NEWSLETTER APRIL 2011

Message from The Area Coordinator
Thank you to everyone who supported our recent Neighbour Day event in Pinnington Park. It was good to get together with people who have not been able to get to our meetings but are still interested
in the community which we are all part of.
I would like to thank both John Mickel and Phil Pidgeon for coming along, plus the members of the Crestmead Police who were able to talk to residents and answer questions. Also thanks to Quest newspapers for the advertising and support.
Let us hope next year we make an even bigger event and more friends than this year.
Congratulations to the winners of our raffle the Quinn and Martin families and thanks to everyone for their support. Our thanks also go to Homestead Markets and Woolworths Park Ridge and Kensington Fair Bakery for their generous support.
As you can see we are fundraising again with the Entertainment Guides and they are the same price as last year. The $65 will easily be recouped in a couple of meals or 2 or 3 trips to the cinema etc and the savings just continue for the next 12 months.
By the time this newsletter is delivered I hope we will have had a safe and happy Easter break and that drivers will have taken adequate breaks whilst driving and not taken risks. With winter soon to arrive
please check your electrical appliances and contact the Qld Fire and Rescue Service for advice. A few minutes spent in preparation can save a lot of heartbreak and havn’t we all had enough of that this year? See you at the May meeting. Take care
Geoff

Winter Fire Safety Tips

• Keep a clear space of 1 metre around heaters and never leave unattended.

• If you use a clothes dryer make sure you clean the lint filter each and every time you use it.

• To test an electric blanket lay it flat on top of the bed, then switch it on for five minutes before putting it on the bed for use to confirm it is okay.

• Use only authorised installers of fixed heating appliances.

• Oil, gas or wood heating units may require a yearly maintenance check.

• Only use fuses of recommended rating and install an electrical safety switch.

• If possible, in the kitchen keep a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket placed near the exit.

• Never leave burning candles or any open flame unattended.

Call 1300 369 003 to book your safehome visit from the fire station nearest you or visit www.fire.qld.gov.au

The Entertainment Book
Support Crestmead Neighbourhood Watch by purchasing an The Entertainment™ Book. The Book is full of discount and 2 for 1 offers in the Brisbane, Gold and Sunshine Coasts areas. It has a local restaurant and activity guide which provides valuable offers varying from the finest restaurants and hotels to cafes and takeaways, cinemas, theme parks, theatres and other activities. The Books are
available by email crestmeadnhw@hotmail.com or by contacting Geoff on 0431 478 343. The cost is only $65.00 per book for the year valid until June 2012 and $13.00 goes directly to Crestmead NHW to help support our community.

Market Day - Saturday 7th May
Crestmead Community Centre holds a monthly Market day on the first Saturday of every month. 8:00am - 12:00pm Stalls are $5.00 per carpark bay and $1.00 for table hire.
For more details please contact Lynne on 3802 1423 at Crestmead Community Association Inc. Crestmead Park,Gimlet Street

Area of possible Traffic Congestion
Roundabout at the corner of Gimlet & Augusta streets will undergo a beautification development in the near future expected to last for 6 weeks. This is a heavy traffic area with parents picking up & dropping off school children in the morning & afternoons. Please use alternate routes where possible.


National Cyber Security Awareness Week
30 May to 3 June 2011
National Cyber Security Awareness Week is an Australian Government initiative, held annually in partnership with industry, community and consumer groups and state and territory governments.
The Week helps Australians understand cybersecurity risks as well as educates home and small business users on the simple steps they can take to protect their personal and financial information online.
National Cyber Security Awareness Week 2010 was held from 6 to 11 June. Around 150 government agencies, industry, community and consumer organisations collaborated to deliver events and activities in metropolitan, regional and rural Australia.

The Week promoted six simple tips for better online security.
1. Install security software and update it regularly.
2. Turn on automatic updates so that all your software receives the latest fixes.
3. Get a stronger password and change it at least twice a year.
4. Stop and think before you click on links or attachments.
5. Stop and think before you share any personal or financial information - about yourself or your friends and family.
6. Know what your children are doing online. Make sure they know to stay safe and encourage them
to report anything suspicious.

