RIVER DOWNS NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2012

2012-02-12T13:04:00.000-08:00

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NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2011

2011-10-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

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2011 COMMUNITY EVENT - Date Claimer 4th December

2011-09-21T06:05:00.000-07:00

Join your fellow neighbours for some Christmas Cheer

***Sunday 4th December 2011***

Condamine Cres Park.

3 - 5pm

More details to follow

NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2011

2011-08-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

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NEWSLETTER APRIL 2011

2011-07-27T05:59:00.000-07:00

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NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2011

2011-01-13T04:25:00.000-08:00

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Lolly laden Santa truck braves weather for Christmas

2010-12-20T04:36:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to Peter & Teena Richardson and of course Santa and his helpers for braving the rain on Sunday to deliver festive cheer and lollies to the River Downs community. This is what makes our community special.

Merry Christmas to all our residents and Happy New Year.

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2010

2010-11-30T03:44:00.000-08:00

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November Update

2010-11-28T05:23:00.000-08:00

Meeting Update:

AGM. The following positions were filled. Deputy Area Coordinator: Brett Oakley. Secretary: Ralph Luck. Treasurer: Daniela Hardwick. Newsletter / Website Editor: Wendy Harris. Our Area Coordinator remains vacant.
Guest Speaker Cr. John Wayne updated us on matters of our community including abandoned cars have 7 days to be cleared, parking on footpaths- if reported to GCCC the car owner can be booked. Works to begin on Helensvale Rd stormwater problems to improve drainage. A rock culvert is planned in lieu of grass. Residents were reminded that communities have a voice and to use that in local matters. A recent example was the proposal to disband a park used by local residents. Cr. Wayne encouraged residents to report all complaints and issues. Contact details: Office: (07) 5582 8555 Fax: (07) 5582 8545 Mobile: 0439 226 147 Email: division2@goldcoast.qld.gov.au.
Michael Crandon reminded residents of state pool fencing law changes which come into effect from 1st December. For more information see: http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/poolsafety. Contact Michael Crandon's office for a free pool safety DVD.
Crime Report from Const. Donna Kay. Numerous ongoing incidents in the Coomera area. A warning to residents not to leave valuables out during holiday time and residents on Saltwater Creek to ensure all moored boats are secured as thefts can even occur from moorings. Coomera now has a dedicated Graffiti Officer and residents are again encouraged to report all Graffitti. The importance of microdotting personal items was also discussed. Together with recording serial numbers so that located stolen property can be traced back to you in the event of a reported theft . This is especially important to later convict offenders even if your insurance company has paid out on any claims. For more information see: http://www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/crimePrevention/Microdots.htm

NEW ***POLICE LINK 13 44 44**** to report all NON URGENT crime. If urgent ALWAYS RING 000.

For more information see: http://www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/policelink/

Treasurer’s and Coordinators Report. Daniela reported to residents that all goals from our previous minutes were achieved in the last 12months. Namely reviving NHW, increasing resident social functions, establishing a website and lots more.
General Business. Eastern Brown snakes have been on the move. A resident noted the efficient response to a call out by Naturecall Steve Noy. Refer: http://www.naturecall.com.au.
IP Surveillance update: We are also pleased to report that after a long and arduous task of dealing with numerous state and local government departments appropirate signage should be erected in strategic areas within the next two weeks. It's not too late to pay your household contribution of $75 and avoid any charges that can be made to compensate for retrieving information in the event of a reported crime. There will be a GRACE period offered to all unpaid households until 31st December 2010. If you have not yet paid a contribution and wish to avoid a possible $300 charge later and if you would like to pay before this date please contact us before the 31st December.
CPR update: Resident feedback indicated a weekend: A weekend date will be set for early in the new year.

Christmas Function and Santa Run: Sunday 19th December Christmas Cheer in River Downs Park Condamine Cres. 3pm - 5pm BYO drinks, shade and chairs. Nibbles provided. NHW is considering a small prize and recognition for the best Christmas lights - let us know your thoughts on this.

