In a heartfelt and sometimes very personal nomination, neighbour Fiona Mildner pointed out that the Jackson’s are a kind of ever-present practical and emotional resource for anyone in need of assistance.
“The neighbourhood has been through some neighbourhood-wrenching times. During those times the Jacksons, being pylons of the community, investigated the whole process of mobilizing conflict resolution services and organised meetings for everyone in the neighbourhood touched by the ugliness,” she said.
Meanwhile Brian Jackson says that “we were very pleasantly surprised when Margaret Pearson, President of ACT Neighbourhood Watch rang to tell us we had been nominated and selected for the Good Neighbour Award 2012. We feel humbled by the complement of it and grateful to our good neighbour Fiona who put in the nomination.”
“If we are good neighbours it is because we are surrounded by good neighbours. We care for each other, we support each other and we care for the neighbourhood community in which we live. So we want to thank all the people in our street for making us look good,” he added.
The Jackson’s speak very highly of the Bonython Neighbourhood Watch group and its coordinator Carol Vincent who has done a wonderful job working with the community and the police to take positive action to help improve safety and security in the suburb. There is a good attendance at all meetings and over the year or so that Brian & June have been involved there have been some very special guest speakers that have informed and entertained us. The walking group encourages good health and fitness and is a wonderful social event for those who take part.
“We’d encourage everyone to become involved with their Neighbourhood Watch group. It’s a great way to get to know others in your neighbourhood. Young people look back on their childhood and their memories should be coloured by their experiences – hopefully that they are safe, loved and if they need help – it’s all around them and that’s what a neighbourhood is,” Mr Jackson said.
Congratulations to Brian and June, the recipients of the 2012 ACT Neighbourhood Watch Good Neighbour Award.
ACT NHW Media & Marketing Sources: Gang Gang - Canberra Times 29 March 2012 (Ian Warden), A Letter of thanks from Brian Jackson & the original nomination from Fiona Mildner