Please note that the 2011 National Cyber Security Awareness
Week has been brought forward and will now be held from 30 May to 3 June.
For more information, or to find out about being involved, please contact:
Cyber Security Section
Department of Broadband,
Communications and the Digital Economy
GPO Box 2154
Canberra ACT 2601
Tel: 02 6271 7062 Fax: 02 6271 1827
Email: ncsaw@dbcde.gov.au
Web: http://www.staysmartonline.gov.au

NEWSLETTER MARCH 2011

Message from The Area Coordinator
It was a very informative talk at the police station for our February meeting from Patrick at Home Assist Secure. I would urge any of you who are on a pension or have a disability to contact them in order that they can assess what your needs are for things which will make your lives easier and more importantly safer.
On another subject please note that we will be holding a bbq at Pinnington Park on Sunday March 27th to celebrate NEIGHBOUR DAY. Between 11am and 1pm before the Australian Grand Prix gets underway.
Don’t forget that your neighbour is not only the person who lives next door to you but can be the person who sits next to you on the bus, who is the person in the queue at the shops, in fact is another person in the community. We are having giveaways and hope to have the PCYC and one of the local Park Rangers will also be able to attend. Logan Council will also provide information and we will have soft drinks for sale, so come and have a free sausage and cup of tea or coffee and meet your NEW friends! Safe pl8 screws will be available through our friends the Volunteers in Policing, to protect your car registration plates from theft.
Unfortunately as you can see we have a very bad month for crime statistics during February and this just underlines how much we need to be vigilant as far as looking out for anything that is unusual in your street or workplace area. We are the eyes and ears of the police and can help them enormously--next time it could be your property. Phone 131444 for NON URGENT incidents (see overleaf) but remember all calls are logged and you should still call 000 for life threatening emergencies.
Finally a reminder to change your smoke alarm battery on April 1st . Take care and hope to see you on March
27th and 28th. Geoff

HOME ASSIST SECURE
Home Assist Secure provides free
information, referral and subsidised
assistance to eligible clients.
INFORMATION can be given about home
maintenance, repairs, home security and
minor modifications. Then if required the
service staff can make a REFERRAL to
tradespeople and contracting experts in
order to undertake the work. For those
who are entitled it is possible for
SUBSIDISED ASSISTANCE to be made
available relating to their health, safety
and security.
ELIGIBILITY is dependent upon the
following for free information and referral,
& you must be a home owner or live in
rental housing :
· 60 years and over or
· Of any age with a disability
As well as the above, in order to receive
the subsidised assistance for work in your
home you need to be
· receiving an Australian Government
allowance or payment and
· Unable to make use of alternative
forms of assistance, such as Home
and Community Care, Department of
Housing, Department of Veterans
Affairs, family or friends.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
LOGAN & BEENLEIGH DISTRICTS
HOME ASSIST SECURE
3208 0604

NEIGHBOUR DAY SUNDAY MARCH 27TH
Crestmead NHW would like to invite you to
our free sausage sizzle and celebration of
Neighbour Day at Pinnington Park
Crestmead at 11am on Sunday March 27th.
There will be giveaways, stalls, drinks for sale
and a chance to meet with other residents.
With Crestmead being one of the fastest
growing suburbs in Logan there are many
new residents who do not have the chance
to meet their neighbours or get to know of
the facilities available. So come and meet
up with others, take time for a chat, have
a free coffee and sausage or buy a soft
drink. The park is on the corner of Kilby,
Pinnington and Augusta Streets, and there
is playground equipment for the children.
The advent of Neighbour Day was in 2003
by Andrew Heslop who was amazed by the
story of Mrs Elsie Brown who had been
found in her home in Melbourne. The fact
that she had passed away some 2 years
previously, and been forgotten about by
neighbours, family and friends, despite her
mail, newspapers, and store catalogues
piling up at her home was astounding. She
was found with a blanket wrapped around
her on her sofa, but even more amazing,
the water, electricity, gas and telephone
were all still connected.
How can someone live and die in such a
lonely existence in these days? We would
ask that each of you reach out to someone
and just check on them to see if they need
a helping hand—just a cheery word is
sometimes enough to let people know they
are not forgotten.

NEXT MEETING VENU FEBRUARY 2011

Where?

CRESTMEAD POLICE STATION

When?

Monday 28th February 2011

Starting at?

6:30PM

Guest Speakers?

