Helensvale

Newsletter ...building a strong and connected community.

WEB: HelensvaleNHW.wordpress.com E-MAIL: HelensvaleNHW@gmail.com

T his year Helensvale Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) began a new era with our area becoming one group and now being recognised as NHW Coomera 1, Helensvale. 2014 also saw the introduction of a Neighbourhood Watch Queensland blog site to encourage community members the opportunity to follow and keep updated on police activity in their area and general information relating to the safety and well being of all residents. We have established our own website as a means to communicate with our Helensvale residents, to keep you informed and also to invite you to ask questions and become interested in your community. There are various ways that the community can also assist the Police by using Crime Stoppers to report anonymously, Hoon Hotline and Policelink for non-urgent incidents and reporting any strange behaviour that, even if it turns out to be legitimate, is better to be reported than not acting and wishing later that you had.

NHW is a non-profit organisation which consists of volunteers who wish to make Helensvale a safe, supportive and crime free area to live in. We are planning to hold a Family Fun Day on 14th March 2015 so that you may get to meet the people in your suburb and perhaps learn a little more about the local public services that are available for you if you need help and also, how you could assist those that require help. We conduct our meetings four times a year when we endeavour to have Police and Council representation and also a guest speaker who will speak on issues that can have an affect on all of us in our every day lives. So we extend to you a cordial invitation to join us in our endeavour to make Helensvale a safe place to enjoy and live in.

Roy Area Coordinator

Helensvale Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch QueenslandNeighbourhood Watch Queensland

Neighbourhood Watch

DECEMBER 2014

Our Helensvale Neighbourhood Watch meets quarterly at the Helensvale Cultural Centre @ 7pm, everyone is welcome to attend.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead - Anthropologist 1901

Call 13 HOON

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Report all hooning activity to HOON HOTLINE!

For an emergency call Triple 000 Graphics by Warrior Design

Connect with your

local community

online

REPORT CRIME ANONYMOUSLY

From our Area Coordinator...

GRAFFITI LETS STAY ON TOP OF IT!

Report to Graffiti Hotline for quick removal

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Animal Welfare League Queensland warns us to

Watch out for ticks!

While the arrival of hot weather may be welcomed by many of us living here on the coast, our lovable animal friends are put at risk by tick paralysis. There are various tick products available on the market but nothing is guaranteed to prevent your pet from getting a tick so pet owners must remain vigilant

in checking their animals coats every day.

Ticks have the ability to cause paralysis in cats and dogs by injecting toxins into the blood stream and if not discovered and treated quickly can sometimes lead to death. As the weather warms up animal lovers will take their pets to the park, bushwalking or to the beach, it is while visiting these places their animals are exposed to ticks so it is important to know the symptoms of a tick bite.

INCLUDING: - Change in behaviour of the animal including quietness, lethargy, loss of appetite and a change in their bark or meow. - Loss of co-ordination in movement as well as weakness in back legs or total paralysis. - Difficulty in swallowing and/or gagging while trying to eat or drink. - Breathing difficulties coupled with a grunt like sound while they are trying to breathe. - If tick is not recognised early, there will be advanced heart and respiratory failure present.

If pet owners do find a tick on their animal or if their pet is showing symptoms of a paralysis tick they should get to the vet ASAP.

For more information on ticks or if you think your pet has a tick please call the AWLQ Vet Clinic on;

07 5594 0111

In 2015 we look forward to opening and sharing our beautiful, new Discovery Place building with our year 7 students. This is a fantastic building and I am sure the students will be coming home very excited to be learning in such a fabulous environment.

We would also like to offer a warm welcome for 2015, to all our new and existing students, parents and carers. If you would like further information about enrolling at our school or you know someone who is interested in enrolling here, please contact our Administration Office on 5573 8555 or email admin@helensvaleshs.eq.edu.au, where we will be more than willing to help.

