It's an app that could have been a lifeline for isolated Gillieston Heights residents during the 2015 super storm - it's also an app that could save lives and tipped to be promoted across NSW.
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Gillieston Heights Connect is a one stop shop for everything from emergency services to where to find the best coffee.
It's the brain child of local resident and Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) Area Co-ordinator Brad Adams the app is free and can be downloaded from App Store.
Brad saw the need in his community for an app where residents can immediately access the right information in times of an emergency. From the emergency services contacts, the app's categories grew covering everything from local eats to news and information, events, vouchers and coupons and coffee.
Local businesses can even place their ads on the app and it's all free. "I don't charge anyone to be on the app as far as promotion is concerned but we would like them to contribute to NHW if possible," Brad said.
Brad said he tried to push ahead with the app through NHW but hit some red tape and decided to go it alone. NHW NSW president Bill Hackney said Brad has done a wonderful job setting up the app and said it was a great initiative for the Gillieston community.
"Brad has sought permission to have the app a NHW base platform but was rejected by NSW Police (caretakers of NHW in NSW at the time)," Mr Hackney said.
"Since the inception of NHW NSW INC in 2019 one of the items we now aim to discuss is the option of adapting this State-wide. If there's anything that can assist the community become a safer and connected place I'm all for it," Mr Hackney said.
Brad said there are some similar apps available but they are 'very generic'. "The Gillieston app is more of a localised and relatable option," he said. Brad used many of the questions asked on the local Gillieston Heights community Facebook page as a base for links on the app.
And it seems there are plenty of locals excited about Brad's creation. Brad said between 100 and 150 people already have it on their phones and countless more have accessed it through Google Play.
"This would have been very handy during the storm when Gillo was isolated - not just for the residents but for their families who live outside the area. They could have connected to find out if their loved ones were safe.
"I don't know of any other area that has an app like this - keeping it local," Brad said.
He said the current home page gives you basic community news - for example information at the moment is about local water restrictions.
The app also features important links to websites like Crimestoppers and online crime reporting.
There are also links to NSW Traffic, local toilets, fuel prices, child care services, RMS inspection stations, human resources, find a JP, Maitland City Council services, a school finder, child restraint fitting stations, car service centres - even what to do if you garbage bin's wheels fall off.
"So it's not just for the residents, it's also a great tool for people moving into the area or considering moving here. It gives a great insight into what's on offer," Brad said.