Public Trustee of Queensland to speak about wills etc

April NO MEETING - EASTER

NEWSLETTER FEBURARY 2011

Message from The Area Coordinator
With the introduction of the POLICE LINK phone number 131 444, the ability for police to direct their resources to the area of greatest need is proving to be very successful. Please use this number for all NON URGENT incidents.
It has been very disappointing to learn that following the resumption of the school year, there have been a number of offences in the 40km/hr school zones, which include speeding, seatbelt and child restraint offences. Please ensure that you follow the rules since the children are our future, we must set good examples.
Our speaker for February will be from the HOME ASSIST organisation. This a program which provides information, practical assistance and referrals to reputable tradespeople for jobs relating to Health, Safety, Security and general home maintenance. To be eligible for the program you must be 60 years or over OR any age with a disability, and living in your own home or rental accommodation.
Our speaker for March (who was unable to make the advertised meeting in February) will be from the PUBLIC TRUSTEE OF QUEENSLAND to discuss wills etc. I hope that you will find the talks we arrange for this year to be helpful and if you have any concerns regarding speakers you would like at upcoming meetings or if you would like the occasional day time meeting, please contact me via the details overleaf.
Take care Geoff

Crime is Preventable

House-breaking is one of the most common crimes.

The number of reported house-breaking cases in Queensland has increased in the past decade and
house-breaking now represents one in five of all criminal offences reported to police. However, research suggests that most of these crimes are preventable. Most house break-ins appear to be crimes of opportunity with entry gained through an open or unlocked window or door.

Most intruders are looking for (and often find) a house left open or unlocked where they can get what they want with ease and make a quick getaway.

Some General Crime Prevention Tips

Your house number should be easily seen so police and emergency services can find your premises quickly. Reflective numbers are helpful. If your house is on a corner the number should face the street named in your address.

It is unwise to leave messages on doors. They suggest no one is home. If having goods delivered while you are out, have a neighbour collect them. A parcel on the doorstep also indicates no one is home.

Funeral and wedding notices containing an address can tell a potential offender when to strike. If attending such events have a friend stay over or ask a neighbour to watch your house.

If living alone, it is best not to advertise the fact in the telephone book or on your letter box. Consider leaving a light on and the radio or television playing to give the impression that someone is home.

Cash and valuables should be kept out of easy reach, and out of sight. If you have a quality home safe use it. Consider a safety deposit box for especially valuable items.

If you hear an intruder in your home – do not risk injury. Concentrate on raising the alarm and staying safe. If outside, and you see signs of a break-in, do not enter. The intruder may still be present. Go to a neighbour’s house and seek help to call police and wait there until they arrive.

How Secure is Your Home?

Use this quick checklist to review your home security.

	Yes	No
Is your house number clearly visible from the street?
Can offenders be seen in your yard?
Do you have an automatic light timer or sensor activated lights?
Do you leave lights on when you go out?
Have you a phone extension in your bedroom?
Have you keyed in emergency numbers if you own a touchphone?
Are your front and rear doors solid core?
Are your doors fitted with a deadlock / deadbolt?
Do you have a quality security door?
If you do not have a security door, do you have a door viewer (peephole)?
Are your windows fitted with key operated locks or security grills?
Are your louvre windows fitted with bars or grilles?
Are your locks keyed alike so that one key opens all doors or windows?
If you have an alarm, is it always used and serviced regularly?
Is property engraved or marked for personal identification?
Is your garage locked with quality keyed locks at all times?
Is your meter box locked?
Is your garden shed securely locked?

NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2011

Message from The Area Coordinator
What can I say to you all regarding the tragic events of the past month with our incredible weather. One thing that has come out of the situation has been the amazing response of the volunteers who were willing to help out complete strangers in other parts of the city. Then there was the other side of the coin. One lady who had lost everything and was so overwhelmed by the help and compas-sion of the strangers, and yet had not received a phone call from any of her children who live inter-state. Let us hope that this amazing response can carry on and we can all help one another in the best ways possible. It may be the slightest thing such as helping an elderly neighbour with their shopping or garden, but there are many other people out there who could do with someone to chat to—a kind word costs nothing and a smile even less so let us think about our community and what we can do to make it a better place to live in. I hope that you were not affected by the flood waters, but do re-member that there is help available. Benefits have been provided for people to claim, but if you have become unemployed or can’t work due to the flood water there is benefits available so make sure you do claim. There are willing people who will assist with clean ups and repairs BUT DON’T fall victims to any of the scams going on with the usual criminal element who come out of the woodwork at times like this and want money up front. NEVER DO THAT.
Please become an active part of NHW and I hope to see you at the January meeting.
Take care Geoff


