Accolades for community-based safety initiatives
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The work of community stalwart John Devaus was recognised this week by Logan City Council.
Mr Devaus received the Stan Wells Award at the annual City of Logan Safe City Awards announced yesterday at PCYC Logan for his outstanding work with Daisy Hill Neighbourhood Watch (NHW).
The award honours former Jimboomba Neighbourhood Watch area co-ordinator, the late Stan Wells.
The City of Logan Safe City Awards acknowledge the work of volunteer groups, individuals, not-for-profit groups, government agencies and businesses.
Mr Devaus has chaired Daisy Hill NHW for 22 years and has advocated for the local community to all levels of government as well as ensuring anyone moving into the area is aware of the local group.
City Lifestyle Chair, Councillor Laurie Koranski said community safety was about feeling safe, whether at home, out and about or at work.
“Each year we recognise all those who contribute to making our neighbourhoods safer and more welcoming,” Cr Koranski said.
“John Devaus is an outstanding example of someone with strong local community spirit.
“Neighbourhood Watch Groups and the residents who help to run them are part of our community’s backbone and it is wonderful to recognise John and the Daisy Hill group this year along with all our other award recipients and nominees.”
The 2022 award winners include:
Business/Government and Partnership category:
• Winner: The Educate, Develop, Grow, Empower (EDGE) program.
Queensland Blue Light Disco Association has delivered EDGE programs at Loganlea State High School, St Francis State High School and Marsden State High School.
This early intervention program is designed to empower young people to make positive life choices, stay in school and foster a positive view of their future.
• Winner - Streets After Dark.
This collaboration of not-for-profit groups and government partners - Ted Noffs, Street University, YFS, ATSICHS and Logan New Directions - formed after an increase in anti-social behaviour at shopping centres, train stations and parks.
A need was identified for an after-hours safe space for young people to congregate in to help improve community safety. The program delivers sports, music, film, cultural connections and dance activities at The Street University’s Logan campus.
Not for Profit and Volunteer category
• Winner - Nightlight (founder and care leader John Porter).
The charity helps the homeless and those struggling and/or disadvantaged in the community through their free Thursday night Dinner Under The Stars where anyone can get a hot meal, have a haircut or a shower, see the Street Doctor and get their clothes washed.
Free household items, hygiene bags, furniture, white goods and food parcels are also provided by Nightlight to anyone experiencing domestic violence.
• Runner-up - Youth Justice Family Led Decision Making
YJFLDM provides a family-led decision making framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people engaged with or at risk of entering the youth justice system.
The service works with families and stakeholders to develop a plan to address youth justice matters and ensure the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and their families is heard.
Neighbourhood Watch Gold awards were also awarded to Iris Chiles, Elizabeth Dayot, Philippe Dayot, Jenny Devaus, Jill Devaus, John Devaus, Patsy Goodsir, Carol Greenfield, Geoff Greenfield, Gill Griffin, Neil Haines, Spencer Herft, John Leinonen, Peter Marriott, Graeme Nicholson, Murray Page, Clive Render, Sylvia Render, Robyn Russell, Richard Schultz, Reno Vella, Cliff Walker, Irene Walker and Mark Webber.