BERNIE Durkin is peddling an important message about community safety – by pedalling.
The Neighbourhood Watch Australasia president is riding from Perth to Sydney to connect neighbours with one another via a new app.
NHWConnect is taking Neighbourhood Watch into the modern day.
“Neighbourhood Watch isn’t just oldies looking through their windows any more,” Bernie said.
He began his 4000km journey from Perth’s Scarborough Beach on February 25 and hopes to arrive at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on April 8.
On the way he’ll pass through towns in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and NSW.
To meet his schedule, Bernie has to ride a bare minimum of 100km a day – without a support team.
But is the soon-to-be 56-year-old worried about the possible effect on his health?
“I’d never undertake something like this if I wasn’t physically fit,” he said.
One of the biggest challenges is the temperature. The mercury was sitting around 40 degrees when he set out.
“I’ve wanted to do this ride for a number of years, so I’ve decided to use it to promote the new app,” he said.
“It’s not your usual Neighbourhood Watch campaign but we’re about communities and there’s nothing like meeting people face-to-face to spread the word about this new initiative.”
Users can connect with their neighbours at a time that suits them in closed groups on the app. It can be as simple as posting a message about goings-on in the street.
- To find out more about the new app go to www.NHWConnect.com.au