School resumes on Tuesday 27 January for years 7, 8, 9 and Y11 TIPS leaders. Wednesday 28 January for years 10, 11&12.

Please keep a watch on our school over the holidays. If you see anything suspicious please call;

School Watch on 13 17 88.

Mark Blackshaw Executive Principal Helensvale State High School

Helensvale Cultural Centre Venue Hire

Whether youre creating, rehearsing or performing there is a space to suit your needs.

Meeting rooms are also available. To see floor plans and a full list of fees and

charges visit: http://bit.ly/HNHW2

To find out more; Phone: 07 5581 7227 OR

Email: cityvenuebooking@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

HSHS would like to wish our community a safe and happy holidays.

One Student, One Community, Many Futures!

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Christmas safety tips from SLSQ

While beaches may be crowded these summer holidays, Surf Life Saving Queensland urges all beachgoers to make the effort to swim between the red and yellow flags, even if it means walking a short distance to get there. The flagged areas are the safest spots to swim, and are patrolled by qualified surf lifesavers and lifeguards.

Some simple preventative actions is all it takes for people to make sure their time on the beach is safe and enjoyable over the Christmas and New Year celebration period.

Swim between the red and yellow flags Look for and follow the advice of safety signs

Ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for advice

Ensure children are supervised by a parent or adult guardian at all times

Swim with a friend

Stick up your hand for help

Dont swim at unpatrolled beaches

Dont swim at night or after drinking alcohol

With the exception of young children with small boards, who are best to remain close to the shore between the red and yellow flags, we ask that everyone taking to the water with a surf craft do so within the designated surf craft area.

Got a new board as a Christmas present? To help people stay safe while making the most of their new surf craft, we suggest that you take surfing lessons or be guided in the correct way to operate the equipment before entering the water.

Download the BeachSafe app (available for Apple and Android) for more surf safety tips and to find your nearest patrolled beaches. Get your kids involved in Little Lifesavers, a beach safety program designed for 5-11 year olds!

Visit lifesaving.com.au/littlelifesavers for more information.

Neighbourhood Watch Queensland (NHWQ) acknowledges that many Queenslanders are time poor, but still want to be involved and stay in touch with what is happening in their local community. NHWQ runs a blog that encourages

individual online membership allowing community members the opportunity to participate in a Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) program without having to formally join a NHW group.

Online members can subscribe to the local NHW area (Coomera) or to the State NHWQ blog and receive updates from their respective online channels straight to their email.

Visit www.nhwq.org to subscribe to NHWQ posts or coomera.nhwq.org to subscribe to our local police district NHW posts.

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Triple 000 and Reporting Fires

Knowing how to call Triple Zero (000) for a fire emergency can be the difference between life and death, or a building or other property being saved or destroyed.

If you see a fire on the side of the road, even if it appears small, call 000 and report it as soon as you can safely do so . Do not use your mobile phone whilst driving unless you have hands free facility.

ANY UNATTENDED FIRE COULD BE AN EMERGENCY IF LEFT UNREPORTED!

The hot, dry and sometimes windy weather conditions experienced in the South East region mean that even small fires can become more dangerous if not contained quickly. Dont assume someone else has reported an incident - triple 000 communications officers will let you know if the situation has already been reported.

Phoning Triple Zero (000) to report emergencies is the best way to ensure immediate assistance from firefighters, the ambulance service or the police. In emergencies, seconds count and your actions could save a life.

Youre never too young to learn about Triple 000 so keep the kids busy these holidays and help them learn a skill that could save a life by playing the Triple Zero Kids Challenge @ kids.triplezero.gov.au Kids aged 3-12 years can learn how to get help quickly in an emergency by solving mysteries. When they have completed the game they can print a certificate to acknowledge their achievement.

Calls to triple zero (000) are free and can be made from mobile phones, home or work phones or pay phones.

Information in this article is sourced from Queensland Fire & Emergency Services.

Emergency Management asks WHAT IF?

