April 2025 Bulletin

ANNUAL NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH AUSTRALASIA AWARDS

Congratulations to First Class Constable Anthony Bailey and Greater Glenorchy NHW Coordinator for being recognised in the 2024 Neighbourhood Watch Australasia (NHWA) Awards. Anthony was named as the equal runner up in the Police Commissioner’s Award for a Police employee who has worked with NHW to develop safer communities through strong and effective partnerships. Peter is to receive a Certificate of Appreciation for his volunteer work leading NHW for the City of Glenorchy. Anthony and Peter will be presented with their awards at the NHW AGM on 18 October 25 at the Country Club in Launceston.

NOMINATIONS CALLED FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH TASMANIA AWARDS

Not to be confused with our national awards, but every Year Neighbourhood Watch Tasmania also asks its members to nominate people deserving of recognition for their support in promoting our objectives. Nominations are easy, just send an email to admin@nhwtas.org.au and tell me who you want to nominate and why. I do the rest – so how easy is that?

CALENDAR DRAWING COMPETITION

Our Calendar Drawing Competition closes early this year on 31 May 25. It is open for every primary school age child in the state. Every NHW person is challenged to encourage at least one child to enter. Every winner receives $100 and attends our prize giving event in October. Most of the runner up entries get to feature as a miniature in the publication as well. You can enjoy the pride in helping a child enter and then seeing their work preserved for all posterity in our calendar. Get more information and entry forms.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH WEEK

This year Neighbourhood Watch Week once again partners with Bunnings Crime Prevention Week which will be held from 13 – 19 October 25. This continues to be a fantastic national partnership which Bunnings are always keen to actively support. NHW Coordinators are encouraged to make early contact with their local Bunnings Activities Organiser to explore what opportunities are available for us to do during The Week.

Previous activities have included hosting a NHW information stand, a home security raffle, a Cuppa with a Cop (CWAC), Tradies Breakfast or perhaps a sausage sizzle. Of course, these events only happen if a NHW person does something. If you are low on numbers, you can always partner with another community organisation to share the work – and the profits!

GET ONLINE WEEK

Get Online Week is from 20 – 26 October 25. If you can’t contribute to Neighbourhood Watch Week, then organising a Get Online Week presentation could be your DOT (at least Do One Thing) for the year! It is a great initiative to help older Australians gain confidence for doing things online. NHW groups across the state usually apply for a small grant to host an information session that includes a bit of fun and a great morning tea. It ticks so many NHW boxes that it is almost criminal not to organise an event. More information will be in the May Bulletin, but you can contact me any time to get the inside running!

HOME SECURITY TIP – NO. 6

Posting snaps and information about your holidays on social media is a great way to share your experiences with family and friends. However, the tip is to delay posting information about your holidays until after you return home. Thieves can stalk social media to find who is away and what homes will be vacant – so let’s not make it easy for them.

View more home security tips.

10 WAYS TO ACHIEVE BELONGING

Belonging is the sense of safety and comfort we feel when we are accepted for who we are. Share this tip with your Facebook friends. Practice it yourself!

Be patient. It might take time to gain acceptance, attention, and support from members of the group. Practice small steps, often, and over time these will pay off.