Next NHW meeting: Wednesday January 19th January 2011

2010-10-14T01:32:00.000-07:00

CHANGE OF VENUE RIVERDOWNS NHW AGM

Wednesday 20th October 7pm.

We will still be having our AGM at Helensvale State High School however, it will now be in the Performing Arts Centre (next to the hall). Access will be now off Helensvale Road instead and residents can park on-site.

NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2010

2010-10-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

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Police Remembrance Day

2010-09-28T05:34:00.000-07:00

On the 29th day of September every year, Police Remembrance Day is held to honour 137 men and women of the Queensland Police Service who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in the execution of their duty. The bravery and sacrifice that these men and women is honoured during the National Police Remembrance Day with vigils, marches and memorial services across the state.
http://www.police.qld.gov.au/aboutUs/commemoration/remembrance/

History of Helensvale Book Launch

2010-09-06T01:42:00.000-07:00

Fellow resident Phil Gray's recent publication on the History of Helensvale will be launched and available from Angus and Robertson at Westfield as of 11:00AM this Saturday 11 September. All welcome to the launch. Contact Phil Gray E:philiprgray@bigpond.com for more information.

September Update

2010-09-01T05:33:00.000-07:00

Welcome residents to our September Update.

The Coomera Crime Bulletin for the month of July – August 2010 is now availble. If you wish to view the Crime Bulletins for Logan & Gold Coast, you can follow this link.
http://www.police.qld.gov.au/Regional+Policing/southEastern/Crime+Bulletins.htm
or see our useful links.
IP Surveillance
Our treasurer is pleased to advise that the camera surveillance is on order and due for installation this month. Don't forget though, as a community, we still really need to raise over $15,000 which will ensure the camera system is adequately maintained over the next 5 to 6 years as well as covering the cost of electricity and insurance for the system. Unpaid households were visited and reminded of our project and details placed in letter boxes for those not home. After a recent incident in Carrara please be aware of any unsolicited contact from callers requesting donations and claiming to be from NHW. River Downs NHW will not ask for cash and have requested payment only for our IP surveillance project by cheque or direct deposit to only the Westpac account detailed below.

PLEASE make your $75 contribution if you haven’t yet (see details below).

Westpac Southport - Scarborough St sausage sizzle held on Friday 20th August All funds raised went to our NHW. Committee members Daniela and Wendy had a successful day helping out with the sausage sizzle and all up we raised $217.20 for River Downs NHW. If you are in Southport on the last Friday of the month call in to the Westpac Bank in Scarborough St and buy a sausage to support worthy organisations such as our NHW. Many thanks to Westpac for their community spirit and their support. Also many thanks to Brett's girls, Faith and Nadia for their terrific signs. The customers and staff at Westpac loved them.

NEXT meeting AGM Wednesday 20th October at Helensvale High School.
IP SURVEILLANCE PAYMENT OPTIONS ($75 per household)

Cheque addressed to River Downs NHW (and mailed or delivered to The Treasurer at 72 Riverdowns Crescent) or
Bank transfer to our NHW bank account:

NHW Westpac Bank Account
BSB 034-216 Account No. 536475
Could you please put your street address in the comments field and also email NHW a copy of your banking receipt or alternatively, you can post or drop the bank transaction record/receipt into our treasurers letterbox at 72 Riverdowns Cres.
We will issue you a receipt soon after.

If you have already contributed THANK YOU but please do spread the word to your neighbours.

Until our next meeting
Your NHW committee.

NEWSLETTER JULY 2010

2010-07-13T01:36:00.000-07:00

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June Coomera Crime Bulletin

2010-06-30T04:15:00.000-07:00

Crime Bulletins (click)

Or see link for South Eastern Region Crime Bulletin under Useful Links

TARGET $10,000

2010-06-28T05:25:00.000-07:00

WE NOW HAVE OVER $7,500

HOWEVER, YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED AS THE DEADLINE IS FAST APPROACHING

HOW CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE YOUR $75 per household?