With the storm season upon us it is time to start asking yourself WHAT IF? WHAT IF you are left with no power or water? WHAT IF your home is damaged? WHAT IF you need medical assistance?

There are four easy steps you can take to prepare for storms, bushfires, floods or other disasters.

1. Prepare an Emergency Plan 2. Prepare an emergency and evacuation kit 3. Prepare your home 4. Tune into warnings

Head to www.getready.qld.gov.au and download the Get Ready fact sheets that will provide step by step instructions on how to keep your family safe during this storm season. Remember that if you need assistance from the SES call 132500. For all life threatening emergencies ALWAYS call 000 (Triple Zero).

Article provided by Emergency Management

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services

What to do in an emergency...

Call Triple Zero (000) and wait for the operator.

Stay Focused Just answer the prompted questions.

Stay Relevant Use Triple 000 for urgent assistance only.

Stay on the Line Until you speak to your emergency service.

Safehome is an initiative of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services designed to assist all householders in recognising fire and safety hazards in and around the home for FREE. Once the hazards are identified you can then take steps to eliminate them. To find out more or to book you Safehome visit: www.fire.qld.gov.au/communitysafety/freeprograms/safehome.asp

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Christmas is seen as the season of goodwill, however for many Christmas can be a stressful and lonely time of the year. There is a lot of hype and expectation that

inevitably arise in the lead up to Christmas, so it is important to look after

yourself to pay attention to your own mental health and sense of wellbeing. Just like your physical health, there are actions you can take to increase your mental health and wellness.

Acknowledge your feelings its ok to feel sadness and grief if you have lost a loved one in one way or another. You cant force yourself to be happy just because its Christmas. Reach out if you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community or other social events. There are Carols by Candlelight events, community lunches on Christmas day, as well as a variety of other events throughout the community. These events can offer support and companionship. Get active physical activity can lift your mood and reduce stress. Get out into the fresh air and warm

sunshine make the most of our beaches, parks and gardens and get out into the natural environment. Relax if you are feeling overwhelmed at everything the season can throw at you, take some time out for yourself. Do something that you enjoy and that makes you feel good.

Even if you may be feeling ok this Christmas season, there may well be someone on your Christmas card list who is not feeling very festive. 1 in 3 people in Australia experience some form of mental illness each year. Give them a call the support of friends and family can be really helpful, so stay in touch if you can.

Contact details for crisis support services are detailed on the back of this newsletter - cut them out and keep them handy.

This article is courtesy of Partners in Recovery, an initiative assisting individuals with prolonged mental health concerns identify pathways to support and facilitate long term goals. For further information about this great service visit the website on pirgoldcoast.com.au

As State Member for Coomera, I am delighted to subscribe to the inaugural Helensvale Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter. I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of Pauline & myself, to wish you all a safe & joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year. I have had a thoroughly rewarding and enjoyable year working hard in delivering for the Coomera Electorate and I want to thank you for your ongoing support.

HELENSVALE BOOSTED BY NEW AMBULANCE - I am delighted to announce that I officially handed over a new Mercedes Ambulance to paramedics at the Helensvale Ambulance Station on Wednesday 8 October 2014. The Mercedes Sprinter 319 Van ambulance vehicle worth

$215,000 allows the Helensvale ambulance station to more effectively meet the demands of the local community.

In addition, the new vehicle will make ambulance response and transport safer and more comfortable for both patients and paramedics. It is a significant investment in the Northern Gold Coast communitys safety and demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the Queensland Ambulance Service remains one of the top performing emergency service organisations in the country. It takes a unique person to commit themselves to a profession entirely focused on helping others and this vehicle will support personnel to provide the best possible pre-hospital medical care.

HELENSVALE EXPORTER RECOGNISED AT AWARDS - Recently I was privileged to congratulate local business Aqualuma owners, Carl and Grant Amor, on being recognised at the 2014 Premier of Queenslands Export Awards. Aqualuma won the award for Environmental Solutions. Ive had the pleasure of meeting with Carl and Grant and inspecting the old factory and their new state of the art facility, to see for myself the innovations they have introduced to the world market. I congratulate Aqualuma for their outstanding success.

