Many Te Puke residents are armed with more information on how to keep safe – even though the hope is they don’t need it.

Last Saturday’s Neighbourhood Support-organised Sirens and Service Koha Ice Cream day brought a range of emergency services, providers and stall holder together to provide a one-stop shop for the community to find out what there is available to keep them safe.

Among them were Te Puke Volunteer Fire Brigade, St John Ambulance, Maketū Coast Guard, COLAB, Community Patrols NZ, SPCA, People First NZ, Land Search and rescue and Family Works.

There was advice on emergency preparedness, on handling tools safely and home security.

The event was the last of five held across the Western Bay of Plenty organised by Rebecca Larsen.

She said while the hope was the services were never needed, the event gave families and individuals the chance to find out what help was out there.

“Highlighting those services is key to creating and building those stronger and more well-supported communities.”

She said each of the events had a different character and brought in organisations local to each community.

“It’s also about bringing those organisations together as well so they can connect with each other and connect with the community. These are the people who are the real heart of the community.”

The events also helped build in support for organisations.

Te Puke Neighbourhood Support co-ordinator Colleen Pye said the event left her with a huge high.

“I was thrilled. I loved the feedback of the people who came and visited, I loved the feedback of the people who exhibited and the people with stalls. The co-operation was just fantastic.”

Te Puke Scouts held a fundraising sausage sizzle that sold out and raised $400.

Larsen said she estimated between 200 and 300 people attended the event, and she hoped funding can be found to offer a similar expo in the future.