Easy payment options:

via cheque (to River Downs Neighbourhood Watch). Mailed or delivered to our NHW Treasurer Daniela Hardwick 72 Riverdowns Cres or
direct credit to: Westpac Bank BSB: 034-216 Account: 536475

If paying on-line by bank transfer, please put your street address in the comments field & also email NHW a copy of your banking receipt. Alternatively you can post or drop this receipt to the address above.

Receipts for payment will be issued to all contributors.

2010-06-03T04:23:00.000-07:00

Newsletter May 2010

2010-05-13T02:24:00.000-07:00

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CCTV gets mandate from resident's meeting and goes digital. TARGET $10,000

2010-05-05T07:16:00.000-07:00

Your NHW committee recently obtained quotes from 2 companies to fully install a camera surveillance system at the entry to River Downs. After meeting with representatives from both companies the committee presented both quotations to the RDNHW meeting on the 20th April. A presentation from one of the suppliers was also given. Xtreme was able to demonstrate the main benefits to River Downs residents. The quote was recommended on the basis of:
          • picture quality (digital)

          • cost effectiveness,

          • superior image quality

          • infra-Red motion detection and

          • wireless integration (allows minimal impact on hosting resident)

The main objective of this project is to provide a deterrent to all would-be offenders that are considering entering the River Downs precinct. The video footage captured may only assist Police in criminal investigations rather than provide proof of guilt.

Signage will also be installed around the estate to inform all who enter River Downs that they are in a video surveillance area.

Access to this footage will be strictly controlled and only supplied to the Queensland Police Service on request in regard to a criminal investigation. The footage will not be made available for any other reasons.

If RDNHW can encourage Residents to contribute to this project at $75.00 per property then we will raise over $10,000. This amount will allow for the complete installation of the system and yearly maintenance for some years. With overwhelming support already received for this surveillance system a target date of 31st July 2010 has been set to achieve the $10,000 target. If sufficient money has not been raised by the 31st July 2010 then all donations will be fully refunded.

For those residents that do not wish to contribute they will still benefit from the presence of this surveillance system and if at any time they require footage to be supplied to the Police, then a one time access fee of $300 will be imposed. The contribution is address specific and will cover that property until a time in the future when the system may need a camera replacement.

It is to your advantage to pay $75 now rather than $300 at a later date.

This is a community project to provide improved protection for River Downs residents in general regardless of contribution status.

Xtreme has put together a proposal for a High Definition surveillance system to cover both the entry and exit points of the River Downs community in order to act both as a deterrent for criminal activity and to provide clear and concise evidence of any delinquents who choose to act in a criminal capacity within the community. The system is designed to be High Definition in order to capture both car number plates and facial features in clear view.

The set up will contain the following components:

1 x IQEye Sentinel IQ852-V6NPSS 2 Megapixel Outdoor IP Camera
The IQ Eye Sentinel series of cameras provides the ultimate in imaging resolution while combining an extremely high level of night vision functionality with a durable and weather-resistant enclosed Megapixel resolution that ensures a wide range of coverage so that no item of evidence will go uncovered. Also includes Light-Grabber functionality for superb quality night vision.
1 x Shuttle X27D Mini-Server for Storing Footage
The Shuttle IP Surveillance Server is the storage place for the cameras. Don’t let the size fool you, with the latest Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 2GB RAM and 500 Gigabyte hard drive , you can be certain your surveillance footage will be stored reliably. The small form factor of this system allows for locating it discretely and unobtrusively in the small enclosure. For a single camera, this server should provide up to 2 weeks of footage which can be recorded over or immediately backed up.
1 x Milestone Xprotect 1-Camera Software License
XProtect Basis is packed with many advanced features, such as camera control, motion detection, intelligent speed up on action and archiving to local drive, all at a very reasonable cost. This state-of the-art system covers all your basic needs and is based on standard IT hardware.
1 x EnGenius EOC-5610 Wireless Outdoor AP
EOC-5610 is a long range outdoor wireless Access Point / Client Bridge that operates in both 5GHz and 2.4GHz frequency. It provides high bandwidth up to 54Mbps and features high transmitted output power as well as superior sensitivity. EOC-5610 extends coverage, avoids unnecessary roaming between Access Points and ensures a stable wireless connection. 6 times the signal strength of average wireless repeaters.

