WHEN burglars broke into the home of Ernie Kerrison’s next-door neighbour and bashed her, the Lockridge resident chose to act.
“I decided that was enough. I went to see (Sergeant) Garry Tuffin at the East Metro crime prevention unit to sign up for the Eyes on the Street program and came out as suburb manager for Neighbourhood Watch instead,” he said.
In a little over a year, Mr Kerrison (58) has moved up the ranks of Neighbourhood Watch to his current role as district co-ordinator for the East Metropolitan Region.
In that time, he has signed up 26 managers, 15 area co-ordinators and 68 street representatives for Neighbourhood Watch and he oversees the program in 31 eastern suburbs.
It is Mr Kerrison’s passion and determination for his volunteer work that has won him the Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Award from the City of Swan.
Mr Kerrison will receive his award today at a ceremony. He told the Reporter he had been surprised to receive news of his nomination.
“I thought, ‘Have they got the right bloke?’ I am just doing what was asked of me.”
As part of his role, Mr Kerrison organised Neighbourhood Watch displays at local shopping centres and community events and participates in regular broadcasts on Kalamunda and Ellenbrook community radio stations.
He admits the role is equivalent to more hours a week than a full-time job. “I eat, sleep and drink Neighbourhood Watch,” he said.
Sgt Tuffin said Mr Kerrison had achieved more for Neighbourhood Watch in 13 months than other people would in 30 years.