In 2024, our Community Patrol demonstrated exceptional dedication and effectiveness, handling a total of 302 incidents involving vehicles, property, people, disorder, and special services, primarily in support of emergency services. Their commitment to safety and community well-being was evident in the 17,600 kilometres they covered in their ute and the 2,050 patrol hours they logged throughout the year.

A Year of Impactful Service

The Community Patrol's efforts were not just about numbers; they were about making a tangible difference in people's lives. Here are some of the everyday things that the patrol encounters that highlight their invaluable contributions:

1. A Nighttime Rescue for a Stranded Traveler

One memorable incident involved a lady who found herself stranded at night due to an issue with loading credit onto her electric car's charging card.  She hadn’t charged her car earlier as she was writing an article about chickens and rushed to see them before they went to sleep!  She was planning to sleep in her car at the back of a petrol station, feeling helpless and vulnerable. Fortunately, a member of the patrol on duty that night was an IT expert. He helped her to obtain enough charge to get her car to a charging station and then made sure that she found a charging station that she could use. 

She was so very grateful that the patrol was there to assist and that she wasn’t left stranded in Cambridge with no ability to get to her family.  To thank the Patrollers she gave them a some free range eggs that she had collected from the chickens that she had been visiting.

2.  In Brief  - Many Other Examples of Patrol Work..

*  The patrol found a car parked in one of our local school grounds and called in to the local Police to find that Police were looking for these people.

*  Police asked the Patrol to look for an older man who was missing and the Patrol carried out area searches until told that the man had returned home.

*  Police asked the Patrol to look for a person reported to be looking in letterboxes.

*  Checking on rough sleepers in Cambridge.

*  Alerting people when they have left garage or front doors open at night.

*  Putting straying farm animals from the road back into paddocks.

*  Locating vehicles that have been reported stolen and reporting location to Police.

*  Ensuring gates to cemeteries and commercial premises are locked if they have been left open.

*  Patrolling Lion’s market

*  Attending to observe Police visiting premises when asked

*  Advising Police of suspicious behaviour – people trying car doors.

*  Keeping an eye on young people walking home alone at night if they don’t want a lift.

*  Helping a young man stranded with bolt in tyre and no spare & finding a solution when AA couldn’t help.

*  Observation of areas that have been targeted by criminals in the past.

3. Assisting in Medical Emergencies

A husband and wife Patrol team found a young female on the road outside BP station who had collapsed due to a drug overdose, they rendered assistance by calling for an ambulance & then Police when they sighted what they believed was the person/car who possibly provided her with the drugs. Their timely intervention meant that she was treated by medical staff and taken to hospital.  This apparently saved her life.

4. Supporting Community Events

Beyond emergencies, the Community Patrol was actively involved in supporting local events. Their presence at community gatherings ensured that these occasions were informative, safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Commitment to Excellence

The dedication of our Community Patrol in 2024 was truly commendable. Their willingness to go above and beyond, whether it was driving long distances, putting in extensive hours, or using their unique skills to help others, made a significant impact on our community. Their hard work and commitment to service have set a high standard for community safety and support.  The Patrol could not do their work without individual community volunteers and the unwavering support provided by one of our local businesses.  We are most grateful!

As we look forward to another year, we are thankful for the tireless efforts of our Community Patrol and the positive difference they continue to make in our lives. Their stories of compassion, bravery, and dedication inspire us all to contribute to a safer and more supportive community.