13HOON HOON HOTLINE INTRODUCED
What is hooning? Hooning may include donuts, drifting, fishtails, revving of engines, screeching brakes, skidding, burn outs, time trials/street racing and rolling road blocks.
What are the dangers of hooning? Hooning behaviour, even performed at low speeds, may cause the driver to lose control of their vehicle, leave the roadway and collide with a fixed object or a pedestrian. The speeds associated with street racing coupled with driver inexperience can lead to fatalities.
How do I report hooning? To report a hooning offence, observe the behaviour and note details such as vehicle registration, vehicle characteristics, time and location of the illegal activity and a description of the behaviour. When you call 13HOON, a trained call taker will record your details and relay the information to police for follow up.
For hooning incidents currently underway and where there is no immediate danger to anyone by having police attend, your information will be forwarded to a Police Communications Centre to task police for response.
How does my report help police? The information you provide to 13HOON is relayed to police for further investigation. This allows police to locate hooning hotspots and take action to prevent it re-occurring.
For non-emergencies, your call to 13HOON takes pressure off Triple Zero (000) call centre operators across the state while still allowing you to report hooning behaviour.
What are the penalties for hooning? Under current anti-hoon laws police can impound a vehicle for 48 hours after a first repeat offence, up to three months for a second repeat offence, or permanently for a third repeat offence.


SLOW DOWN PLEASE
Children are back to school or university. Remember to observe and slow down in
designated school zones. 1 to 2 minutes stopped at a zebra crossings can save the
valuable lives and the trauma of injury to loved ones.


LOCK IT OR LOOSE IT
Help Reduce the risk of Vehicle Theft or Theft of your valuable property
ALWAYS LOCK doors and windows when your car is unattended.
Even at HOME in your driveway or garage LOCK doors and windows of your car.
REMOVE all valuables from vehicle.
If you must leave valuables in your vehicle, keep them OUT OF SIGHT.
DON’T LEAVE personal documents in your vehicle as you risk your identity being stolen.
PARK your vehicle where it can be observed easily by yourself or others
If parking your vehicle on the street at night, select a WELL-LIT AREA
SECURE YOUR KEYS and ensure they are not left where a thief may access them
HAVE VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) etched onto major glass components of the vehicle.
Install an effective anti-theft device such as a fuel/ignition cut-out switch; an ignition shield; a visible
locking device; or a battery isolator and car alarm.
Be aware that older cars are often targeted by opportunist car thieves.
Check your REGISTRATION PLATES upon returning or before going out in your vehicle


DO NOT CALL REGISTER RENEWALS DUE?
This is still a free service https://www.donotcall.gov.au Register easily by phone on 1300 792 958 - The registration period for numbers has been extended from three to five years.

NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2010

Message from The Area Coordinator

I am sure that those of you who came along to our last meeting held at the Crestmead police station were pleased to have the chance to have a look around the facilities and we are grateful to the officer in charge and inspector for allowing us to hold our meeting there. This may be repeated again sometime next year. Our last meeting of the year on November 29th will be our AGM combined with our end of year social and I extend an invitation for you to attend.
With the holidays coming up please remember the usual points of securing not only your doors and windows but remember garages, sheds etc as burglars are quite happy to steal from those too. In addition with the forecast of storms this summer please ensure that outside your patio furniture etc is placed well away from anywhere that it could cause damage. It would be useful if you could let the police know if you are going away and don’t forget if you are going to have a party to notify the police at least 2 weeks beforehand under the PARTY SAFE program also remember to notify your neighbours, just out of courtesy. If young-sters are involved remember that ONE PUNCH CAN KILL and we have seen the tragic results of this in the past. Let us all have a happy, safe and enjoyable summer and that includes all those driv-ing. Don’t forget to take plenty of breaks, keep to the speed limit and don’t become a statistic allow a few extra minutes to get to your destination and show some courtesy on the road. Have a great festive season and I look forward to seeing you in 2011.
Take care Geoff

Holiday Checklist
A house left empty for a long period is a prime target for intruders.
When going on holidays, take the following steps to give your house that “lived in” look and reduce the chances of a break-in:

•  Cancel milk and papers.

•  Have mail held or redirected.

•  Have a friend remove junk mail and mow the lawn.

•  Turn down the telephone.

•  Inform local police of your absence and leave contact name and number.

•  Wheelie bins should be locked away or chained to posts away from windows.

•  Have a friend or neighbour bring in your wheelie bin after being emptied.

You should also make sure all doors and windows are securely locked with keyed locks.

For further information on holiday security precautions obtain a copy of the "Holiday Precautions" brochure available at your local police station.

