Neighbourhood Watch Ku-ring-gai & Hornsby

19/06/2026

Shared with permission from the South Turramurra Community Group:

Hi all this is a heartfelt request to those who are out walking at dusk and the evenings to add something reflective to your clothing for both your own safety and the sake of the driver who may not see you in time. There are so many streets that are not curbed and channel properly in South Turramurra and many people walk on the road and they can be very difficult to see at that time of day. Thanks for listening.

18/06/2026

A $5 million boost is on its way to help drive down youth crime and strengthen community safety across NSW.

More than 25 locally led projects, from Western NSW to Inner Sydney, will receive funding to support young people at risk of entering the justice system.

These initiatives include mentoring programs, night‑time safe spaces, employment pathways, cultural programs and more. Each project is designed by local organisations who know their communities best.

This includes two Rabbitohs‑linked mentoring programs: Souths Cares’ Deadly Youth Mentoring Program and the Winmarra Emerging Leaders Program, helping young people build stronger connections and positive pathways.

This investment is part of a broader $124 million commitment to reduce youth crime and help young people re‑engage with education, training and positive pathways.
Find out more here: https://dcjnsw.info/5-million-boost-to-help-drive-down-youth-crime

18/06/2026

18/06/2026

Most drivers have heard the term aquaplaning (or hydroplaning), but many don't realise just how quickly it can happen.

Aquaplaning occurs when
your tyres can't clear water from the road surface fast enough.

A layer of water builds up between your tyres and the road, causing your vehicle to lose contact with the bitumen.
When this happens, you can suddenly lose the ability to steer, brake, or accelerate properly.
It can be a frightening experience, especially if you've never encountered it before.

The most important thing to remember is: stay calm.
If your vehicle starts to aquaplane:
• Take your foot off the accelerator gradually and allow the vehicle to slow down naturally.
• Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and avoid sudden movements.
• Try to keep the wheels pointed straight ahead until your tyres regain contact with the road.
• Do not slam on the brakes. Heavy braking can make the situation worse and increase the risk of losing control.
• If you need to brake, do so gently. If your vehicle is fitted with ABS, apply steady pressure and allow the system to work.

The best way to deal with aquaplaning is to reduce the chances of it happening in the first place.

Here are a few simple ways to stay safer when driving in wet conditions:
✅ Slow down. Water on the road significantly reduces tyre grip, and lower speeds give your tyres more time to disperse water.

✅ Never use cruise control in wet weather. Cruise control can delay your reaction to changing road conditions and reduce your ability to respond quickly if traction is lost. Always maintain full manual control of your vehicle when roads are wet.

✅ Check your tyres regularly. Ensure they are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure and have adequate tread depth. Worn tyres dramatically increase the risk of aquaplaning.

✅ Watch the road ahead. Where safe to do so, drive in the tyre tracks of the vehicle in front, as some of the standing water may already have been displaced.

Heavy rain can catch anyone off guard, and aquaplaning can happen in a matter of seconds. Knowing what to do beforehand could make all the difference.

Please share this post to help spread awareness, and take a few minutes to have a conversation with your family and friends about staying safe on wet roads.

The more people who understand the risks, the safer our roads will be for everyone.

Hannah’s Blue Butterflies Road Safety Awareness Inc.
Graphics kindly supplied pro bono by Big Bird Design and Marketing

18/06/2026

Artificial intelligence is making scam messages more convincing than ever.

• Be wary of messages that appear unusually professional or personalised
• Verify unexpected requests, even if they seem genuine
• Don't rely on appearance alone when judging legitimacy

Technology may change, but healthy scepticism remains important.

18/06/2026

The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has released its latest NSW Recorded Crime Statistics report, covering data to March 2026.

Key findings:

Over the two years to March 2026, recorded crime in NSW remained largely stable. Two major offences increased over this period: steal from retail store (up 9.1%) and other stealing offences (up 3.1%), while robbery declined 8.2%. All other major crime categories showed no significant change.

The number of young people proceeded against to court by NSW Police was stable over the last two years but trended down in Regional NSW (down 12.5%). Adult court proceedings increased significantly over the last two years (up 10.0%); a third of this increase was due to domestic violence charges.

Read more here:

NSW Recorded Crime Statistics quarterly update March 2026

18/06/2026

From a Waitara resident:

Has anyone lost a yellow pet parrot or budgie? Saw a gang of birds today (Weds 17th June) or similar flying overhead near the trees in Park Ave Waitara (closer to the railway end) & one had a little yellow bird in its claws.