The first amalgamated meeting of Helensvale Groups 1,2 and 7 went ahead successfully at the Helensvale and Pacific Pines Cricket Club as planned, in the presence of Michael Crandon MP, Councillor John Wayne, Sergeant Martin Webb, our District Crime Prevention Officer, and guest speaker Sandra Edwards from the Volunteers in Policing, who stepped in at very short notice when our planned speaker from the SES was otherwise engaged in the north due to Cyclone Yasi!
It was our group (Group 2)'s turn to chair the meeting, so coordinator Margaret McDermott opened the meeting and introduced the speakers in the comfortable, very pleasant new venue. Also present at the top table were the coordinators of Group 1, Geoff Hay, and Group 7, Sonja Walsh who went through their meeting formalities and raised some issues for our guest speakers(see below). The coordinators also raised the question about how to spread NHW to include areas not presently covered in Helensvale. It was decided that each Group would print an extra 50 issues of their newsletters, and give them out in one street outside their area. It was pointed out that the Cricket Club itself was not presently covered by a NHW group!
The amalgamated NHW group would be taking part in the Senior's Expo at Parklands in July, and would draw up a roster to man the stall. We needed urgently to collect ideas for awareness-raising and fund-raising.
Michael Crandon welcomed the new amalgamation and offered his continuing support for the enlarged group. He said that an enlarged group can do more for Neighbourhood Watch, and we should try to gather as much support from the community as possible. He invited everyone present to bring along one friend for the next meeting, thus doubling the attendance.
Cr Wayne gave an update on issues previously discussed in meetings, such as the objections to the new edifice put up between the Pacific Highway and the BP garage, and the success of the CCTV security camera at River Downs. On discussing whether our groups could acquire such a camera, Cr Wayne said that the River Downs residents had contributed to meet the costs themselves, and that that particular location, with only one access road in and out, made the camera very effective. Even if our combined groups could raise the money for one camera, there would be difficulty deciding where to put it, as several would be needed to provide adequate surveillance for our three areas!
Sergeant Webb talked about crime in Helensvale generally, saying that car crime was prevalent in recent weeks. Thieves were targeting cars parked on drives and in open carports, and taking advantage of those left unlocked with valuables inside them. (some NHW members had had warnings about this earlier, and had sent notes round to immediate neighbours to lock up their cars, and put a warning in the newsletter.)
Sandra Edwards talked about the work of Volunteers in Policing. VIPs give clerical assistance to the police, help with crime-prevention in practical ways such as fitting security screws to car number-plates, and will visit homes to give advice on deterring burglars and other security issues. There is no age-limit for applicants wanting to join the VIPs, active retirees are welcome. All recruits have to have a police check and undergo a short training course.
The meeting ended just before 9pm, and there was an opportunity to socialise, hand out graffiti removal kits, and have a drink at the bar. There was free tea and coffee available. All three Area coordinators were pleased with the new venue: it had a friendly atmosphere and lots of space. Our thanks to Ian Wade-Parker for providing this excellent meeting-place, and for all his work preparing and clearing-up before and afterwards. The only sad note to mention is that attendance was poor. We need more of you to come along and use your Neighbourhood Watch. It's all about your safety and peace of mind, it's free and an enjoyable, social occasion. We hope to see you on 25th May, when Sonja Walsh from Group 7 will host the meeting at 7pm at Helensvale and Pacific Pines Cricket Club, Parkes Drive, Helensvale.