FINAL BLUE LIGHT DISCO OF THE YEAR 

DECEMBER 4TH
Dressed with a CHRISTMAS theme
6.30pm Crestmead Community Centre

NEWSLETTER October 2010

Message from The Area Coordinator
Our big news is that we have a change of venue for our meeting for THIS MONTH ONLY. We are holding the October meeting at the Crestmead Police Station and we are grateful for the invitation from Inspector Dowdy and his team to be able to take advantage of this opportunity. The beginning of the month was the annual State NHW conference and it was interesting to meet other committee members from all over Queensland some who have similar and many who have different ways of approaching safety and security in their commu-nities. The one constant that we did come up with was that we must engage our younger population more in NHW they are our future and with this in mind we are hoping that in the new year we will have some ini-tiatives that will see better ways for them to be involved. Don’t forget our AGM and end of year social event at the November meeting. I look forward to seeing you at the October meeting.
Take care Geoff

SMOKE ALARM SUBSIDY FOR DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE
Do you know someone who would benefit from the use of a smoke alarm specifically designed for deaf or hard of hearing?
The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) is encouraging residents to take advantage of the Queensland Government’s Smoke Alarm subsidy Scheme which reduces the cost of specialised smoke alarm systems. There is also a DVD tailor made featuring AUSLAN interpretation and captions which contains safety information for this sector of the community which may well save their lives in event of an emergency situation.
Further information from Community Liaison Officer Jenny Farrell on 0416 295 963 or Department of Community Safety media unit 3247 8186

STORM SEASON APPROACHES
At the time of writing we are experiencing the very wet start of October. This will just be a precursor of what to expect during the summer so with thanks to the Logan City Web site you may wish to note the following advice for storm season:
NOW:
Prepare an EMERGENCY KIT
Trim trees and branches well clear of your home (keep trees under or near powerlines to a height less than 4m).
Check/secure roofing.
Clear gutting and downpipes.
Clear yard of loose materials that may become wind-blown hazards.
If possible, fit window shutters or, at least, metal screens.
Energex prefers that trees not be planted under power-lines. It publishes a planting guide with suggested "powerline-friendly" trees. For more information, check out the Energex web site.

PREPARATION WHEN STORMS APPROACH:
Listen to your local radio/TV station for official advice and warnings.
Shelter and secure pets and animals.
Store loose items inside (if possible, put outdoor furniture in your pool).
Shelter vehicles under cover or cover with tied tarpaulins / blankets.
Secure doors and windows and draw curtains.
Put valuables, medications, spare warm clothing in plastic bags with your emergency kit.
Disconnect electrical items and outside TV aerials and turn off gas.
Fill bins and boats with water.
In the case of a cyclone, fuel your car and park it under cover.
Keep timber strips, hammer and nails handy

DURING A STORM
Stay inside. Shelter clear of windows and skylights.
If power is lost, listen to the portable radio for official updates (tune to your local station).
If power is lost, turn off your stove, checking all items are off the hot plates.
If power is lost, turn off and unplug your television, computer and other electrical appliances.
If outdoors, seek solid, enclosed, shelter (not a tree).
If driving, stop clear of trees, powerlines or trees.
In the case of a cyclone, do not assume the cyclone is over if the wind drops. It may just be the "eye" of the storm. Wait for the official all-clear.
If the building starts to break up, shelter in the strongest part (hallway or built-in robe) under a mattress, doona or strong table/bench.
Don’t use a fixed telephone during a storm (lighting strikes can cause high voltage power surges through the telephone equipment, causing injury to the user).

AFTER A STORM
Don't ignore official warnings or advice.
Listen to the local radio station (and/or TV station if power available) for advice, and information on damage and service disruptions.
In the case of a cyclone, do not go outside until officially advised it is safe to do so.
Check for damaged windows, walls or roof. Temporarily cover with plastic sheeting and nailed-on wooden strips.
Check for gas leaks.
Don’t use electrical appliances if wet.
Once you have checked your own property, help your neighbours.
Beware of damaged buildings, fallen trees, and flooded watercourses.
Keep well away from fallen powerlines and alert others to keep away.
Report fallen powerlines to Energex on 131962.
Report road obstructions to Logan City Council or Police.

I M P O R T A N T
P H O N E N U M B E R S
POLICELINK —131444—this is for all NON
URGENT incidents including wilful property
damage, stealing offences, break and enters,
stolen vehicles and lost property.
POLICE STATION
501 Browns Plains Road Crestmead — 3803 9555
STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE—132500
BEENLEIGH COMMUNICATIONS - 3807 7770
CRIMESTOPPERS—1800 333 000
GRAFFITI HOTLINE—1800 731 026 or 3826 5115
CRESTMEAD PCYC—3805 4100
RSPCA—1300 264625—(1300 animal) FOR INJURED WILDLIFE