It was big in the 80s and 90s but died a slow death.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Today Neighbourhood Watch is poised for a relaunch, embracing the latest technology and waiting for the Maitland community to jump onboard.
The driving force behind the relaunch is Metford resident Bill Hackney.
Mr Hackney, who sits on the NSW Police Neighbourhood Watch Advisory Board, is urging Maitland residents to help resurrect the program which folded in many suburbs across the local government area.
He said Maitland, Telarah and Beresfield are three of the few branches still operating in NSW.
“Back in the 80s and 90s there were quite a few groups across the city. They were very active at one stage but then they just dwindled while Neighbourhood Watch in other states flourished,” Mr Hackney said.
“NSW Police are leading the charge with this relaunch which will take place next month during Neighbourhood Watch Week from October 3 to 9.
Mr Hackney said the relaunch will have a digital platform with the implementation of an app that will connect watch groups.
“The week is all about raising public awareness and to form more groups, whether it’s in a street, a culdesac or an apartment block,” Mr Hackney said.
“We want to increase membership and encourage participation.There is a huge need for more watch groups in Maitland Local Government Area.”
Mr Hackney said Metford is leading the charge with new signs being erected across the suburb.
“Local groups, Metford, Telarah and Beresfield will be coming together and holding an awareness stand at Stockland Green Hills during Neighbourhood Watch Week.
“If you are able to assist us with an hour or more to help us handout information about the Neighbourhood Watch programs that run in their area or even start a new group in their suburb that would be great.
“It is going to be fantastic to see this familiar organisation getting back to what it was 20 to 30 years ago,” he said.
Police are using the Metford Neighbourhood Watch group to inform a statewide program.
Group creator Mr Hackney was one of two members of the public who were hand-picked to sit on the advisory panel to inform NSW Police before the Neighbourhood Watch program was relaunched across the state.
