Bernie Durkin, NHWA President is cycling solo across Australia, to promote the importance of keeping Australia Safe. Connecting neighbours to neighbours along the way through Neighbourhood Watch.

Combining a passion for cycling and a passion for community safety is what has driven Bernie Durkin to undertake the biggest personal challenge of his life. Cycling solo across Australia to promote the importance of keeping Australia safe. 

Bernie, 55, married, a father of two, is the Executive Manager of Community Engagement for Western Australia Police and Director of the state-wide Neighbourhood Watch program. Bernie is the President of Neighbourhood Watch Australasia, a collaboration of all member Neighbourhood Watch programs across Australia and New Zealand.

NHWA believes that getting to know your neighbours, those who live around you is one of the simplest and easiest ways to keep yourself and your community safe. Being aware of who lives in your apartment block, house next door or in your street, can enable the identification of unusual activities or traffic movements that may seem suspicious. Joining a NHW Group and working with policing agencies, is an easy way to contribute to ensuring everyone is safe.

Bernie plans to connect as many people as possible through the NHWConnect App (on line NHW group) on his 4,000 km ride from the west to east coasts of Australia. Leaving from Scarborough Beach, WA, on Saturday 25th February, Bernie plans to arrive at Bondi Beach, NSW by Saturday 8th April 2017. Bernie believes by promoting the simple actions of one individual connecting to another he can raise awareness that community safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Bernie is riding solo, with no support vehicle and only a small bike trailer of supplies. He is hoping that friendly road users will assist him by providing him with some water or supplies if he finds himself short of either. Sleeping in a tent, Bernie plans to be as self-sufficient as possible, but hopes the goodwill and community spirit of fellow Aussie’s will help him across the country.

Bernie will be tracked and have his daily safety monitored by NHWA. A blog will be updated three times a week and regular updates will be posted on NHWA Facebook, so that his progress and adventures can be tracked and viewed by you.

Source: Neighbourhood Watch Australasia