Spence: Suncorp to sponsor Neighbourhood Watch in Queensland

Police Minister Judy Spence has announced a second sponsor for Queensland’s Neighbourhood Watch Program.

Insurance and Banking company, Suncorp, has agreed to provide sponsorship for the not-for-profit organisation for the next 3 years, to cover the cost of public liability insurance.

Ms Spence said: “This sponsorship agreement is great news for a very important program that has helped promote community policing in this state for two decades.”

“For the past 12 months, the Queensland Police Service has been covering the costs of public liability insurance for Neighbourhood Watch, since long-time sponsor CGU announced it was moving on to other ventures last year.

“During this period police have been actively looking for a new sponsor and I’m very pleased that Suncorp has now agreed to provide a free $20 Million public liability insurance policy for all Neighbourhood Watch Groups in Queensland for the next 3 years. They will also assist with insurance education for Neighbourhood Watch Groups.

“It is great to see a leading Australian organisation showing such strong support for local community based initiatives, and I thank Suncorp for their commitment to keeping Queensland communities safe.”

Suncorp Executive General Manager of Commercial Insurance Claims, Paul Smeaton said Suncorp has a long history of providing support for community initiatives like Neighbourhood Watch through their dedicated Not-For-Profit team.

“Suncorp works closely with the not-for-profit sector to provide insurance for community groups throughout Australia including charities, multicultural groups, social services, recreational, health and environmental groups,” Mr Smeaton said.

“Suncorp is very proud to extend our support to Neighbourhood Watch, by providing public liability insurance. This will allow Neighbourhood Watch to continue their invaluable work throughout Queensland.”

Ms Spence said this new sponsorship agreement, along with the ongoing commitment from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) to provide $50,000 a year in sponsorship for the next 3 years, provides a platform for Neighbourhood Watch to move into the 21st Century.

“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.

“Last year I commissioned a community review of the program, conducted by Queensland MP’s, to ensure that all 638 Neighbourhood Watch areas across Queensland keep pace with our changing society, and remain relevant and contemporary.

“Today I tabled the report, ‘The Future of Neighbourhood Watch: A Queensland Review’.

The report makes 9 recommendations aimed at:
• Expanding the organisation’s traditional functions;
• Concentrating on contemporary neighbourhood issues;
• Increasing membership of Neighbourhood Watch groups;
• Promoting the involvement of youth;
• Increasing information technology options;
• Revamping traditional communication strategies;
• Assessing ongoing promotion;
• Redeveloping the Neighbourhood Watch brand; and
• Redesigning the Neighbourhood Watch newsletters into district based crime bulletins.

“I thank the Member for Springwood, Barbara Stone and the Member for Keppel, Paul Hoolihan for their efforts in co-ordinating this important review and compiling this useful report.

“I look forward to seeing these recommendations put in place, with the support of the Queensland Police Service, Neighbourhood Watch Groups and other stakeholders.

“With ongoing sponsorship now secured, I am confident Neighbourhood Watch in this state will continue to meet community needs well into the future.”

Media Contact: Minister’s Office 3239 6218     Suncorp (Jamin Smith) 0409 170 035