2 minute read
Neighbourhood Watch local heros
Dynamic duo recognised
By Lea Parkes
Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius and Jim Madden MP congratulate Maree Anderson (centre) on her award
A big congratulations goes out to Glasshouse Country’s very own Maree Anderson and Senior Constable Susan Lowndes who were recognised for their work at the Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) Queensland conference recently.
Maree took out the highest honour of the event being named the NHW State Member of the Year at the conference held in Toowoomba.
Maree is a highly respected member of our local community and is the current treasurer and secretary of the Glasshouse Country NHW group as well as being the district representative on the NHW Community Advisory Committee.
When I asked Maree how she felt about receiving the award she very humbly replied that while it was a lovely recognition, she was rather overwhelmed at hearing the announcement as she didn’t think she did anything out of the ordinary.
Clearly the members of the judging panel saw what those of us who have worked with Maree know - that she is a tireless worker who quietly goes about her business and is keen to make the community she loves an even better place for us all to live in.
Maree and her husband Terry Titmarsh moved from Brisbane about nine years ago and when she retired six years ago she quickly began volunteering in our local community.
As soon as she joined Neighbourhood Watch she took on the role of secretary, which she clearly enjoys and said she found it a great way to form connections in the community.
Maree is also keen to encourage both new and long-term residents to consider coming to the bi-monthly catchups that are held on the second Tuesday of the month at Beerwah Library, from 2.30–3.30pm. They don’t have meetings - they have Coffee with a Cop and you can have a cuppa and a scone, hear a report from our local community liaison police officer Senior Constable Susan Lowndes and hear from a guest speaker.
Senior Constable Lowndes said Maree was such a tireless worker in the community in general and did so much for both the local NHW group and NHW at a state level as a member of the community advisory committee for NHW Queensland.
Senior Constable Lowndes was also recognised as the Sunshine Coast district NHW police liaison officer of the year.
Senior Sergeant Kim Cavell said that as the officer-in-charge at Beerwah she was "very proud of Susan's award as recognition of her continued commitment to making connections between police and community".
“Since starting at Beerwah Station over five years ago, Susan has been the liaison officer for Neighbourhood Watch and other community groups," Senior Sergeant Cavell said.
“Together they have initiated and realised some great events and activities that have helped to raise awareness in the community about crime prevention and reporting, and reducing victimisation.
“I commend Susan on her sustained and genuine commitment to making our community safer through meaningful engagements and strengthening partnerships,” she said.
