There is nothing more empowering for a community than when they come together for a common cause. When that cause is all about connecting and informing people so that they feel safe and secure, then you have something special. This can be said for Neighbourhood Watch Ropes Crossing.
The local group, which was formed in May 2018 with 55 members, has grown to 80 including over 2,000 on their Facebook page.
“The group was formed after a local member of the community had their car stolen. Collectively, we were able to recover the car. It showed that by helping one another, we could work to prevent crime, keep the community safe and to build awareness” said Mitch Keyes, Neighbourhood Watch Ropes Crossing President to the Jordan Springs Gazette.
Working alongside the NSW Police Mount Druitt LAC, the group normally meet once a month at the Ropes Crossing Community Hub. However, due to the current pandemic, they have been meeting individually with respect to social distancing.
In their relatively short time together, they have already made a huge impact in Ropes Crossing. This has included meet and greets with both residents and Prue Car MP (Member for Londonderry), BBQ’s as well as steering the Government’s Be Connected program, assisting elderly residents at a local retirement village, and empowering them with digital technology training. This was thanks to funding of $1,000 that was received from Neighbourhood Watch Australasia in 2019.
Following up was a Government Grant of $25,000 as part of the My Community Project, which will see the funds used on local ideas and initiatives. The group’s achievement was thanks to online voting from the public and further demonstrated their support.
A major community fun day is being planned for later in the year. It will be a great opportunity for local families to come together and to meet the committee and members. There will be a ‘Crime Trail’ Treasure Hunt, where teams will be encouraged to come in fancy dress, with the ‘Crime’ theme and will feature a prize for Best Dressed. At the end of the Treasure Hunt will be a BBQ and it is hoped members of the NSW Police, SES and RFS will be in attendance for children to meet and interact with.
To become a member of the group, you must be a current resident of Ropes Crossing. Members will be verified prior to joining their Facebook page. For more information, search ‘Neighbourhood Watch Ropes Crossing’ on Facebook.