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In the vibrant heart of Parkmore, Johannesburg, one dedicated individual stands out for his unwavering commitment to enhancing the safety and well-being of our neighbourhood. Chic Chamberlain, a cherished member of the Parkmore Community Association (PCA), has been a driving force behind the Estate Road Closures initiative, a project aimed at making our community a safer place for all.
Chic’s kindness and proactive approach have earned him the respect and admiration of residents. His tireless efforts to improve Parkmore reflect his deep-rooted passion for community service. Whether it's addressing safety concerns or fostering a sense of unity among neighbours, Chic’s influence is felt far and wide.
Join us as we sit down with Chic Chamberlain to learn more about his journey, the challenges and triumphs of managing Estate Road Closures, and his vision for the future of Parkmore. Through this interview, we hope to shine a light on the incredible work being done to create a better, safer Parkmore for everyone.
1. Personal Background and Role:
1. Personal Background and Role:
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you became involved with the Parkmore Community Association?
Chic: I moved into Parkmore about 33 years ago when I married a longer time resident of the suburb, Dee Holt. I became interested in the PCA when Brian Paterson was chairman and started talking about road closures. I got involved when the Road Closure project for the Estate part of the suburb got underway under the management of Bridget Aspinall, who was the driving force behind our first closure application.
Q: What inspired you to take on the role of managing Estate Road Closures?
Chic: A couple of years ago the Closure Committee decided we needed to appoint someone to run the road closure on a day-to-day basis doing things like managing the bicycle patrols, the booms and getting involved in small projects like cleaning up the Helena Ave “park” from time to time. I had just retired and put my hand up to do the job.
2. Community Safety and Road Closures:
2. Community Safety and Road Closures:
Q: What are some of the key reasons behind implementing road closures in Parkmore?
Chic: The key reason for implementing the Closures is to reduce the crime in the area, which it has done. The number of incidents that we get in Estate has been reduced by well over 65%. And the incidents in Parkmore by over 50%.
3. Challenges and Solutions:
3. Challenges and Solutions:
Q: What challenges have you faced in implementing Road Closures, and how have you overcome them?
Chic: The major challenge in implementing the Closures throughout Parkmore has been getting people to contribute to the cost.
In Estate we have been lucky in that our area is simple with only 2 entry/exit points with very little through traffic. Central are not so lucky as Mattie, Virginia/Outspan and Olympia/Coleraine are through roads to other suburbs.
The main challenge in all the closures is, however, finance. All the closures are lucky if they get over 50% of the households to contribute. It amazes me how 50% of the households put their own safety in the hands of their neighbours.
If we had more contributors, we would all be able to contribute less financially.
4. Achievements and Impact:
4. Achievements and Impact:
Q: Can you share some of the positive impacts that road closures have had on the Parkmore community?
Chic: The most important impact the closures have had is the reduction in crime. The police statistics show that Parkmore has less crime than our surrounding areas.
Before the road closures this was not the case.
5. Personal Insights:
5. Personal Insights:
Q: What motivates you to continue working towards making Parkmore a safer place?
Chic: I have met some really good people living in the suburb, who I would not otherwise have met.
We need to work together to make the suburb safe and maintain it. My property is one of my major investments and I don’t want that investment to be eroded by the presence of crime and lack of maintenance.
The PCA does a huge amount to maintain the area and, together with 24/7 Security, to protect us all and our investments.
Q: How do you balance your role with other commitments in your life?
Chic: I am very fortunate in being 95% retired, that most of my commitments are recreationally, and I have a very supportive wife.
6. Advice and Encouragement:
6. Advice and Encouragement:
Q: What advice would you give to other community members who want to get involved in improving their neighbourhoods?
Chic: The PCA and the Road Closure Committees would all appreciate additional help, so volunteer in one of them.
Q: How can residents support the efforts of the Parkmore Community Association?
Chic: If you don’t have the time to volunteer, then at least contribute. And if you already contribute, try to persuade you neighbour to contribute.😊
PCA: Thank you again for your time, Chic. We're grateful for your dedication to supporting the Parkmore community.
WORKING TOGETHER FOR A BETTER, SAFER PARKMORE:
WORKING TOGETHER FOR A BETTER, SAFER PARKMORE:
Parkmore Community Association (PCA):
Suburb Manager - Lori Klein: manager@parkmore.org.za | 081 777 0477
PCA Membership - Coll Evans: members@parkmore.org.za | 082 896 3547
PCA Financial Administrator: Kim Le Roux: assistant@parkmore.org.za
Website: https://www.parkmore.org.za/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParkmorePCA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkmorecommunityassociation/
24/7 Security Services:
Website: https://www.24-7security.co.za/
011 444 2237 | info@24-7security.co.za
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