Not all plane sailing on the Madden’s watch

Ken and Margaret Madden light up when they talk about living in Hillcrest.

They have seen a lot of progress in the last 41 years but nothing as exciting as the time a small aeroplane made an emergency landing in a paddock near their home.

“We could hear it coming in pretty low and the engine was spluttering,” Margaret recalls.

“We rushed outside and the plane was landing in the paddock. The pilot was okay and he did a great job of not crashing into homes. Mind you there were only a handful of homes around here then, so he had a bit of room.”

That makeshift “runway” is now Sweetgum Park, a popular place for families and kids, and where Ken and Margaret meet for their regular Neighbourhood Watch meetings.

Margaret is the secretary and Ken is area coordinator.

“We used to attend  the first meetings when the original Neighbourhood Watch was set up by Robert Stack in 2012 and we have been involved ever since,” Ken says.

“We go on our daily walks and like to see the place kept neat and tidy. It’s a good suburb and people are mostly friendly and say g’day.”

There are two Neighbourhood Watch groups in Division 7, at Hillcrest and Forestdale.

Councillor Tim Frazer says the work they do is making a difference in the community.

“It’s great to see so many dedicated residents who have vast knowledge of the area volunteering their time and efforts to help make Division 7 a more enjoyable place to live,” he says.

“The meetings are often attended by police who are supportive and listen to any concerns and issues that may be affecting the community.”