Commendation and Merit Awards
Certificates of Commendation and Merit were presented to Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) volunteers at the NHW 40th Anniversary Awards, held at the Lakes Hotel on Sunday, 23 November.
The awards recognise volunteers who have demonstrated significant levels of service to NHW SA.
Certificate of Commendation
Rodney Beames
Rodney spent 29 years as Area Coordinator of West Beach NHW.
He promoted close liaisons between the police and the community, and West Beach NHW meetings continue to be well attended - a testament to Rodney’s passion for the community.
Rodney sadly passed away in 2024.
Tanya Rendulic
Tanya was involved with Whyalla Stuart NHW since its inception.
A dedicated member of the group, Tanya attended most meetings and made herself available to deliver newsletters when required.
Tanya sadly passed away in September.
Penny Campbell
Penny has been a stalwart of Hectorville NHW for several decades, performing roles as secretary and treasurer.
Penny’s nominator said her willing smile and knowledge of the local community helps create a cooperative environment at group meetings.
Jeanette Conroy
Jennette has made a significant contribution to Whyalla Stuart NHW since joining in 2011.
As newsletter editor, Jeanette has endeavoured to produce an edition every three months and recently implemented barcodes.
Arlene Jones
Arlene has held several roles in Klemzig NHW since joining in May 2018, including as a street representative, archivist and photographer.
Arlene has now taken up the position of coordinator of the newsletter packaging team.
Libby Minuzzo
Libby is a dedicated member of Dernancourt NHW, where she is the Deputy Area Coordinator and Treasurer.
In 2024, Libbi organised the Eastern District Group’s successful Christmas Dinner, attended by around 70 people.
Jim Phillips
Jim has been involved with several NHW groups across more than 30 years.
Jim was integral in relaunching the Clovelly Park and O’Halloran Hill groups and has spent time on numerous committees, including five years on the NHW Executive Committee.
Ian Polkinghorne
Ian has provided unwavering support to Gawler East NHW since 1998.
The long-time treasurer of the Area, Ian consistently provides financial updates and has adapted to the changing face of banking.
Phil Tavender
Phil is described by Eastern District Community Engagement Section as, “A wealth of knowledge of all things Neighbourhood Watch and an invaluable resource”.
Phil authored the NHW Volunteers Association of South Australia Incorporated Constitution and recently wrote and oversaw the processes of updating the regulations.
Shirley Tink
Shirley has been an invaluable member of Lockleys NHW for 26 years.
She has been a long-time secretary and treasurer and has provided constant support for other group members.
Ben Williams
Ben has been a NHW volunteer with Whyalla Stuart Area 277 for 24 years and is the Area Coordinator.
He is also President of the NHW Volunteers Association of South Australia Board of Management, a member of State Council and Chair of the Whyalla Combined Areas NHW Eyre and Western Region.
Raelene Williams
Raelene has dedicated 35 years of service to Whyalla Stuart NHW.
Raelene has held the role of secretary and treasurer with the Whyalla Combined Areas NHW Eyre and Western Region. She is also a State Councillor for the region.
Robyn Williams
Robyn is the Klemzig Area Coordinator, Treasurer of Eastern District NHW and a State Councillor.
Her nominator said that Robyn’s tireless work has contributed to the growth of NHW.
Merv Gerschwitz
Merv has been a member of Gawler East NHW since its inception in 1988.
He rarely misses a monthly meeting and has been involved in many projects over the years, from local street lighting improvements to road safety initiatives and crime prevention awareness.
Certificate of Merit
Matt Curnow
Area Coordinator of Flagstaff Hill NHW, Matt is a highly valued and long-standing member who has volunteered his time across different levels of the program.
He communicates well with Area Coordinators and SAPOL members alike and strives to improve the NHW program.
Margaret Kneebone
Margaret is a quiet achiever and a reliable member of Goolwa NHW.
She was previously a member of the Victor Harbor NHW group and her organisational skills have proven invaluable to Goolwa.
Claire Lovelock
Since 2003, Claire has excelled as newsletter editor with Klemzig NHW.
With an eye for design and detail, Claire has taken the newsletter from a credible information sharing resource to a standout, high-quality production published four times each year.
Tony McWhinney
Tony has been a long-standing member of Goolwa NHW, where he has held the positions of Area Coordinator and Treasurer.
Tony recently organised to promote Goolwa NHW on televisions inside the local shopping centre mall, ensuring the group’s messages are highly visible to shoppers.
Roger Porter
Roger has held several roles in his time with Sefton Park NHW including Treasurer, Area Coordinator and newsletter editor.
Roger was the driving force behind the group’s successful 40th anniversary grant application to supply personal alarms to suitable community members at the Prospect Spring Fair.
Bob Eisen
Bob has been involved with Murray Bridge NHW for more than 30 years
He helps raise awareness for the group by assisting at Bunnings and local shopping centre stands and talking to the public about looking after their community.
Jock MacGill
Jock is a long-standing member of Murray Bridge NHW.
From helping organise the Murray Bridge and Tailem Bend Christmas Pageants to raising funds by parking floats at the local racecourse, Jock’s dedication and community spirit is evident.
Area 406 Woodcroft
Woodcroft NHW received approval in 2024 to have a Facebook page to complement face-to-face meetings and newsletter deliveries.
The page has since become a frontrunner by displaying regular and relevant crime prevention material, advertising meetings, celebrating anniversaries and promoting community events.
The page provides information on a wide range of security and safety issues and follower numbers are consistently growing.