A Wagga resident has welcomed the government's move to support Neighbourhood Watch, saying the group is integral to a sense of community.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The organisations across NSW are back in business after an insurance debacle saw the 120 groups, including the one in Wagga, suspend operations.
Earlier this month, a restructure of the Treasury Managed Fund saw the organisation left without public liability insurance since the start of the 2019/2020 financial year.
The newly formed State Board took on the challenge and met with Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott - who decided to cover the group with a grant.
On Friday, Mr Elliot said he informed state president Bill Hackney that the government would be providing the organisation with a $9500 grant to cover their insurance.
Wagga resident Jason Le Cram said the organisation helps to form a sense of community.
He added while he was not someone to post in the forum, he kept on eye on it to see what was happening.
"It gives you a good sense of security," Mr Le Cram said.
"People can know that even if you are not home, people are watching out for you.
"My neighbours will look out for me when I am away, and we do the same for them."
President of the Wagga branch Wayne Deaner said it was great to see the government continue its support.
"It gives people hope, and it gives them a voice," he said.
"We are not only a NHW that specialises in crime prevention programs and getting the word out there, but we are starting to be a spokesperson for the issues around town.
"Wagga NHW has got influence across the board with police and council."
Mr Deaner has also been named as the regional vice-president for the new NSW board.
"It's been pretty extensive work with forming the organisation and all the paperwork," he said.
"It's been a lot of late nights and trips to Sydney at the spur of the moment.
"The forming of the NSW board, and me being on it, is a big step for Wagga."
Mr Hackney thanked the state government for ensuring Neighbourhood Watch continued to care for their communities.