At Donnybrae, we believe that a connected community is a happier, safer community. That’s why we have teamed up with Neighbourhood Watch Victoria as one of their “Building Community Together” partners to launch Neighbourhood Watch at Donnybrae.
Since 1983, Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) has been encouraging, advising and educating Victorians on how to protect themselves from crime; keep themselves, their family, their home and belongings safe, and get to know their neighbours and feel part of their community.
And now Dennis Family Corporation (DFC) is embracing the opportunity to enter a partnership with Neighbourhood Watch to assist residents in each of its Victorian residential estates to establish their own NHW groups.
“We pride ourselves on creating communities and homes where families can grow and prosper,” explains Peter Ryan, DFC’s Executive General Manager – Developments. “And getting to know your neighbours and involved in the local community is key to fostering a strong sense of community spirit.”
“It also increases the likelihood that people will look out for each other and take note of anything that appears out of the ordinary. In short, it makes an estate feel friendlier and safer.”
Vibeke Pedersen, Community Engagement Project Co-ordinator for Neighbourhood Watch Victoria, concurs: “At Neighbourhood Watch we know that a connected community is a happier, safer community. We are proud to have Dennis Family Corporation, one of Victoria’s most reputable residential property developers, as a partner in our Building Community Together program. Both organisations share a passion for community.”
“How do we do it? We share our tips and suggestions on getting to know your neighbours, such as taking their bins in, and saying hi when you have the chance. It’s these small interactions that help you feel more connected, and, as a result, feel safer.”
The ‘Building Community Together’ partnership will see DFC contribute $7.7k per estate to establish an NHW group when it reaches the stage where there are enough residents living in the estate to make it viable.
The funds will cover the costs of NHW implementing a series of events and activities that will get the groups off to a flying start, including:
- Distributing an online survey to all residents to evaluate their perception of crime, sense of safety, and knowledge of their neighbours.
- Holding three Community Focus Sessions addressing the issues of Community Wellness: Country & Culture, Health & Fitness, Environment & Infrastructure, Safety & Crime Prevention, Hobbies & Lifestyle.
- Supporting residents who are interested in running an NHW event, forming a new group or an event or program as identified in the community workshops.
- Establishing a dedicated NHW Facebook Page.
According to Vibeke, the beauty of NHW is that getting involved is very easy.
“Anyone is welcome – participants just need to be willing to work alongside their neighbours and fellow community members to help make the place they live safer and friendlier. How much time they give is totally up to each individual.”
“We believe this partnership will deliver tangible benefits for our residents and be a great asset for each estate, helping both to grow and prosper,” Peter concludes.