Giving something back to the community is at the heart of their desire to volunteer, say those at the helm of the Omokoroa Community Policing Group (OCPG) charitable trust.
Christine, Bill, Pat and Tony are among 180 volunteers giving of their time and life skills to the group which covers four key areas – the police information centre; Neighbourhood Support; Community Patrols and Graffiti Busters.
Volunteers are always welcome to join. It’s all about neighbours looking after neighbours, being the eyes and ears for your community and making a difference.
Former chairman Tony Hawkins has given a few years to the OCPG and says he just likes getting things done and seeing a happy, balanced community that runs smoothly.
Tony has handed over the reins to Pat Harrison – a retired primary school teacher – who sought some volunteer work to keep himself busy.
Soon after moving to Omokoroa, Pat was filling a vacancy in the Police Information Centre and was then shoulder tapped for group chairman.
“It has been a great way to get to know the community – I am happy to play my part,” says Pat.
Christine has also served on the group for a number of years and is the familiar face in the police information centre. She enjoys helping out and networking with the other community groups.
Bill – a relative newcomer to the peninsula – is treasurer/secretary of the Trust and says there is great satisfaction from serving his community and helping to “sit on the crims”. All agree Omokoroa’s face is changing. The volunteer capacity is shrinking as the local population gets younger and busier, while the older, retired folk with time up their sleeves, diminish in number.
Group founder Glenn Whittaker says Western Bay of Plenty District Council has given constant support throughout the 11 years the group has been operating.
“It all began with the community’s frustration at the escalation in anti-social behaviour. Council and the Community Board saw reduction in community crime an important contributor to Council’s community development and safety,” says Glenn.
Through the Community Board, Council provided the start-up funding in 2007, the first community patrol car and has continued with staff support and a little annual funding.
Community Constable for Tauranga and Omokoroa, Paul Wrigley, believes the pro-active voluntary work of the group is a key reason that crime reporting has remained stable and low the area.
“The group is a one-stop shop for Police in Omokoroa and it makes it easier for me to provide intelligence and resources when appropriate. The power of networking is well demonstrated by how the group keeps all the significant community groups under one umbrella.
“Anecdotally, in comparison to other suburbs I monitor, including the avenue and suburbs closer to the city, Omokoroa is definitely a very safe place to live.”
Anyone keen to join the Omokoroa Community Policing Group is welcome to get in touch with Chairman Pat at pmharrison@xtra.co.nz
