Good Neighbour Award 2019
Each year ACT Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) honour a resident of the ACT with the Good Neighbour Award, and this year the award goes to Margaret and Mick Dando from Ainslie.
The award is granted to a nominee for making a positive difference to their neighbourhood; making a special effort towards people around them; offering to assist in practical or special ways or for volunteering or supporting the local community.
Margaret and Mick were nominated by their neighbour and Executive Director of Anglicare Australia, Kasy Chambers who couldn’t speak highly enough of the pair.
“They are wonderful neighbours to those in the street. They pick up parcels, meet tradies, have a chat, keep people in touch with each other, watch your house when you are away, the list goes on.
“They are also strong believers in the importance of a neighbourhood and local community and delight in living in a street with a mixture of older, younger and working residents.
"Upon noticing a number of elderly people walking in our street they put a park bench style seat outside their house. The seat has become used by many in the neighbourhood. Children on their way home from school, people wanting a chat and most importantly one elderly lady has now been able to extend her walk by double and reach the Dickson duck pond with her little dog because there is somewhere to rest on the way. This alone extended her health and enjoyment of the neighbourhood. Mick is usually on hand to augment the seat with a chat when people call by and others in the street (me!) have put in our own seats as light-hearted competition.
“Marg and Mick make our street a neighbourhood,” Ms Chambers said.
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President of NHW ACT Margaret Pearson presented the award on Monday (25 March) to the pair who were visibly humbled by the recognition.
“Thank you very much, it’s really something we didn’t expect and we do appreciate it,” Mrs Dando said.
ACT Policing’s Detective Superintendent, Jason Kennedy was very proud to congratulate Margaret who has been a Police Volunteer for the last 15 years, and is also a Justice of the Peace. He also noted her dedication to the force after she had no hesitation turning up to her front office shift on her 85th birthday.
“I took Margaret to the recruit’s lunch and told them they should never complain about doing a front office shift again.
"Margaret always has a smile on her face and gives a hug when it’s needed. We really couldn’t do without her and this award is very much deserved for her and Mick,” Detective Superintendent Kennedy said.
ACT Policing and NHW ACT will be at Bunnings Belconnen this Saturday (30 March) handing out Safe Plate screws and talking all things home security. Come and chat to the team about joining your local NHW group.
For more information on how you can make your neighbourhood a better place, visit nhwact.com.au.
