STATEWIDE SENIORS COORDINATOR APPOINTED

A state coordinator for seniors issues has been appointed within the Queensland Police Service.

Police Minister Judy Spence said Sergeant Rodney Bell, who has spent the past four and a half years in the Neighbourhood Watch state office, including two as State Coordinator, is now using his skills to coordinate seniors safety initiatives within the Police Service.

Ms Spence said the appointment was a key recommendation of the Queensland Seniors Taskforce.

“Sergeant Bell has extensive experience in community crime prevention initiatives,” Ms Spence said.

“He has been a member of the Police Service for 11 years and has worked in a number of roles, including State Liaison Officer for the Safety House Program.

“He has been heavily involved in major community safety projects such as ‘Five Ways to Safety’ as well as the statewide implementation of a Junior Neighbourhood Watch initiative.

“In this new role, he will be responsible for informing internal policy and crime prevention initiatives affecting seniors, as well coordinating bi-annual seniors forums.”

Ms Spence said Queensland was the first state in Australia to introduce a statewide coordinator for senior’s issues.

She said the Seniors Task Force – made up of a group of 17 representatives from government agencies and community organisations – has been an important initiative that has led to some valuable programs for seniors.

“Seniors will continue to make up an increasingly large percentage of Queensland’s population,” Ms Spence said.

“The work of the Task Force has ensured we have current and accurate data on which to base our future policies for seniors.”

Media contact – Sarah Martin 3239 6172 / 0408 732 491