Neighbourhood Watch

Hackett Newsletter
25 Years ACT Neighbourhood Watch. Congratulations!
***Electronic Copies of the Newsletter***
www.nhwact.com.au & http://northcanberra.org.au/ August, 2009
Emergency 000
Hackett Community Association Attendance 13 1444
Next Meeting Crimestoppers 1800 333 000
Tuesday, 18 August 2009, 7.30pm Enquiries 6256 7777
ACT Sports House, 100 Maitland Street
Chair, Newsletter Coordinator
Dorothy Mackenzie, 6248 9281
The Hackett Community Association met on Tuesday 21 July and discussed a Mackenzie2602@optusnet.com.au
range of issues, including: The realignment of the Majura Parkway and the
Newsletter editor
linkages to the planned expansion of Canberra Airport, the proposal to develop Jochen Zeil: jzeil@bigpond.net.au
a community garden in Hackett, the Sir John Hackett Essay competition and Treasurer
planning for a community celebration at the Hackett shops later this year. Pat MacNamara, 6249 1669
A key item for discussion at our next meeting on the 18 August will be the Engraver
response from ACT Roads to questions about traffic in Hackett (see page 2). Hillig Volker, 6257 0506
All HCA members are welcome and members of the Hackett community Deadline for next newsletter:
wishing to join can do so at the meeting. Saturday 29 August, 2009
Sponsorship and distribution of this Newsletter
North Canberra Community Council Meeting is authorized by NHWatch ACT Inc. Ass’n.
Wednesday, 19 August 2009, 7.30 pm
ACT Sports House, 100 Maitland Street Hackett Preschool Annual
Guest: Tony Gill, ACT Roads Fundraising Garage Sale
Inner North traffic planning
Find the agenda at http://northcanberra.org.au/ 1 week before the meeting Saturday 5 September 2009,
10am - 2pm
*****ACT Neighbourhood Watch turns 25***** Hackett Preschool
NHW celebrates: Wednesday, 23 September, 7.00 pm at the Hellenic Club, Crn Maitland and Mills Street
Woden. $30.00 cost of dinner. Please ring Dorothy Mackenzie on 6248 9281, BBQ, live music, cake stall, white
or Patrick McNamara on 6249 1669 if you would like to be involved in a Hackett elephant, bargains galore.
table at the dinner. Save your recyclable goodies and drop
***** them off at the Preschool on
AGM of ACT Neighbourhood Watch Inc. Association Sat, 29th August, 9 -11am
Or contact Kirsty at ph 6248 6016 or
Thursday, 13 August at 7.30 pm at the Ainslie Football Club, 52 Wakefield Ave, kirsty500@gmail.com
Ainslie. Guest speaker is Deputy CPO, Commander Kevin Zuccatto. All Please no electrical or computer parts.
members are warmly invited to attend. Please ring 6248 9281 if you would like Thank you for your support!
to join us.

Social Inclusion of Older Australians

Are you over 60 and live in the inner North? Have Your Say!
Why is it important. Australia has a rapidly ageing population, with 13% of Australia's population aged over 65yr and
projected to rise. This has significant implications in the social and economic well-being of older Australians. Northside
Community Service would like to ensure the social inclusion of older Australians living in the inner North.
What is social inclusion. Social inclusion is about making sure that no one is left out, excluded, or forgotten, in our
community. Social inclusion aims to addresses the fact that Australians have certain barriers that prevent them from being
part of their community.
We need your input. We want you to have your say in the issues that affect your social and economic well-being.
Northside Community Service wants to know:
1) What makes it hard for you to be included in your community?
2) What you think needs to be done to help you become more socially connected?
3) What are the strengths of your community and networks to provide you support when you need it?
Northside Community Service intends to use the research data and report to improve services and inform future policy and
service delivery. We will work to overcome the barriers causing social exclusion and to build on the strengths of our
community.
How to get involved. Contact us for further information to participate in discussions, interviews or a complete survey.
