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Watch group in doubt
Caitlin Ryan
04Aug08
Volunteers Graeme Simmons and Ian Wright.
A DARK cloud hangs over the future of Sunbury's only Neighbourhood Watch group.
The Goonawarra branch desperately needs volunteers to help distribute newsletters to 250 houses in the estate's north-east.
Co-ordinator Ian Wright said the group, which once had 40 members, was now down to 15.
"We're at a critical time," he said. "If we get any lower than what we have at the moment, our future is definitely in doubt."
Mr Wright said winter made delivering the 1200 newsletters difficult.
"It's always been a variable thing, people involved cannot always give the time required, especially when it is colder and darker," he said.
The group, active for more than 15 years, has battled on despite other groups folding around it.
Red Rock and Wildwood groups have folded in recent years, with only five groups now active across Hume.
Regional Neighbourhood Watch police co-ordinator Sgt Mary White said that in the past seven years numbers had dwindled off.
"Sometimes I think it can be a victim of its success," she said.
"At the end of the day, it boils down to what people in the community want.
Sgt White said most volunteer organisations suffer trying.
"There is a misconception that the group is for retired people," she said. "But I understand it can be harder for younger people to volunteer time."
Sunbury Acting Sen-Sgt Timothy Douglas said he would be disappointed if the group were to fold.
"The group is a benefit to us, any volunteer proactive scheme is a benefit to the whole community, and I'd encourage people to get involved if they can," he said.
Neighbourhood Watch started 25 years ago.
There are 1300 watch areas statewide.
The group will next meet on Wednesday, August 27.
For details, call 9744 3052.
