Coordinator's Corner
Oh! What a year. It sure has had its ups and downs and so we all look forward to a better year in 2022.
From a NHW perspective it has been not only a year of refection but also a year of consolidation and growth of the NHW brand across Ryde District.
The distribution of the NHW Newsletter has increased by 151% from 23,000 to 34,650 in a year due to the participation of residents, as existing and new NHW volunteers deliver our newsletter even in times of adversity with the rotten Covid Virus causing such disruption across our communities. We now have a 200 plus team.
Local residents have been willing to get involved in creating safer communities. NHW safety and awareness information is sought after as a legitimate and worthy information source. It is definitely not FALSE NEWS. We look forward to a safer and healthier 2022 when we can ALL come out and play without the face masks.
Christmas/New Year Holiday & Crime
This month just take 15 minutes to double check your security before heading off on holidays
Please ‘Lock Up, Look Out’ and report incidents. Don’t let thieves spoil your holiday or your neighbours’ festive season by forgetting to secure the home or that new “gift” or equipment so shiny and new. As soon as possible update your insurance cover to include the “new” toys for the boys and girls, and mums and dads.
Parcel packaging should be disposed of thoughtfully and NOT displayed on the verge.
Neighbourhood Watch Week (8-14 November)
NHW groups from across Australia celebrated NHW Week by conducting a variety of public events.
NHW Ryde District conducted an Information stall on safety and crime prevention at West Ryde Market Place on Thursday 11th November from 9am – 8pm. Six local residents volunteered to assist the group in delivering the newsletter.
On Sunday 14 November we had a fundraising BBQ at Bunnings Rydalmere and Information stall accompanied by NSW Police Highway patrol officers with their ‘high powered’ vehicles on display for visitors, especially for the kids (and big kids) to check out and photo opportunities with the vehicles and officers.
NHW Ryde District Annual General Meeting
On Wednesday 1st December the NHW Ryde volunteers celebrated in helping to “Create safer communities” across Ryde District when volunteers from all the regions and areas came together for a celebratory dinner and “Years Review”. Ryde Police Crime Prevention Officers and the Duty Officer attended as well as NHW fellow guests Matt & Robin Slattery from the West Pennant Hills Area assisted as our Returning Officer for our annual election of office bearers.
Results of the “hotly contested” positions are:
President: Philip Brown
Vice President: Stuart Reid
Secretary: Mark Homeming
Treasurer: Stuart Reid
Committee: Sally Rickards, Warren Smith, Robert Gamble, Jan Watson, Katie O’Reilly.
A message from the Ryde PAC
Lock it or lose it! Ryde PAC urge people to remove valuables from vehicles!
There are several valuable items that are a common target for thieves to steal from vehicles because of their value and ability to be sold for quick cash. They are: Laptops, mobile phones, cameras, sporting goods, tools and cash/wallets.
To reduce your chances of becoming a victim of theft, please consider the following security tips.
· Ensure all valuables are removed from your vehicle or conceal them in the boot of the vehicle before arriving at your destination.
· Lock your vehicles doors and close windows even if the vehicle is parked in your driveway, carport or garage.
· At night park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
· Park your vehicle in a garage at night where possible.
· Avoid hiding a second set of keys in the vehicle - if the vehicle is broken into, they may find the keys and take the car as well as your valuables.
· Avoid placing bags and wallets on the passenger seat where they could be easily stolen. Thieves will look into vehicles to see what items can be easily stolen. Even a small amount of cash may be the catalyst for becoming a target. Ensure you conceal or remove all cash and valuable items from your vehicle.
Shoplifter - Top Ryde (one of too many)
At about 1:15pm on Friday the 12th November a male attended a Supermarket at Top Ryde.
After entering the store, the male was observed by Loss Prevention Officers to exit the store by the self-service area, failing to pay for items in his possession.
The male was stopped outside the store by the Loss Prevention Officer and subsequently police were called. The male aged in his 40s, was issued with a Criminal Infringement Notice.
Upcoming Events
Pre-Australia Day @ Fontenoy Park
NHW Ryde will be conducting a “sausage sizzle” in conjunction with City of Ryde Council and other volunteer groups at “Pictures in the Park” at Fontenoy Park Macquarie Park on 25 January from 5:00pm – 8:30pm. Ryde Council will provide a Food Voucher to all attendees for a sausage sandwich and soft drink. Register on Ryde Council Website NOW, as there are limited numbers permitted.
Can you help with the Ryde NHW Newsletter?
Needing immediate assistance between Ball Ave, Doomben Ave, May St and Ethel St Eastwood. Devlin St, Parke St , Shepherd St, and Belmore St in Ryde. Phone Kamal on 0412 446 754 with your contact details.
Come on, give your heart a boost and stretch those legs by helping create a safer community, together. Its only six times a year. We also need reserve walkers for all areas when our volunteers go on leave or have a “sickie” once in a while.