1 x B&R 400mm Deep Enclosure with Lock
Highly secure, vandal-resistant enclosure designed to house the video server equipment and protect the hardware from both the elements and tampering.
4 x Large signs with “NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH CAMERA IN USE"
In the aim of deterrence, 4 large scale police-themed signs will be displayed at various locations around the estate/surveillance system to further discourage criminal activity. They will be highly visible.

The camera itself will be mounted on a 6m high pole to further prevent against the possibility of any physical tampering or vandalism.
Total Cost of Installation: $8,514.00 inc. GST . (This will include 2x yearly visits to clean the enclosures, lenses, perform maintenance on the server/fans, check the hardware and provide/apply any software updates).

For further information on this company also see: http://www.xtreme.com.au/surveillance/ip-surveillance

NEWSLETTER APRIL 2010

2010-04-01T07:27:00.000-07:00

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2010-03-10T01:41:00.000-08:00

We have received confirmation from the Coomera Police that 2 houses in our estate were burgled last week.

NHW Occurrence Summary Report (suitable for public release)

NHW Area : COOMERA 05
Start Time & Date 08:03 hrs 03/03/2010 End Time & Date 15:03 hrs 03/03/2010
Address (summary) EWINGAR CT , HELENSVALE
Occurrence Type 0711 Burglary, with breaking Offence Type 0711 Burglary, with breaking
Occurrence Status Filed pending further information

Start Time & Date 12:03 hrs 03/03/2010 End Time & Date 17:03 hrs 03/03/2010
Address (summary) RIVERDOWNS CRES , HELENSVALE
Occurrence Type 0711 Burglary, with breaking Offence Type 0711 Burglary, with breaking
Occurrence Status Filed pending further information

If you have any information about the burglaries please contact Crimestoppers 1 800 333 000 or Coomera Police Station on 5519 5555.

Residents are asked to be vigilant to any suspicious activity and report it immediately to the local police or NHW. Please lock your house and activate household alarms (if available) if you are leaving your property unattended.

More information on these break-ins will be provided at our next NHW meeting on :

Tuesday 20th April.

RD NHW Committee

February Update

2010-02-10T04:28:00.000-08:00

CCTV Update

The committee is currently in the process of obtaining quotes for the installation of a CCTV security camera system with number plate recognition software at the entry to our estate. The response to the idea at our last meeting and informal discussions with residents since have been very encouraging.

It is our intention that the system will be installed and maintained long term in a manner that will act as a genuine deterrent to anybody intending to enter River Downs for the wrong reasons. Coomera police see no issue in River Downs undertaking this venture, they say it is not uncommon in upmarket and or secured residential areas.

At our next meeting on April 20th we will be presenting 3 quotes for the system along with detailed information on how it will operate and the estimated cost to each household. We will then hold a vote on the proposal and decide whether or not to proceed.

Changing of the guard, but full steam ahead

It was with regret the NHW committee accepted the resignation of Area Coordinator John Dignam. You will all agree that John has injected a new life into our NHW in the few short months of his tenure. In order that these great gains are not lost the committee will continue to collectively and enthusiastically maintain the momentum we have achieved. The entire committee would like to sincerely thank John for his service and wish him the very best. In the interim Daniela Hardwick will assist in the role of Area Coordinator together with Brett Oakley as Deputy AC, Ralph Luck as Secretary and Wendy Harris as newsletter and website editor.