REMEMBER I am your representative for the State Seat of Coomera and I am here to assist you with any State Government matters and I look forward to the positive changes that are being made for all Queenslanders.

Regards

Michael Crandon MP

What if Christmas doesnt feel so Merry?

Call me: 1800 224 650 Fax: 5514 0634 Email: coomera@parliament.qld.gov.au Web: crandon4coomera.com.au

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Message from the Hon Stuart Robert MP, Federal Member for Fadden

As the 2014 year draws to a close let me first congratulate the 1389 Year 12 students on the northern Gold Coast who are graduating this year. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. I encourage you to look out for your peers and keep them safe as you head out to celebrate the completion of your high school years.

The holiday season is traditionally a time spent with family and friends. Christmas is also about giving and I encourage you to use this time to reach out to someone in the community who may be doing it tough and offer them support.

Every year Australia has over 2,500 troops serving in overseas posts. As the Assistant Minister for Defence, it is impor-tant to reflect on the sacrifices made by our serving men, women and their families who will be away at this special time of year. Charitable donations to groups such as Legacy and Soldier are a wonderful gift. In the coming weeks my website will host details of how to donate or send a Christmas message to our troops.

During the holiday period our local schools can often become a target for vandals. Vigilance within the community can help to keep our schools safe over summer. If you see anything suspicious you can contact the School Watch hotline on 13 17 88.

Thank you for your continued support over the last 12 months. I wish you and your family a safe and happy Christmas and I look forward to catching up with you in 2015.

Seasons Greetings from Helensvale State School The safety of our community is not the sole responsibility of individuals who look after their own patch. The strength of our community is greatest when we combine our resources by being vigilant and respectively keeping an eye on what is happening around us.

The concept of Neighbour Watch highlights the importance of each resident knowing what is happening in our neighbourhood to protect property, improve

the safety of our children and as it combines the eyes of many people we can feel safer in our own home. In our curriculum we teach our students the value of community and how we can strengthen the relationships with all members of our community in the Australian spirit of mateship.

Our school has benefited on many occasions due to the watchful eye of our neighbours who report activities in the school which are suspicious or out of place. This is in the true spirit of Neighbourhood Watch and combined with our security patrols, alarm system and School Watch program our school has remained safe throughout 2014.

I congratulate the volunteers who give freely of their time to administer this community program and trust that as we prepare for the festive season and 2015 our community conscious continues to grow as there is nothing more rewarding than giving to your community in which you live. Wishing all members of the Neighbourhood Watch a safe, and incident free Festive season and our school community looks forward to the new year in the spirit of cooperation to ensure Helensvale remains a great place to live and learn.

Mike Shambrook Principal

I alone cannot change the world,

but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples. Mother Teresa

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Community Consultation I am based on the ground floor of the Helensvale Library & Cultural Centre. Generally, on Mondays and Fridays between 9.00am and 10.30am any member of the public can come in and have a chat no appointment required. (Occasionally a Council meeting is called on a Monday or Friday so please feel free to ring first to confirm attendance)

To arrange an appointment outside of these times please phone the office on 07 5582 8555. If you are unable to come to the office, I am also able to make house calls.

Emails, Letters & Telephone The fastest way of communicating an issue or a problem is by phoning the office on 07 5582 8555 or emailing division2@goldcoast.qld.gov.au. It can certainly help if you are able to email a photo of the problem (pothole, vandalism, blocked drain etc.). If the call goes to message, please leave your name and phone number on voicemail and Karen will return your call, or leave a message on my mobile number 0412 242-622.

In addition to all of the modern forms of communication we can also be reached by old fashioned mail by writing to: PO Box 5042,

Gold Coast Mail Centre Q 9729.

