Residents of Kingston and Frankton are eager to work with emergency services to create safer communities, and they are now supported by police in creating Neighbourhood Support groups.
Community liaison constable Zoe Albon, who services the Kingston and Frankton areas, is helping residents set up groups, which will see volunteer members get training in first aid, emergency response and the co-ordination of a local support network.
"The idea is to empower the communities and help them to take care of the needs of their members. It is not just about looking after properties, but also about being able to deal with emergencies, liaising with police about improving safety, and about looking after the young and elderly," Const Albon said.
"It is also a great way for people to get involved and take an active part in their community, while at the same time gaining new skills."
The idea to create a Neighbourhood Support group in Kingston came about during a conversation between Const Albon and Margaret Gibson, who is the secretary of the Kingston Community Association.
"Margaret suggested getting a group established, and I started looking into what was done at a national level, and what help such groups could get," Const Albon said.
Frankton resident Vinny McCorkindale heard about the idea from Const Albon through her job as a receptionist with the police in Queenstown.
As an active member of her community, Ms McCorkindale is eager to find ways to improve community spirit and support.
"I know the people in my street, and other people who know all their neighbours as well.
"So it only takes a handful of people to create a tight network where we can share information and look after each other," Ms McCorkindale said.
Const Albon would help set up the groups and act as contact to other emergency services on overall matters, but insists it will be up to the groups how many activities they wish to take on.
The first step would be to get a small number of people together to drive the groups, who would receive basic training from police and other organisations about the requirements and possibilities for Neighbourhood Support groups..
Members of other communities in the Wakatipu area interested in setting up Neighbourhood Support groups can contact Const Albon through the Queenstown police station.
