On Saturday, 19 November 2022, SA Police and the Neighbourhood Watch Volunteers Association of SA (NHW VASA) held the 2022 Neighbourhood Watch Awards and Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Every year NHW and SA Police recognise and express their appreciation for the valuable contribution, enthusiasm and dedication that volunteers, and police officers provide to the NHW program. Nominations for the various awards are submitted and winners are then chosen by an expert panel of NHW members.

The winners of the 2022 awards are:

The President's Award
(Presented annually by the President of NHW VASA to a NHW volunteer who has demonstrated exemplary service to NHW)
Chris Brightwell
Area 428 - Klemzig

Neighbourhood Watch Volunteer of the Year
(Awarded annually to a NHW volunteer who has demonstrated exemplary service to NHW)
Patricia Salter
Area 272 - Goolwa

Award of Merit
(Awarded annually to NHW volunteers, NHW groups and police officers who have demonstrated superior levels of service to NHW)

Senior Constable Randal Murch
Barossa Local Service Area Crime Prevention Section

Senior Constable Keren Burke
Eyre and Western Local Service Area Crime Prevention Section

Senior Constable First Class Sophie Hodge
Southern District Community Engagement Section

Tim Gibbs
Neighbourhood Watch SA Administration Officer

Lynn Mansfield
Area 075 - O'Sullivan Beach

Glen Woods
Area 210 - Hendon / Royal Park

Ross Kirby
Area 111 - Gawler East

Pauline Sultana
Area 210 - Hendon / Royal Park

Sue Bernik
Area 461 - Happy Valley & O'Halloran Hill

Barbara Dawe
Area 33 - Lockleys

Peter Moller
Area 428 - Klemzig

Certificate of Commendation
(Awarded annually to NHW volunteers, NHW groups and police officers who have demonstrated significant levels of service to NHW)

Stirling North Neighbourhood Watch Area 206
Area Coordinator - Pat Phillips

Gawler East Neighbourhood Watch Area 111
Area Coordinator - Trevor Bellchambers

Trevor Howe
Area 210 - Hendon / Royal Park

Sandra Stennett
Area 210 - Hendon / Royal Park

Helen Keros
Area 210 - Hendon / Royal Park

Emil Szczurko
Area 210 - Hendon / Royal Park

Cathy Ireland
Area 210 - Hendon / Royal Park

Karina Kyriazis
Area 210 - Hendon / Royal Park

Congratulations to all winners and nominees!

The Awards ceremony was attended by more than 60 people including the Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, the Hon Joe Szakacs, SA Police representatives Assistant Commissioner (AC) Philip Newitt, Acting Superintendent Cameron Devey and Sergeant Philip Gurr, and NHW VASA Board of Management members including President Phil Tavender. Thank you to AC Philip Newitt, the Hon Joe Szakacs and President Phil Tavender for presenting awards.

Along with celebrating the great work of SA Police members and our many NHW volunteers, during the AGM two new NHW VASA Board members were welcomed following a nomination and election process – Andy Constantinides (Area 628 - St Clair) and Pat Salter (Area 272 - Goolwa). Thank you to Lynn Mansfield (Area 075 - O'Sullivan Beach) and Shiralee Reardon (Area 504 – Para Hills 3) who have stepped down from the Board of Management following the ending of their tenure's. Their guidance and expertise over the last few years has been fantastic!

Thank you to all of our valued SAPOL volunteers for your service to the Neighbourhood Watch program.

If you’re interested in joining Neighbourhood Watch SA, find your nearest group here and get in touch! If you can’t find a suitable group you could consider starting your own, find out how to start a new group here.

Follow Neighbourhood Watch SA on Facebook for the latest news, updates, and crime prevention hints & tips.