Best advertising deal out for only $50.00 per annum

Advertising of your business (up to business card size - maximum) in each issue of the River Downs NHW newsletter.
Advertising on the River Downs NHW website

Please note: Design to be supplied by you in collaboration with newsletter editor. Your design can be in colour (for newsletter editions and advertising uploaded on the NHW website) however newsletters will be printed in black and white so please take this into consideration.

The deadline to submit your payment and advertisement for our next NHW newsletter is Monday 15th March .

Please contact us at: riverdownsnhw@email.com for easy payment options or if you have any queries.

2010 COMMUNITY EVENT - Date Claimer

2010-02-05T21:06:00.000-08:00

BBQ SAUSAGE SIZZLE IN RIVER DOWNS PARK

COMMUNITY GET TOGETHER:

***SUNDAY 30th MAY FROM 12pm***
BBQ volunteers needed & welcome…..
Please contact riverdownsnhw@email.com

Daniela treads the hard, hot yards to raise funds for River Downs Neighbourhood Watch.

2010-01-27T19:06:00.000-08:00

Pink Parade Walkathon

Hosted by Helensvale/Pacific Pines Cricket Club and supporting the McGrath Foundation as part of the ‘Healthy families … Healthy communities’ festival NHW Treasurer and past Secretary Daniela Hardwick together with the Pink Ladies participated in the Pink Parade Walkathon on Sunday 24th January at Helensvale’s Hession Oval. With NHW pledges of $362, Daniela did 35 laps of the oval over 2 ½ hours in the blistering sun so that 50% of these pledges will go to our River Downs NHW. The Pink Ladies also included Daniela's sister Diana who is a breast cancer survivor. Plans to use the total of $181 include funding the current project of supplying all River Downs households with NHW stationery kits and plaques.

The Helensvale/Pacific Pines Cricket Club wanted to raise awareness of the health issues in our neighbourhood and beyond. The objectives of the Pink Parade Walkathon were:

to educate, encourage and provide families within our community a platform to participate in an active and healthy lifestyle by joining in the inaugural Pink Parade.
to raise funds for local community groups together with the McGrath Foundation.
to raise awareness about chronic disease including cancers, obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

The weekend events also included a luncheon and 20/20 cricket with local and invited celebrities and all profits raised will now go directly to the McGrath Foundation and local community organisations that supported this initiative. By your support, you have the chance to make a real difference in many people’s lives – men, women and children
For more information on these events please contact Ian Wade-Parker, President, Helensvale/Pacific Pines Cricket Club on 0414 730 480 or email: ian@wpclothing.com.au

Campaign launched to promote new Emergency Alert warning system

2010-01-25T20:24:00.000-08:00

Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
17/01/2010

Campaign launched to promote new Emergency Alert warning system

A public awareness campaign to inform Queenslanders of the new national Emergency Alert telephone based warning system will be launched today.
Acting Premier Paul Lucas said Emergency Alert can send text messages to mobile phones and automated voice messages to landlines warning people of severe and imminent emergencies, such as bushfires and cyclones. "Emergency Alert has the capacity to send 18,000 text messages and 1000 voice messages per minute in areas at risk of serious or life-threatening events," Mr Lucas said. "It is another method, in an existing suite of measures, we can use to warn people before and during critical incidents," he said.

"Messages distributed through Emergency Alert will contain basic details of the threat, clear recommended actions and advice on where to go for further information." Mr Lucas said while Emergency Alert was an important tool for sending messages to the community, he stressed it would not replac e existing warning systems.

"Our emergency services staff and volunteers will continue to engage the community during emergency events through traditional methods like local radio broadcasts and doorknocking," he said. "Emergency Alert is another tool we have to warn Queenslanders, and we'll continue to use all those other methods as appropriate.
"It is important to remember that Emergency Alert is only a warning, and does not reduce the need for people to be prepared with their own emergency plan in place." Mr Lucas said the system had undergone extensive testing to ensure it was functional and reliable for use during emergencies.

