From State Office

Welcome to the Spring edition of the NHW State Newsletter. I hope that Winter wasn't too harsh on everyone, and you are all enjoying the best time of the year, Spring in Queensland. It is at this time of the year that I often think of the Queensland Tourism slogan, 'Queensland, beautiful one day, perfect the next'.

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the new look newsletter. Most of the suggestions have been embraced in this edition. It was overwhelmingly agreed that this new format is a better publication and will encourage an increased readership amongst members.

Feedback from NHW areas suggested that a line of NHW merchandise would help promote the program, so we took on the challenge and came up with a great range of products to entice and delight you. The NHW cups and umbrellas make great gift ideas, and the tote bags are perfect for the delivery of newsletters! See the back page for further details. I would like to acknowledge the NHW sponsor, CGU for providing the extra funds to produce the merchandise. All products are provided to areas at cost price and can be ordered by obtaining a 'Merchandise Order Form' from their local District Crime Prevention Coordinator, or by downloading from the NHW Internet site. As you can see, we have had a lot of fun with the new NHW merchandise.

National NHW day occurred on 21 August, and State Office promoted the occasion on Friday the 20th of August by providing a free sausage sizzle to over 1000 people in King George Square, Brisbane. The occasion coincided with a key handing over ceremony by the Brisbane City Council to the Neighbourhood Watch State Office. The keys are for a new NHW vehicle, of which the BCC have provided to us for the past 13 years. The Qld Police Service and NHW State Office acknowledge and appreciate the sponsorship, which enable us to achieve the objectives of the NHW program.

Last, but certainly not least, we are quickly coming up to the NHW State Rally, which is being held on the Gold Coast on 9 October. The Rally Registration forms have been posted to all Area Coordinators, and numbers are limited so get your names in asap. If you would like to attend, contact your Area Coordinator, or download a form from the NHW Internet. I look forward to seeing old friends, and meeting new ones at the State Rally.

Sergeant Wayne Rasmussen
NHW State Coordinator