Northside Community Service, Ivana Durcinoska, Phone 6162 2901, Email: ivana.durcinoska@northside.asn.au
 Swine Flu
Summary of the talk by Dr Adrian Wright at Holy Cross Anglican Church on July 29, 2009
Influenza has been around for many years and was documented by Hippocrates, 2,400 years ago. It is diagnosed when
the patient has a measured fever (of 38 degrees or more) or a good story of fever (eg shivers, rigors, chills or burning up)
usually lasting 12-48 hours, a cough or a sore throat. Other symptoms commonly include weakness, lethargy, snuffles,
headaches and generalized body aches. Adults can have nausea but usually only children will get any diarrhoea. The
patient is contagious for the 24 hours prior to symptoms, and continues to be contagious for a week afterwards. Children
may be contagious for 10 to 14 days.
A Pandemic is a world -wide outbreak of an infectious disease that spreads rapidly and has occurred about three times
each century for the last 300 years. The Spanish Flu (1918-20), Asian flu (1957) and Hong Kong flu (1968) occurred in the
last century. The Spanish Flu probably killed 50 100 million people with younger people its primary target like our current
Swine flu epidemic. Seasonal Influenza usually kills the old and frail in two epidemics worldwide (Nthn and Sthn Winters)
with approximately ½ million deaths per year.
Highly contagious Influenza is spread through air borne droplets from coughing and sneezing. These body secretions can
live on metal and wood surfaces for a couple of days and in porous things like tissues for 15 minutes. They can survive on
dry skin for 15 minutes. In the ACT we are currently in the Protect phase of the epidemic. This recognises that the disease is
not so serious to the majority of the population and certain risk groups need the most protection. Rules of simple hygiene
should be followed such as washing hands often, using tissues to cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing and
disposing of them carefully. Soaps and detergents easily decontaminate to help prevent the spread of the virus. Opening
doors and windows to help dilute the concentration of virus in the air or sleeping in different bedrooms may help prevent
other family members from contracting the infection. Infected people should stay at home for a week. Other members of
the family may go to school and work if asymptomatic. Some people exposed to the virus may become carriers and pass it
on in the first 24 48 hours, but may be protected by their own immune system.
Swine Flu is a mild illness. There were 647 proven cases in ACT as of 27/7/09 and 50 deaths Australia wide. It often comes
in waves and those people not infected in the first wave may contract it in the 2nd or 3rd wave and these subsequent waves
may not be as bad as the first, presuming the virus doesn't mutate in the mean time. If you have the symptoms of 'flu you
should contact your Doctor or Flu clinic attached alongside the ED departments of our two hospitals to receive the anti viral
medication that can suppress the disease, in the first 48 hours. Most people with these symptoms will not have nasal
swabs to prove the infection, as it will be presumed. The groups most at risk of serious illness or complications include those
with underlying respiratory (eg asthma), cardiac (eg heart failure or valvular heart disease) or metabolic diseases (eg
diabetes, renal failure), the morbidly obese and pregnant women, The important message is to stay home if you are sick,
pay particular attention to general hygiene, especially washing of hands and preventing droplet spread with disposable
tissues or masks and seek medical attention promptly if concerned or in one of the high risk groups.
Dorothy Mackenzie

Sir John Hackett Essay Competition
Get Your Entries in Soon!
A reminder to all young people living in Hackett and in
school years 5-12 that the Sir John Hackett Essay
Competition closes in mid August
All young people living in Hackett and in school years 5-12
are invited to enter this competition being held by the
Hackett Community Association with the support of local
schools and the Australian Dictionary of Biography.
Essays should be:
250-500 words long for Years 5-6;
approximately 600 words for Years 7-8;
900-1000 words for Years 9-10 and
1000-1200 words for Years 11-12.
The topic is: “The person after whom your street in Hackett
is named”. Where the street is named after more than one
person (eg. Rivett Street) you can choose which person to
write about. Prizes and certificates will be offered for the
best essays.
Winning entries may, with the agreement of the entrant, be
placed on the Australian Dictionary of Biography website
and/or in the Hackett 50 year book.
Entries are to be in triplicate with the covering form by early
August. The form is available at local schools, at the
Hackett IGA and can be downloaded from the Hackett
website at http://northcanberra.org.au/suburbs/hackett/
The contact for the competition is the HCA Chair, James
Walker, who can be reached on 6247 0951 or mail PO. Box
198, Civic Square, ACT, 2608.
