From State Office

Over the past 4 years the NHW Program has been ably led by Sgt Wayne Rasmussen.  Wayne was recently promoted to the rank of Senior Sergeant and has moved to a supervisory role with the State Crime Prevention Unit.  Wayne will still provide assistance to the program in his new role. During Wayne’s time as State Coordinator he has been responsible for many improvements to the program. Some of these achievements have included the update to the Charter, the implementation of the Community Safety Project, the NHW Review and the establishment of the Australiasian NHW Advisory Board.

As a result of this move, I have been provided the opportunity to take on the full time role of State NHW Coordinator. I have for the past 4 years worked within the State NHW office and look forward to the progressing the good work that Wayne commenced.

NHW Review

As reported in previous editions, the Queensland Police Service has undertaken a major review of the NHW program.  This review, conducted by the Review and Evaluation Unit has now been finalised with recommendations made.  These recommendations, should they be implemented will provide a new direction for the future of the program.  Submissions on the review and its recommendations are now being sought from all stakeholders so that that the recommendations can be progressed.  Information in relation to the review is now available from the NHW State Office by calling 3234 2104.  Closing date for submissions is 21 April 2006.  Once all submissions are collated further consultation processes will be developed prior to any recommendations being implemented. 

2006 State Rally

Preparations for the 2006 NHW State Rally are well under way with the Gympie NHW District hosting.  The Rally will be held on Saturday 21 October at the Victory Christian Outreach Centre. The Rally will also coincide with Gympie Gold Rush Festival activities.  These events include a market day, twilight parade followed by an evening of entertainment and activities.  Rally attendees are encouraged to stay on after the Rally and make a weekend of it. With such a great weekend installed it will be necessary to book accommodation quickly. For further information on accommodation and local activities contact the Cooloola Regional Development Bureau on 54825444 or view their website at www.cooloola.org.au.   So mark this date in your calendar and you will be guaranteed to have an informative and interesting weekend.  Further details on the Rally will be provided in due course.

NHW and Insurance

With an increasingly litigious society it is vital that NHW areas ensure that they have suitable public liability insurance (PLI) coverage. Through NHW’s sponsorship agreement with CGU Insurance, PLI is provided automatically to all NHW areas for ‘defined events’ as outlined in the ‘Insurance for your NHW’ policy document (Pink cover). If a NHW area is considering conducting an event or activity outside of the listed events in the policy document such as graffiti removal, open days, Christmas carols, street parades, fund raising BBQ’s etc, it is essential that adequate insurance cover is obtained prior to the event. 

Should you require further information on NHW and insurance please refer to the NHW Insurance document which can be obtained from the NHW State office or NHW website www.police.qld.gov.au/nhw or contact CGU on 31351169.  

Sergeant Rodney Bell

State Coordinator

NHW Program