4 Oxenford Neighbourhood Watch The firees asked if we could record their concerns first. Opening question, do you know how many fires are raging out of control? There are too many and this only the start of the fire season! With high winds and excessive fuel (dry vegetation), we can expect fires in our district before long. The firees could add all sorts of anecdotal information that would take up the rest of this page – to spare you this, in summary, remove all fuel from around your properties and have an escape plan. Fire spreading through dry grass is a particular hazard. The NHW team are concerned that pensioners and super-busy families are particularly vulnerable. Not all of us have trailers, if you are one of the lucky few, please talk to you friends and neighbours about collecting dry fonds, grass cuttings, etc. and taking these to the tip. Our community has a great name for helping those who are more vulnerable, please continue the good work. Useful to also know that the Disaster and Emergency Management Unit (DEMU) is running workshops to address key issues which include risk assessment, planning, and communication, plus resources and infrastructure available. The DEMU can be contacted on 07 5582 9395. Keep in mind that in addition to uncontrolled fires, extreme and unpredictable weather patterns will deliver destructive winds and catastrophic flooding. The season ahead could represent a significant challenge. When disaster strikes, our community spirit will hopefully moderate the damage. The Queensland Police Service (QPS) continue to pursue the StreetSmarts state-wide initiative leading to a reduction in accidents from the ‘Fatal Five’ – speeding, drink driving, failing to wear seatbelts and driving while tired or distracted. With the holiday season approaching we can expect increased traffic density. If you need to learn more about QPS initiatives in relation to road safety, please visit: www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/ road-safety. Great to note a high level of interest arising from the National Secure Your Home Day (NSYHD) 2024 program which took place end of September. Please follow-up on this opportunity to review and improve your home security; free NSYHD kits are available and include a home security checklist with tips on securing your home. Youth crime is a particular concern, we have learnt that installing cameras is not enough, you need a comprehensive program based on the principal, Lock it or Lose It. Please visit: www. secureyourhomeday.com.au. Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) is a community led safety and awareness program that aims to prevent crime, stop social isolation and increase the safety, security, and quality of life for everyone in your community. Our next NHW event will be on the 12th of November 2024 with a 7.00 pm start, location at the Meeting Place (aka the Oxenford and Coomera Community Youth Centre), 25 Leo Graham Way, Oxenford QLD. Our annual general meeting will take place at the start of the event. We are grateful for the strong relationship we enjoy with the QPS operating from the Coomera Station and we are promised a stimulating report on steps being taken to prevent crime. We are also advised that there remain outstanding questions on Youth Justice; we will devote time to answering these. You will also hear from our local community leaders including our Counciler, and our State Member for Parliament. Many of our visitors, take advantage of informal meetings once our formal event is finished. Given the popularity of the raffle supported by light refreshment, we will continue with this tradition. You are assured of a stimulating evening, and we look forward to welcoming you. Martin Mankowski Area Coordinator Oxenford Neighbourhood Watch DONATE BLOOD, SAVE LIVES. Do something special. Give blood. Call 13 14 95 download the app or donateblood.com.au 1 in 3 Australians will need blood in their lifetime. Only 1 in 30 people currently donate.
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