Work undertaken privately and professionally by Rik McCaig for Ballarat City Council is not relevant to Rik’s volunteer work for our community.

It would be a shame for Bendigo if such linkages damaged the reputation of this international event, which attracts thousands of visitors to our region and has injected significant dollars into our community over 45 years.

While the alleged incidents had nothing to do with the Bendigo International Madison or any of Rik’s work on the committee, the committee has accepted Rik’s request for a leave of absence at this time. 

The committee has appointed Olympic gold medallist Scott McGrory to the acting CEO/secretary role.

Our committee of respected, local professionals is supportive of Rik and his history of exemplary volunteer service to Bendigo’s sporting community, and particularly the Bendigo International Madison over the past 18 years.

We look forward to welcoming our long-standing sponsors and thousands of visitors to the 45th running of this fabulous event on the March long weekend.

If readers have any questions about the contents of this letter, I encourage them to contact me directly on 0418 371 335.

The Bendigo Advertiser recently reported the police response to rising crime in the local area.

There has been an increase in petty thefts and other crime during 2016, with 750 more recorded than in the previous year.

In recent years, we have seen a downgrade in neighbourhood acknowledgements, the erection of colour bond fence barriers and the unfettered decline in attitude and tolerance that engaged communities not so long ago.

Neighbourhood Watch has been around for several decades. It was set up to advise communities about residential and personal security information. NHW is not a policing unit, although the support of crime prevention agencies, namely the police and Crime Stoppers, is always appreciated.

Why are home invasions on the increase? Thieves can no longer hotwire a modern vehicle, so they enter a home, take what appeals and make off in the family car. Often the home is not secured.

Residents are entitled to feel safe. At the same time we need to take responsibility for our own actions. Keys in an ignition, even while paying for fuel, are a serious temptation.

In Bendigo, the most common crime is the theft of motor vehicles or personal belongings left on display in vehicles; and for the majority of instances the vehicles are not secured.

Incidentally, NHW in Bendigo initiated the provision of a community police vehicle. A number of Lion Clubs donated funds to secure the purchase. The vehicle, appropriately signed, is available to dedicated officers for educational projects, promotional work or responding to domestic violence.

The NHW groups in Bendigo desperately require young, technology savvy people. NHW is undergoing something of a revival.

Bendigo has about 400 people either attending NHW meetings or distributing regular newsletters. A number of delegates meet once a month for briefings on petty crime.

The fact is NHW requires young, community-minded members, especially, to take on new roles, for example web administration and production of newsletters.

Your nearest NHW group may be contacted at admin@nhw.com.au or telephone 03 9247 5492.