In a recent NHW newsletter it was announced that Maleny NHW has been helping to prevent crime in the community for over 10 years. As you will be well aware, many changes have taken place since The Watch was first launched.    The population of the area has more than doubled with entire estates springing up within The Watch boundaries.

Unfortunately, although the population has increased the faithful band of volunteers has diminished.... due mainly to old age or removal from the district.    Too few new residents are stepping foreward to fill the gaps.

This is making it extremely difficult to provide services to the entire Watch area. The burning question is why are new and some old residents so reticent to offer their service?

It can only be suggested:

They do not know NHW exists, and if they do, then they do not realise that NHW needs help.   Publicising problems in this newsletter reminds one of the country signboard that says, "When this notice is under water the road is flooded.

NHW cannot afford to advertise in the media.   Funding comes only through subscriptions to the newsletters made by advertisers.   If people do not get the newsletter, they just do not know.   Permission is being sought to place copies of the newsletter outside Maleny Newsagency.   So, ask friends not yet serviced by The Watch to pick up a copy and distribute them to friends.

HOW DOES THE WATCH WORK?

The Area Coordinator administers the administration of the area.   There are eight Zone Co-ordinators assisting the Area Co-ordinator.    Each of the Zone co-ordinators serve approximately six block co-ordinators with verbal information about matters of interest to The Watch.   The Police Liaison Officer provides information throught the Area Co-ordinator of matters that the members of NHW should be aware of and this information is subsequently passed on both up the organisation and down to the individual members of The Watch.

Block Co-ordinators are the lifeblood of The Watch.   They are the key to the disemination of the information.

Due to the population increase and loss of members as explained about The Watch needs many new block co-ordinators.

It costs nothing and it allows for some socialising bi-monthly.

For effort expended one gets that nice feeling of having helped neighbours and property safe.   You also get to meet the nice people up the road.

NHW members do not spy on each other - just help each other.

Holiday travel tips - Out and about

The Queensland Police Service and Tourism Queensland are providing holidaymakers with travel and safety tips to help people make the most of their holidays.

Holidays are a time when many people get out and about seeing places and enjoying activities they would not normally get the chance to experience.

When heading out for the day, only carry the cash you will need and ensure you keep your valuables hidden.   Be aware of what is going on around you and trust your instincts.   Keep alert to anyone or anything suspicious and do not place yourself in circumstances where you feel unsafe.    If you are unsure of places where you should go, ask.

You should advise a trusted friend or family member of your holiday plans and ensure you advise them or relevant authorities should there be any changes to your itinerary.   This can assist in contacting or locating you if required.

If you are planning to undertake outdoor activities such as swimming or walking, check any relevant signage, conditions and any necessary safety precautions you might need to take. Ensure you drink plenty of water.

Enjoy yourself - but don't overdo it. Remember the journey home is part of your holiday too and you should plan to arrive home safely.

Wanted for Drug Driving

Why even pill popping before you drive can seriously damage your health. You might think that drugs are a fairly minor problem compared with drink driving.  But as the use of recreational drugs has widened, the concern over drug driving has started to increase. Even over-the-counter drugs such as cold treatments, cough medicines and hay fever cures, are responsible for hundreds of accidents every year.  Motorists are unaware of the effects, even though there are warnings on the packets about operating machinery or driving after taking certain medication. Problems increase with prescription drugs, as there is a great fear that familiarity with tranquilizers or antihistamines may dull the effect of warnings. Everybody knows that it's dangerous to drink and drive but how many know that it's potentially even more dangerous to take drugs and drive?

Eye can c in ur eyes     .............  what u ave been up 2! .

An Emergency Situation
with George Thorpe

Do you have an emergency evacuation plan if your home is on fire or if you disturb a burglar in your home?  What would you do if you were being followed by some undesirable person while driving home, walking home from a bus stop, or your car unexpectedly broke down late at night?

Some precautions and pre-planning can eliminate heartache and give peace of mind.   Why wait until life or limb is threatened before you do something, because then it may be too late.

Many people do not have pre-dialled numbers entered into their telephones.   In the case of an emergency or high stress situation both children and adults are likely to go "blank" and cannot recall telephone numbers.   Children can be taught to press the required pre-dialled number in an emergency.   It only takes a few minutes training to save lives.

SERIOUS   EMERGENCY

For the police, ambulance and fire brigade call 000.  This applies in all states.

Trained operators will connect you to with the correct service and help until emergency staff arrive.

The more information you can give the better.

NON-EMERGENCY

The police, ambulance and fire brigade have other numbers for non-urgent matters, such as reporting thefts or arranging patient transport.   In Maleny call 5494 2204 for police.   For other states and services, refer to the listings at the front of the local phone book.

STORM AND FLOOD

Volunteer State Emergency Service (SES) will put a tarp on your roof if a tree falls on it, clear store debris from roads, stack sand bags in front of rising storm waters, join in searches and other such matters.   You can find SES here in Maleny through 000 or through  5494 2142

BUSH   FIRE

Volunteers augment professional fire services in rural areas, fighting fires and providing safety advice and assistance.  Training involves lighting fires as well as putting them out, so call them if you need help burn ing off tree debris.   For advice and other information, you can contact your local fire warden or ring Caloundra City Council on 1300 650 112.   To report a fire, call 000.

Don't leave it to somebody else  ....if you do it will never get done.