Spence announces new sponsor for Neighbourhood Watch

Queensland’s Neighbourhood Watch program has a new sponsor, Minister for Police Judy Spence announced today.

Ms Spence said the Real Estate Institute of Queensland has agreed to sponsor the program for the next three years.

“When long-time sponsor CGU announced earlier this year it is moving on to other ventures, the Queensland government put out the call for a new organisation to come on board,” Ms Spence said.

“REIQ has eagerly answered that call, and will generously provide $50, 000 in sponsorship per year.

“In addition to this important funding, the REIQ will provide assistance to Neighbourhood Watch with media promotion, branding, education and training.

“This is great news for a very important program that has helped promote community policing for two decades.”

Ms Spence said the REIQ is the peak professional association for the real estate industry and supports real estate agents ensuring a professional service to the public.

“It is great to see a Queensland organisation showing such strong support for local community based initiatives,” Ms Spence said.

“I have no doubt this is the beginning of a fruitful partnership for all parties involved.”

Commissioner Bob Atkinson said the Queensland Police Service is currently negotiating with insurance companies to provide public liability insurance to Neighbourhood Watch.

“Police will pay for any public liability insurance arrangements which should be in place by the time the new sponsorship agreement starts on July 1.”

REIQ Managing Director, Dan Molloy said his group is very proud to be named the major sponsor of the Neighbourhood Watch Queensland program for the next three years.

“As the State’s peak professional association for the real estate industry, the REIQ is well-placed to understand and complement the positive work Neighbourhood Watch undertakes on a daily basis, and is looking forward to helping promote community safety across Queensland,” Mr Molloy said.

Ms Spence said the REIQ is joining the Neighbourhood Watch Program at an exciting time, with a review of the program currently underway.

“For 20 years the Neighbourhood Watch program has given Queenslanders an opportunity to play their part in improving personal safety, household security, and reducing crime and the fear of crime in their own communities,” Ms Spence said.

“Earlier this year I announced a review of the program, to ensure that all 638 Neighbourhood Watch areas across Queensland keep pace with our changing society, and remain relevant and contemporary.

“With a new sponsor now on-board, and the evaluation and modernisation of the program underway, I am confident the Neighbourhood Watch program will continue to play an important role in keeping Queensland communities safe.”

Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6218, 0439 673 287