Last week we announced the launch of dob in a drug dealer and have already had some useful information come our way as a result. It is always refreshing to hear from people who care enough about their family and community to help us get drug dealers off the streets.

The types of drugs they are selling are manufactured in generally appalling conditions. No crystal clean laboratory with white lab coats and sterile conditions here. In fact, it is usually quite the contrary. I have seen clandestine drug labs set up using toilets for water supply and sheds with dirt floors for manufacturing drugs, which ultimately end up destroying the lives or our families and friends.

So take the opportunity to “dob in a drug dealer” by calling Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 and do your bit for community safety (anonymously if you like). No piece of information is too small, give us the opportunity to put these criminals out of business.

There was some fantastic local work in our community during NAIDOC Week and I had the personal privilege of attending a luncheon representing the NSW Police. It was a great opportunity to show our respect and break down barriers regarding ATSI issues. There were plenty of other events during the week, all revolving around cultural cohesion and the ones that I attended were fantastic.

We have made some significant arrests recently which have certainly had an impact on crime in our area, especially relating to thefts from motor vehicles and break and enter offences. This has been really positive, especially on the back of my previous article about locking your cars and houses. Most criminals make the most of easy targets so keep up the good work by helping us help you. 

This time of the year brings some awful weather and I will finish today with a simple message regarding road safety.

We are often bombarded with information regarding road safety and this is completely understandable with a rising road toll. An overflow of information means it is easy for people to switch off and not really take in the message we are trying to deliver.

In my opinion, the road toll is not just about deaths on the road. To me, the toll stretches far wider than this simple definition. Sure, it is about those who lose their lives or who suffer injuries as a result of recklessness, impatience or negligence on our roads. But that is only part of it.

The true road toll should also include those who are left behind suffering unimaginable grief from losing a loved one, or supporting someone who has been badly injured. 

It should include the emergency services people like the police who see the trauma over and over and have to deal with that in their own lives while they simply “do their best”. The ambos, the fireys, the SES and rescue organisations, nurses, doctors – the list goes on. The effect on these people all adds up to be the true toll.

So I will add my two cents to the wider message and ask people to drive to the conditions during these winter months. Being five minutes late won’t kill you, being reckless in trying to make it on time just might.

In my next article, I will talk about an exciting local initiative relating to aggressively targeting crime and alcohol fuelled violence within the community, so watch this space and until then, please stay safe.