Roads ACT Rules out Pedestrian
Crossing on Madigan Street
Over the last couple of years the Hackett Community
Association has been discussing with Roads ACT the need
for a pedestrian crossing on Madigan Street near the shops.
Residents have been concerned about the volume and
speed of the traffic on Madigan Street during the morning
peak period. This is of particular concern for older residents
in the suburb.
Roads ACT has now formally responded
“Roads ACT undertook a Roads safety Audit in
some locations in Hackett and Watson in June 2009
and a possible pedestrian crossing on Madigan
Street near the Hackett Shop was assessed in the
audit. The audit shows that the traffic in Madigan
Street is not a concentrated platoon and there are
frequent gaps in the stream that provide opportunity
for pedestrians to cross. This is in addition to the
wide median which provides which enables
pedestrians to cross in two stages.
Considering the outcome of the audit report, the
location near the shop does not meet the
requirement for a formal pedestrian crossing as
indicated in Australia Standard.”
The Hackett Community Association would like to hear from
residents if they are still concerned about the lack of a
pedestrian crossing and if they would like the Association to
pursue this matter. Please ring James Walker on 6247 0951
or email: secretary@northcanberra.org.au.
Crime In Other City Suburbs
Burglary Motor Vehicle Other theft
Suburb Assault
Ainslie 1 4
Campbell 1 4
Dickson 1 3
Downer 0 2
Hackett 1 0
O'Connor 2 5
Reid 1 1
Turner 1 0
Watson 0 3
Hackett Crime June, 2009
Offence Type
Street name
Assault HADDON STREET
Other theft SELWYN STREET
Other theft HARRIS STREET
Volunteers Make National Tree Day a Success
Community planting on Sunday, 2 August 2009
Friends of Mount Majura (FoMM)
celebrated National Tree Day on
Sunday 2 August with a major tree
planting on the Majura paddock. More
than 140 people joined in on the
celebration, having a good time and
planting over 300 trees. A range of
trees were planted, including Yellow
box, Red gum, Apple box and Brittle
gum. It was a classic Canberra winter
day, clear and cool, but people got into
the spirit and quickly warmed up. It
was especially encouraging to see so
many children participate. The
Minister for Planning, Andrew Barr,
helped to demonstrate how to plant
the seedlings, and was later joined by
Ms Caroline Le Couteur (ACT Greens)
and Senator Gary Humphries.
Thanks to all who helped to make the
event a success, and in particular to
the Rotary Club of Canberra North,
who provided a free BBQ for all
participants.
Photographs (from top): Andrew Barr
and Patrick Miller of Hackett assist
FoMM coordinator Waltraud Pix with a
demonstration on how to plant a tree
and have great fun; the North
Canberra Rotary Club runs the BBQ
and students, parents and teachers of
the Blue Gum School Wild Cherries
and Ironbark classes celebrate after
having planted more then 100 trees on
National Tree School Day.
Friends of Mount Majura
Expert Guided Tree Walk
Join local ecologist Michael Doherty
for a gentle walk to discover the
trees growing on Mount Majura.
Sunday 23 August 1.00 - 3.00pm
Nature park entrance Mackenzie St.
Bring a gold coin for tree guides
More info: www.majura.org
June 2009
Criminal Damage Total
4 6
4 5
0 21
1 0
0 2
6 0
1 6
1 5
2 7
Start date
21/06/2009
05/06/2009
27/06/2009
House Numbers
8 23 Is your house number effective? Can it
3 17 be seen and read on a dark night?
16 41 Effectiveness is largely determined by
three factors: size, contrast, and
6 9
location. As a general guide, numbers
0 3 should be at least 75 mm (3 inches)
11 24 high if located on the house itself, or
8 17 100 mm (4 inches) when painted on a
14 21 driveway or kerb. For maximum
6 18 visibility, there should be strong
contrast between the number and its
End date
background, for example, black
numbers on a white background.
21/06/2009 Contrast is further improved if the
09/06/2009 numbers are in a thick, wide font. As to
location, it should be somewhere easily
27/06/2009 seen from the street, such as the
letterbox, the driveway, or on the house
itself. Many houses show their number
in two or more places. Placing a
number where it will be illuminated by a
front light is a good idea, provided it is
visible from the road. The door itself is
not good because the number will not
be visible if the door is open.
