If you see emergency service vehicles parked outside Welcome Bay Community Hall next Saturday, June 28, don’t panic! Just park up – and enjoy the fourth Neighbourhood Support Western Bay of Plenty Sirens and Services Day to hit the rohe.
The free event from 1pm-4pm on June 28 is being hosted by Neighbourhood Support WBOP to raise awareness around community safety, said event co-ordinator Rebecca Larsen.
“It will focus on safety and security, community connection – and community services, so what is available for whānau and the community to support them.”
Police, fire and ambulance vehicles will park outside the hall; inside will be a raft of community organisations and entertainment.
Safety education
There will be safety education, support for over-65s and financial advice. “A range of community support services such as WBOP Neighbourhood Support, SPCA, Bay Financial Services, Good Neighbour, Super Support, Here to Help U, Baywide Law, Tautokemai, Mums 4 Mums, Safe Surfer and Smart Guys will be there plus Tauranga City Council’s Emergency Management will bring their VR headsets.”
Councillor Rod Taylor, Rebecca Larsen, Gemma Cramp, Labour List MP Jan Tinetti, Dave Mer-ton, councillor Marten Rozeboom and Doug Barnes at the Merivale Sirens & Services Day. Photo / Steve Fawcett, Vector Group Charitable Trust
Larsen said eventgoers can collect stamps in a “passport” by learning what each stall is offering – and the first 60 whānau finished will receive a free home essentials pack, with items such as toothpaste, household cleaning supplies and more.
Children who complete their “passports” can grab a free ice cream at the Mr Whippy truck.
“The ‘passport’ activity ensures everybody comes away with valuable information about what community services are available for them,” said Larsen.
Entry is koha of a food can, which will go to Welcome Bay Community Centre’s emergency foodbank.
“It’s not mandatory but if we can collect some cans, it will help the foodbank,” said Larsen.
More connected
The day also features free kids’ entertainment such as face painting and balloon twisting, with food trucks and Mr Whippy outside by the fire engines, police cars and ambulances – which families can all hop in and view.
“Our ultimate goals are to educate people about their safety and to be prepared for emergencies – and to ensure neighbours are connecting,” said Larsen. “Because a more connected community is a stronger, safer community.”
Neighbourhood Support WBOP wants to grow its presence in Welcome Bay, and will be signing people up as street co-ordinators at the Sirens and Services Day.
“Having a street co-ordinator in your street means you’re connecting with your neighbours and getting to know each other and supporting one another so everybody in your street can remain safe.”
Larsen said neighbours don’t need to be constantly in each other’s pockets – “just checking in regularly, knowing when people are away and keeping an eye on each other”.