7 Oxenford Neighbourhood Watch Happy New Year from the Oxenford NHW team – we look forward to a stimulating time. Our attention is drawn to the impact of the tornado and those violent storms. Great the way the community came together to help. We are a District of volunteers, benefiting from the considerable assistance of the Council, the SES and Energex, all working together to clean up the mess and help those less fortunate. Lots of memories of good deeds, the tireless neighbours armed with chainsaws, the need to help those without power providing thermos flasks of hot tea and bags of ice for other refreshments. Thank you to everyone, we can be proud of the way we worked together. So, what happened to bone-dry El Niño that was expected to bring on an early fire season? While it made a temporary showing in the Spring, it has not been too noticeable since then. We now know there are several weather systems in operation powered by our three neighbouring oceans. It is almost impossible to model the changing conditions in advance, given the confusion of warmer than usual influences. Rather than blame BOM we need to become better prepared. We now have a clearer register of those who are more vulnerable; first step is to ensure that they are safe. Everyone should have a survival kit, if nothing else, bottled water and a working torch are essential. Can the Firees stand down? Answer is we are likely to experience more grass fires rather than the traditional forest fires. These can be just as damaging and perhaps less expected. Remember it only takes a day or two for long grass to dry, so better to be prepared and keep lawns in manageable proportions. Another manifestation of our community spirit is the increasing time we are spending outdoors. Great to meet more people on our favourite walks, Damian Leeding Memorial Park being increasingly popular during the school holidays – thank you Div 2 for restoring the recreational area in record time. Keeping moderately fit should be a New Year’s resolution. As mentioned below, a key focus over the next month will be Cybercrime. Those of you keen on employment will note that the top executive skill is now cyber-protection as scammers move from big businesses to smaller and more vulnerable operations. Worth mentioning once again the ‘Little Black Book of Scams (BBoS),’ which and can be ordered online and addresses many of the increasingly sophisticate scams that are becoming prevalent. Next time you apply for a job, take the BBoS with you, it might be the winning ticket! Please remember that if you experience a scam, report it to the ACCC via Scamwatch – visit www.scamwatch.gov.au. Important to mention that the opportunistic youth has not gone away, remember to ‘lock it or lose it.’ The other worrying statistic is the prevalence of domestic violence, the high cost of living being a factor. Please watch out and protect those who may be more vulnerable. Our next NHW event will be on the 13th of February 2024 with a 7.00 pm start, location at the Meeting Place (aka the Oxenford and Coomera Community Youth Centre), 25 Leo Graham Way, Oxenford QLD. A keynote speaker from the OFT will address the critical issue of scams and the implications for our community. We will also welcome our community Police Officer, our local Counsellor, and our State member for Parliament. As always, we will close with a raffle and light refreshment to ensure a stimulating evening. We Look forward to welcoming you. Martin Mankowski, Area Coordinator Oxenford Neighbourhood Watch My Police Bulletin Flood affected areas on high alert for contractor scams Police are urging the community to be wary of potential scammers trying to take advantage of flood-affected areas as communities begin to recover. People posing as tradesmen, treeloppers or electricians are known to approach people during times of hardship and offer to get their premises restored or repaired, or trees cleared for exorbitant prices. Scammers may use email, text message or social media to try and trick online uses into revealing account information or financial details. The most common online scams involve fake websites to try and get the victim to pay for nonexistent products and services, asking for personal and financial information and installing malicious software on devices. If approached by any person offering services or a tradesperson offering to help, ask for their business card or to see their General Construction Induction Card (White Card) Worksafe Queensland If offered electrical help, check the provider’s electrical licence online - Electrical Licence Register. If you are unsure about an electrician, decline their services and find a licenced electrical contractor yourself either online or through Master Electricians Australia on 1300 889 198. If you witness any suspicious activity in your area as recovery efforts continue, report it immediately to police. To check if your contractor is licenced, visit Electrical License Search. To learn more about scams: www. scamwatch.gov.au. If you have been the victim of a cybercrime, you can report this online at ReportCyber. If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/ reporting. Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au
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