July 13, 2016
Nanango is just about to get a new police station, and in a few months it will have an 11-camera CCTV network monitoring the CBD area, too.
But last week the town had a shock when as-yet-unidentified people went on a crime spree, stealing and torching two cars and breaking into several private homes and businesses.
And ironically, a group that might have helped prevent this happening, or helped police track down the culprits, is on the brink of closing after 24 years because of community disinterest.
Nanango And District Neighbourhood Watch (NaDNW) began in 1992 when 25 members joined together and pledged to keep an eye out for one another, their neighbours and community, as part of a grass-roots crime fighting initiative.
But today just six to eight people attend the group’s meetings, so NaDNW members are wondering whether the group should continue or wind up at their AGM later this year.
“Now that the internet, government advertisements and social media are telling people to check online to find out about their area, people find it more convenient to stay at home rather than attend meetings,” NaDNW secretary Anne Suter said.
“Many people are also very time poor nowadays.
“But the good thing about Neighbourhood Watch is that people can interact with one another and really get to know their community. They also get better information about what is happening in the local area.”
Nanango and District Neighbourhood Watch meets every two months on second Tuesday at the Nanango Cultural Centre in George Street.
Meetings begin at 7:30pm and run for about 90 minutes, followed by a cuppa.
Anne said Nanango police attend occasionally to update the group with a report about what’s going on and any current crime issues they are dealing with.
Guest speakers attend from time to time, too, and NaDNW members also run a stand at the Nanango Markets.
“The people that have worked on NaDNW since the beginning have worked very hard and put in a lot of effort to keep it running,” Anne said.
“Greg Hunter has been the president for 15 years. John Schonberger was treasurer for about the same length of time until he had to resign due poor health. And Rhonda Mackrell was our secretary for the last 11 years until I took over the position in 2015.
“I joined NaDNW about 6 years ago and find it very rewarding. I think it would be a shame if it were to close down.”
NaDNW’s next meeting will be held on August 9.
Anyone who’d like to know more about the group can contact Anne on 0430-323-154 or send an email.
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