Coordinator's Corner

It's a new year and I doubt if anyone can predict what lays ahead of us as a community. However, there is one thing we can all rally around and that is HOPE. Even in the darkest times, hope helps us meet the challenges before us.

As we emerge into a more stable environment - residents are reminded that "thieves" and "con-artists" are out there just waiting to prey upon unsuspecting people. Going back to work also means that home security is most essential and that NOW is the time to review & upgrade where there is a gap or omission in keeping the home safe.

Each family and household has had to adapt to changes that have been hoisted on us which in many cases is not to our liking, yet each of us will find ways to make it to the next step. "Resilience" is the new 'go-to' word and that is a mechanism to cope. By helping each-other and facing the perceived unknown, we as a community can push through and not only survive but thrive on renewed energy.

Neighbourhood Watch Ryde District Meetings

Yes, we are planning the next NHW Public Meeting for April 2022 at Denistone Sports Club. Wednesday is the new evening time slot as we have negotiated with the club to fit in with their new reduced operating times. Wed-Sat only.

Wednesday 6 April - 7pm - Denistone Sports Club (59 Chatham Rd, Denistone NSW 2114)

Holiday Time & Crime

Last month was a busy time for thieves accessing homes and vehicles. Residents have self-reported incidents of break-ins to homes and vehicles. Typical instances are where vehicle owners have not locked their vehicle and left temptation in the form of coins and bank notes clearly visible. It is so common and the result is usually the same - money and items are now with their new owner!

In December, NHW urged residents to heed the local police warning.

Lock it or lose it! Ryde PAC urge people to remove valuables from vehicles.

Pictures in the Park - NHW Ryde

On the eve of Australia Day (25 January), NHW Ryde District volunteers helped our City of Ryde celebrate Australia Day by helping to "Create Safer Communitites" across Ryde when our volunteers came together to provide the BBQ for the Council-run Pictures in the Park. It was a Community fun evening of entertainment and the showing of the film "Paper Planes".

For all ticket holders, NHW provided a soft drink and a snag off the BBQ feeding nigh on 600 attendees. Free entry was made available to all Ryde residents who registered on the Ryde Council website. It was a very enjoyable evening and a great way for community groups to come together to enjoy the facilities and have a fun time.

SCHOOL IS BACK - ATTENTION - ATTENTION

School holidays are over and there is some normality starting to happen in our kids' lives. It's an exciting time for many kids just to be able to attend school on a regular basis - to meet up and share time with old friends, and to make new friends.

School zone speed limits (40kph) are in force and it is costly to ignore as children can be put at risk by speeding drivers and inattentive drivers. There is also the monetary hit in the back pocket if vehicles are recorded speeding, there is also the additional loss of 4 demerit points. JUST SLOW DOWN.

Parking and dropping off at school zones have caused many frustrations and may parents have been observed ignoring the dedicated signs and limits.

Where families live near the school - consider walking with the younger kids and leave the car at home (and save on fuel!). Parents then have an oppotunity to meete other parents and socialise and start acting as a school community by getting to know each other and supporting the school as part of a PT&C group.

Maybe even allow the older family students to have a little independence to walk to and from school, it is also part of the learning curve and cycle of life of growing up.

Above all - parents need to teach their children the ROAD SAFETY RULES and obey them. Instruct children to NEVER be looking at their phone device or run against a traffic RED light or "lolipop" person's stop sign". Don't risk the lives just for the sake of a few minutes. If you are in the habit of being late, leave home that bit earlier and survive to arrive safely and return home safely.

Questions?

Have you got a safety or local neighbourhood matter you would like to air?

You can use our Contact Form to ask us - or alternatively you can send us an email to: neighbourhoodwatchryde@outlook.com.

Also: feel free to tune in on our regular slot on 2RRR (Sunday 10:45 on 88.5FM with Lindsay Mar)

Can you help with the Ryde NHW Newsletter?

Needing immediate assistance:

Eastwood: between Ball Ave, Doomben Ave, May St and Ethel St .
Ryde: Devlin St, Parke St , Shepherd St, and Belmore St.
Meadowbank: Meadow Cr, Station St.
Email: neighbourhoodwatchryde@outlook.com (or use our form Contact Us)

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.