"The Department of Community Safety has advised me that initial issues experienced in a trial at Esk during December have now been addressed and subsequent testing has gone smoothly," he said. "The survey shows strong evidence that the trial was successful in getting the message across to the targeted Esk community."
Mr Lucas said the campaign would focus on creating awareness of Emergency Alert through television, print, radio and online advertising. "The campaign is designed to let people know about the system and that messages delivered will direct them on what to do during critical incidents. "The radio component of the advertising campaign will also be broadcast in a number of foreign languages to ensure these communities understand the new system."
Mr Lucas said Queensland had been working with the Federal Government and other states and territories through COAG on a nationally-consistent telecommunication warning system for a number of years.

The recommendation of such a system in the interim report into the devastating Black Saturday bushfires in February last year added greater impetus to the system's development.
Anyone wanting to know more about the Emergency Alert system can log on to http://www.emergencyalert.gov.au/

Newsletter January 2010

2010-01-05T16:36:00.000-08:00

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Pictures from NHW BBQ in the Park

2009-12-21T04:24:00.000-08:00

Christmas BBQ in the park

The River Downs Neighbourhood Watch executive wish to thank all of the residents that made the effort in attending the residents get together Sunday 13th December.

It was great success, new contacts and friendships were established and old ones renewed, which of course was one of the prime objectives of the event.

Your committee are already planning the next event which will be somewhere around the month of May, this event is likely to be a car boot sale/bbq.

These photo's are from our Sunday get together. I think I can say the event was a great success, with people

coming and going throughout the afternoon.

And the final count including children was 83 attendees, very good indeed. The final group of residents arrived at around 5pm and we cleared the park just prior to 6pm, a huge day!!

Left over bits....I have 1 x Directors chair and 1 x green sun hat, these items were left in the park and can be retrieved by contacting riverdownsnhw@email.com

Finally, I would like to thank the committee members for putting in their free time and other contributions, the volunteer cooks, the little name sticker helpers and of course all the residents who attended and supported their Neighbourhood Watch group in making the day a huge success.

John Dignam
Area Coordinator
River Downs Neighbourhood Watch

BBQ IN RIVER DOWNS PARK

2009-11-24T20:06:00.000-08:00

COMMUNITY GET TOGETHER:

***SUNDAY 13th DECEMBER FROM 12pm***

Condamine Cres Park.

BBQ supplied by your local Bi Lo supermarket

BYO: chairs, extra shade & drinks

See you there!

A note from your new NHW Area Coordinator

2009-11-23T05:10:00.000-08:00

Hello to River Downs residents my name is John Dignam and as of the last NHW meeting held on Tuesday 20th October I was elected (unopposed I might add) as the new Area Coordinator for River Downs. I have lived in the area for 9 years now and I consider River Downs to be one of the nicest areas I have lived in, secure, friendly and comfortable. River Downs is certainly an area with a nice feel and well worth looking after. The NHW meeting at the Bowls Club was well “just brilliant”, we had the best turnout of residents ever, I think the number who sat through the meeting was around the 37 mark, truly inspiring. And a hearty thank you to previous committee members now retiring and to our new Queensland Police Liaison Officer Const. Donna Kay, she gave an excellent presentation.

