Two prolific Mackay residents have received national recognition for their work in the community through the Neighbourhood Watch Australasia Awards.
Gerri Kissner of Mackay Northern Beaches Neighbourhood Watch and Sergeant Nigel Dalton were recently awarded the Malcolm Grant OAM Volunteer of the Year Award and the Neighbourhood Watch Australasia Police Commissioners Award respectively.
It’s the first time the two awards have been presented to people from the same town, acknowledging the work Ms Kissner and Mr Dalton do in bringing the online world to seniors and personal and online safety.
As Coordinator of Mackay Northern Beaches Neighbourhood Watch, Ms Kissner’s work often involves teaching personal and cyber safety to the over 50 community.
“It’s always nice to be acknowledged for the work you do, but I do it because I find there’s a need for it to be done,” she said.
“I’m lucky, I work with the Crime Prevention Unit and Neighbourhood Watch, so it’s always good to get out and help people where you can.”
Ms Kissner moved to Mackay from Sydney 18 years ago, saying the local volunteer community is a welcoming one, and urging others to get involved.
“There is a very good community spirit in Mackay,” she said.
“In a regional town, you’ve got the opportunity to find things that are around, find things to do.
“There are things that need to be done in the community where people need to step up and be volunteers.
“If you’ve got time on your hands, you don’t have to be retired, get out there and give a bit back to your community.”
Ms Kissner and Mr Dalton often collaborate, most recently speaking with the Blue Care Wellness Tuesday Group where they spoke about personal safety as well as scams and cyber-crime issues.
Ms Kissner will again be facilitating ‘Be Connected’ online safety sessions in September, inviting over 50s from all backgrounds, including indigenous people, people living with a disability, immigrants, or anybody looking for assistance, to get involved.
“We particularly want to educate the older people to be aware of just what’s out there and keep themselves safe,” she said.
The free sessions will be held at Jubilee Community Centre on September 7, 14 and 28 from 10:00am to 12:00pm and includes morning tea.
Numbers are limited so contact 0423 291 979 for more information.
Northern Beaches Neighbourhood Watch are also collaborating with Shed Happens Mackay for Fun and Pancakes with Dad, happening at the Sugar Bowl on Saturday, September 9 from 10:30am to 2:30pm.
Gerri Kissner and Sergeant Nigel Dalton. Photo supplied: myPolice Mackay Whitsunday
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