Numbers can be difficult to read if they
are too small, too low on the house, or
if they are covered by garden foliage.
Lack of contrast can make numbers
almost invisible at night. This is
particularly a problem with bronze and
silver numbers, if numbers have been
painted over the same colour as the
house, or where numbers are simply
engraved in wood or stone. Last,
“fancy” numbers are a problem,
including numbers shown in roman
numerals, numbers written in text,
numbers written vertically or at an
angle, “sixes” that look like “eights”,
and “ones” that look like “sevens”.
Good house numbering improves
neighbourhood security, because it can
reduce the response time of
ambulances and other emergency
services. They don't waste time looking
for addresses. Next time you are
outside on a dark night, check to see
how easy it is to find and read your
house number.
Friends of Mount Majura
Horehound Blitz
Sunday 16 August, 12.00 - 4.00pm
Meet at the Hackett reservoir off Rivett
/ French Streets
Please bring your favourite weeding
tool, household gloves with long cuffs
or garden gloves and sun protection.
Help remove a serious ground cover
weed in the vicinity of the National Tree
Day planting sites. Give as little or as
much time as you like. You will make a
difference!
Enquiries: ph 6247 7515 or visit
www.majura.org
DAVID MCREYNOLDS
Your local Plumber (Lic.No 662)
NO CALL OUT FEE FOR
HACKETT CUSTOMERS
For all your plumbing,
draining and gas-fitting needs
Blocked Drains Extensions
Maintenance New Work
Repairs
98 Rivett Street HACKETT
Phone: 6247 8464
Mobile: 0418 160 521
ENAMEL PAINTERS,
MAINTENANCE AND
DECORATORS
For all your painting and
maintenance
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR
Obligation free quotes
call Stratos Parascus on
0413086348 or 62577752
40 Rivett Street
cdixon@peterblackshaw.com.au
Open Tues, Wed, Fri;
9 am—5pm
Garment
Altering & Repairing
Service
open seven days
20 Gilbert Street
Hackett
Watson Pharmacy
QCPP accredited
Pharmacy needs
Post Office, Newsagency, Gifts
Hire: Wheel chairs, walking frames
Scripts: Free pick-up & delivery
Seniors' Discount
Open: 8.30 to 6.00 (Mon-Fri)
8.30 to 12.30 (Sat)
Pharmacy: 62411506 Post Office: 62411505
Fax: 6241 3787
cdixon@peterblackshawdickson.com.au
Meg's Toy Box:
a volunteer-run community toy library,
provides toys at a minimal hire fee for
children up to 6 years of age.
Hours: Wed 10am-noon, Sat 2pm-4pm.
Located at the back of St Margaret's Uniting
Church, corner Antill St and Phillip Ave,
Hackett.
Phone Helen 0416 568 024, or just drop in.
Ailean OnLine
PC’s; LAPTOP’S; SERVERS; NETWORKS
ADVICE, REPAIRS, DESIGN & HELP
Broadband, Internet phones (VoIP)
Office or Home Networks
37 Years experience. Business established 17 years.
P: 6101 8362
F: 6161 4758
E: Sales@ailean.com.au
OFFICE: 18 Bragg Street HACKETT
Northside Electrics Pty Ltd
Ceiling Lights Garages
Exhaust Fans Extensions
NO CALL OUT FEE FOR HACKETT CUSTOMERS
All work Guaranteed 80 Rivett St
Hackett ACT 2602
Nev Davis (02) 6249 1949
Licensed Contractor 0412 741 172
BRAY FENCING
Chainwire Colorbond
Wanted: Zone Leaders
Flagpoles Rural Fencing Hackett Neighbourhood Watch
Fully Insured Free Quotes
needs people to volunteer as zone leaders
and to fill temporary vacancies while zone
324 Antill St Hackett ACT leaders are sick or on holidays. The job is
(since 1965) easy, and involves delivering newsletters to
P (02) 6248 0303 between 20 and 30 homes once a month.
M 0428 480 303 To volunteer, please contact
F (02) 6249 8228 Dorothy on 6248 9281 or
brayfencing@bigpond.com Patrick on 6249 1669.