I mentioned during my introduction talk a number of initiatives that the new committee will be undertaking this year, briefly they are:

· Holding 4 quarterly meetings approximately every 3 months, the next being Monday 11th January 2010…. We hope you can make it.
· Organisation of a guest speaker for each meeting
· We intend to hold some kind of bi-annual social type function. This is to help develop the community networking aspect of knowing who we are and information communication amongst the residents. I personally know lots of the residents because of my daily marathon walking but not all can have that luxury so this may be the next best thing. The first event is a sausage sizzle type of thing in River Downs Park at Condamine Cres. scheduled for noon Sunday on the 13th December. The committee will try to secure donations of the goodies from Woolies or Coles…hopefully, and any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
· We intend to create a web page/blog; this will enable residents to view newsletters, security advice and other
announcements more promptly and also enable resident communication to the community through the committee members. (please see the November newsletter for an update on our website).
· We have also commenced collecting residents email addresses etc. We will keep these secure and only use them in communicating important materials and information. Typically this may be when a resident’s property has been unlawfully accessed or there has been a suspicious event occur. Past experience in the area indicates when one home is violated then over a short period of time a few more also become affected. Therefore if the committee is able to get early warning of an event it can broadcast a warning to all networked residents advising them to take extra precautions.

Please consider forwarding your details to the committee through myself on riverdownsnhw@email.com

The NHW committee looks forward to meeting socially with residents on the 13th December at the park in Condamine Cres. Don’t forget your chairs, drinks and shade.

21 October 2009
John Dignam

Newsletter November 2009

2009-11-23T04:10:00.000-08:00

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THE HEAT IS ON AND FIRE RISK IS STILL STRONG

2009-11-22T04:02:00.000-08:00

With hot temperatures continuing around South East, the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service would like to remind you about the importance of taking fire safety seriously all year round.

Did you know that:
• storms and intermittent rainfall do not necessarily lessen the risk of fire. New growth dries out and can increase fuel load.

• urban bushland is just as much at risk as the rural landscape.

• tiny embers can fly long distances. The majority of homes are lost or severely damaged by ember attacks that may hit hours before or even after a fire front.

• sparks from a single cigarette butt can smoulder and eventually start a fire.

In the right conditions, bushfires can move rapidly. Your properties should always be well prepared by:

• clearing overhanging branches from the roof

• removing bushes, grass and weeds from close to your home

• clearing gutters and installing gutter plugs

• keeping hoses at the ready;

• buying a battery-powered radio to listen to updates if electricity fails

In rural areas, you should also:

• keep a clear buffer zone of at least 40 metres around your home and other buildings

• remove bushes, grass and weeds around sheds, fences and gates

• check your water system, pump or generator is working

Remember:
• Always call Triple Zero (000) to report an emergency.

• Be aware of Fire Bans in your Local Government Area.

• If a bushfire is approaching andyou decide to evacuate do so early.

Your local media receive up-to-date Fire Activity and related details direct from the Department of Community Safety.

Advice on Fire Safety, Fire Bans and Daily Fire Activity is also provided on the QFRS Rural Operations website at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au or on www.fire.qld.gov.au.

BE RESPONSIBLE FIRE SAFETY STARTS WITH YOU!

For further information :

Community Liaison Officer Jenny Farrell - 0416 295 963

Department of Community Safety Media Unit - 3247 8186

Website: http://www.fire.qld.gov.au/default.asp

RIVER DOWNS NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2012

NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2011

2011 COMMUNITY EVENT - Date Claimer 4th December

NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2011

NEWSLETTER APRIL 2011

NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2011

Lolly laden Santa truck braves weather for Christmas

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2010

November Update

NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2010

Police Remembrance Day

History of Helensvale Book Launch

September Update

NEWSLETTER JULY 2010

June Coomera Crime Bulletin

TARGET $10,000

Newsletter May 2010

CCTV gets mandate from resident's meeting and goes digital. TARGET $10,000

NEWSLETTER APRIL 2010

February Update

2010 COMMUNITY EVENT - Date Claimer

Daniela treads the hard, hot yards to raise funds for River Downs Neighbourhood Watch.

Campaign launched to promote new Emergency Alert warning system

Newsletter January 2010

Pictures from NHW BBQ in the Park

BBQ IN RIVER DOWNS PARK

***A note from your new NHW Area Coordinator***

Newsletter November 2009

THE HEAT IS ON AND FIRE RISK IS STILL STRONG

A note from your new NHW Area Coordinator