30 years of crime-fighting celebrated at Neighbourhood Watch conference

Police Minister Mark Ryan today congratulated Neighbourhood Watch Queensland on its 30^th birthday and thanked the thousands of volunteers who help to keep their communities safe from criminal activity.

“Neighbourhood Watch remains as important a resource for combating crime today as it was when it was established in Queensland in 1988,” Mr Ryan said.

Addressing the third annual Neighbourhood Watch Queensland Conference on the Gold Coast, Mr Ryan said the organisation encouraged community spirit and worked to reduce the incidence and fear of crime.

“Neighbourhood Watch made a big impact when it was introduced 30 years ago and it remains one of the most important crime prevention initiatives in the state by focusing attention on home security and reporting suspicious activity to police,” he said.

Mr Ryan said he had been advised there were some Neighbourhood Watch volunteers who were still active in the organisation 30 years after being original signatories in 1988.

“The great thing is that people can continue to play a role at any age and I understand there are some volunteers who are now in their 80s and 90s who have been helping to keep their local communities safe for decades.

“They are unsung heroes and I want to thank them for their dedication.

“Earlier this year the Palaszczuk Government committed funding of $200,000 a year to Neighbourhood Watch Queensland and guaranteed that funding for the next three years.

“I am proud to say that it is a new funding arrangement – one which ensures Neighbourhood Watch can continue to operate and continue to make its unique contribution of service to Queensland communities.”

The Minister said the government had made a further financial contribution of $33,000 to ensure the conference could go ahead.

There are 425 Neighbourhood Watch groups in Queensland and the number of volunteers continues to increase with the growth of the organisation’s social media presence.

More than 500 local events will be staged during Neighbourhood Watch Week runs from October 6 to October 12.

At today’s conference, Police Commissioner Ian Stewart presented awards to police officers, police liaison officers and volunteers in recognition of their outstanding achievements and service to Neighbourhood Watch Queensland.

ENDS

Media contact:

Emma McBryde 0447 155 332