503
janine.walker@police.vic.gov.au
Ballarat, Moorabool
RWD4
LSC Les Power
5382 9231
les.power@police.vic.gov.au
Horsham, Northern Grampians
RWD5
Margaret Singe
5448 1311
proactivepoliceunit-central-vic-oic@ police.vic.gov.au
Bendigo, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Macedon Ranges
RWD6
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
RED2
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
Maroondah
9739 2386
linda.hancock@police.vic.gov.au
5762 1811
Yarra Ranges Benalla, Mansfield, Murrindindi
LSC Wendy Willingham
5735 0236
wendy.willingham@police.vic.gov.au
Mitchell, Strathbogie
LSC Glenn Gibson
5820 5830
glenn.gibson@police.vic.gov.au
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
LSC David Halliday
5131 5084
david.halliday@police.vic.gov.au
Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Latrobe
RED6
LSC Sharon Blegg
5150 2624
sharon.blegg@police.vic.gov.au
East Gippsland
LSC Kim Kell
5142 2200
kim.kell@police.vic.gov.au
Wellington
LSC Janie Lambert
9637 1201
janie.lambert@police.vic.gov.au
Melbourne
RED4
NORTH WEST METRO (RN) RND1
LSC Glenn McFarlane
9637 1100
glenn.mcfarlane@police.vic.gov.au
Yarra
RND2
LSC Craig McDonald
8398 9842
craig.j.mcdonald@police.vic.gov.au
Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Wyndham
RND3
LSC Matthew Mudie
9313 3305
matthew.mudie@police.vic.gov.au
Brimbank, Melton
RND4
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
Darebin
LSC Tina Robinson
9479 6111
tina.robinson@police.vic.gov.au
Darebin
LSC Robyn Murphy
9435 1044
robyn.murphy@police.vic.gov.au
Banyule, Nillumbik
LSC Sandra O’Connor
9409 8146
sandra.oconnor@police.vic.gov.au
Whittlesea
RSD1
LSC Mark James
9520 5252
mark.r.james@police.vic.gov.au
Port Phillip, Stonnington
RSD2
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
LSC Adrian Goodwin
5225 3260
adrian.goodwin@police.vic.gov.au
Geelong, Surf Coast
RWD2
LSC Mal Agnew
5560 1192
malcolm.agnew@police.vic.gov.au
Southern Grampians, Warrnambool
RWD3
LSC Donna Parsons
5335 9503
donna.parsons@police.vic.gov.au
Ballarat, Moorabool
RWD4
LSC Linda McLennan
5382 9231
linda.mclennan@police.vic.gov.au
Horsham, Northern Grampians
RWD5
LSC Margaret Fitzpatrick
5448 1420
margaret.fitzpatrick@police.vic.gov.au
Bendigo, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Macedon Ranges
RWD6
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
RND5
SOUTHERN METRO (RS)
RSD3
RSD4
WESTERN (RW)
TRANSIT – MELBOURNE CITY SC Jessica Rosewarne
9247 3282
jessica.rosewarne@police.vic.gov.au
Sergeant Mark Vonarx
9247 3268
mark.vonarx@police.vic.gov.au
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