FOLLOWING concerns about recent home invasions around the Peachester area, local resident and Celebrate Glasshouse Country president Judy Tomlison organised a community information forum, which was held on Saturday, July 10 at the Peachester Hall.
Judy said the original idea for the meeting was to discuss Neighbourhood Watch in response to community safety concerns. However, the session was expanded to include broader discussions around general community safety, fire season preparedness, safe play for local children and local networking knowledge for the benefit of residents.
Judy said the forum was well supported with 26 attendees and featured discussions led by Senior Constable Susan Lowndes, Peachester Rural Fire Brigade officer Kev Wrayford, nature play advocate Sally Joyce and local community organisation representative Suella Lanceley from the Peachester Garden Club.
“It was a great afternoon of local knowledge sharing that really brought our community together,” Judy said.
“Snr Const Lowndes gave a fabulous presentation and shared some great tips and handouts around raising community safety awareness.
“Sally discussed the importance of encouraging safe outdoor play for our local children to build confidence and social networks, and Kev updated us on rural fire safety and the importance of calling triple zero first in the advent of fire,” Judy said.
One of the key takeaway points from the information day was the important role of online community forums, such as the local Facebook group, in promoting community connections and safety.
The forum was also told that Neighbourhood Watch programs no longer needed to be official committee-run groups but could operate well using less formal online platforms.
Acknowledging that not all residents have access to or the skills to use online information sharing platforms such as Facebook, Celebrate Glasshouse Country will investigate the possibility of hosting special community targeted workshop sessions on how to use Facebook.
To find out more, visit the Peachester Community Forum page at www.facebook.com/groups/420100741422096 or contact Judy at judy@celebrateGC.com.au
Photo: Snr Const Susan Lowndes, Judy Tomlinson, Sally Joyce and Kev Wrayford at the recent Peachester community information day