Social Media (Facebook & Twitter) Like many of the Councillors, I also run a private

Facebook page William Owen-Jones Division 2, Gold Coast. It is a more informal way to make contact and engage with topical conversations that other residents are having regarding local and City-wide issues.

I try to post something daily and it is an easy way to help share events that are happening within our community (feel free to contact me if you would like anything promoted that is happening in our area).

You are also welcome to send a Private Message using Facebook. However, if it is something that needs to be actioned I may have to ask that you send an email to the office so there is a corporate record (Facebook pages are not run officially by the City).

I am also available on Twitter - @WOJgoldcoast (however that form of social media is not always as social as Facebook!)

Radio Every Thursday at around 7.40am I speak on local Community Radio station Juice 107.3FM. The morning show hosts, Luke & Susie Holt, generally ask several questions about what has been happening in the City and what may be coming up in the local area over the coming week-end.

Councillor William Owen-Jones Division 2 City of Gold Coast

Communicating with our local office can be done in many ways.

COMMUNITY CRIME PREVENTION

CRIME STOPPERS GRAFFITI HOTLINE

HOON HOTLINE MYPOLICE

POLICELINK

SAFETY SCAMWATCH

SCHOOL WATCH TRIPLE ZERO

WHAT IF WORKING TOGETHER

ROT

Use your detective skills to find these words...

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Warrior Design

For all your graphic design

needs contact concept artist and graphic designer needs.

warriordesign.gc@gmail.com

Sam Mowle

This newsletter is published and distributed with the kind support of

Michael Crandon MP State Member for Coomera

& Councillor William Owen-Jones

Division 2 City of Gold Coast

Handy Contact List

Police, Fire & Ambulance 000 Policelink (non urgent crime reporting) 131 444 Crime Stoppers (report criminal activity anonymously) 1800 333 000 School Watch 131 788 State Emergency Service 132 500 for help with a damaged roof, rising flood water, trees fallen on buildings, or storm damage.

City of Gold Coast Disaster Hotline 1800 606 000 City of Gold Coast Council a/hrs (for emergencies) 1800 637 000 Road conditions/closures 13 19 40 Energex for all power supply/outages 13 19 62 Wildlife Hotline (animal emergencies) 1300 130 372 Health and hospital information 1343 2584

Crisis Support Services

DV Connect - Womensline 1800 811 811 -Mensline 1800 600 636 Parent Helpline 1300 301 300 Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 Seniors Enquiry Line 1300 135 500 Lifeline crisis support line 13 11 14 24-hour Specialist Mental Health Care (Advice, referrals, crisis, support) 1300 642 255 Housing Assistance Triage Service 55365247 Partners in Recovery intake line 1300 130 339 (can be accessed for non-urgent enquiries over the Christmas and New Year period).

Date Claimers

General Meetings 4 March 2015 3 June 2015

2 November 2015

Annual General Meeting 2 September 2015

Meetings are conducted at the

Helensvale Cultural Centre Commencing @ 7PM.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein has been obtained from sources we deem to be reliable, however we cannot guarantee its accuracy and interested persons should rely on their own enquiries. The views in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Queensland Police Service or Helensvale Neighbourhood Watch unless expressly so quoted.

fun for the whole family!

To find out more Like Us on Facebook Heart of Helensvale

Face Paint

ing

Novelty Races

Where: Helensvale Lions Park on Discovery Drive When: 14th March 2015 Time: 10.00AM - 2.00PM

Helensvale

neighbourhood watch

Food A

vailable

CHRISTMAS @

D

S U K

Saturday 20 December @

Helensvale Library and Cultural Centre 3pm 8pm

Meet Santa

Watch the fun stage performances or make

Christmas crafts

Free tickets to Frozen available from 3pm at the ticket booth. Movie starts 6pm. Seats are limited.

When the sun sets, eat, drink and be merry with the

local band The Bostocks

Strike a pose in the photobooth

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