General News
30 August, 2024
Neighbourhood Watch serve their final shift
Warracknabeal Neighbourhood Watch officially disbanded following their meeting last Tuesday (August 20), but also took the time to show their appreciation for one long-standing member.
Warracknabeal Police Leading Senior Constable Anna Lake and Horsham Proactive Police Unit Leading Senior Constable Linda McLennan presented Marion Addinsall with two certificates of appreciation, recognising her many years of service and support for the organisation.
Ms Addinsall moved to Warracknabeal in 2000 and joined Neighbourhood Watch in 2004, serving as secretary for 10 years.
She said she is sorry, and sad, to see the group disband after so many years.
"It was something I believed in," Ms Addinsall said.
"I'm sorry that it's happened, but times have changed.
"I think Covid made it tough.
"Meetings had to stop, and it was hard to get people together."
Chairperson James McFarlane said the lack of members ultimately led to the group's closure, adn that Neighbourhood Watch is now based out of Melbourne - not locally - and is all "computerised".
"Age was a big factor," Mr McFarlane said.
"I'm disappointed to see it go under, but it had to come to an end sometime."
Member Ken Goodwin said more younger people needed to get involved in order to keep groups like Neighbourhood Watch going.
"It's disappointing, but it's the times we're in," Mr Goodwin said.