THE Greenwood Park Police Station is getting a well deserved facelift thanks to a group of dedicated community members who have joined forces to restore pride in their local precinct.

The initiative — spearheaded by resident and Good Samaritan Joy Chiang, together with Enviro Fixers and KZN Property Maintenance — has already brought new life to the charge office and boardroom with a fresh coat of paint and brand new chairs.

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The project was born out of a shared desire to support the police and improve their working environment.

“The need to repaint the station and replace the old chairs was raised during our CPF sub-forum meeting in September,” explained Chiang.

“Belinda Hellerle, our CPF chairperson, even circulated pictures of the old chairs to try and get donations. Enviro Fixers had already been doing great work maintaining the verges, so I reached out to Ellyssa Entwistle to see if we could combine efforts and that’s how this partnership began.”

Entwistle, who is a member of Enviro Fixers and also owns KZN Property Maintenance, said the collaboration was a natural fit.

“We’re passionate about improving community spaces in sustainable ways,” she said.

“By teaming up with Joy and the CPF, we’ve been able to use our skills and resources where they really count. A cleaner, brighter space helps boost morale and reminds everyone — both officers and residents — that we care.”

So far, the team has completed painting the charge office, boardroom, and several doors, as far as resources have allowed, but Chiang says there’s still plenty to do.

“We’d love to keep going and improve more areas of the station,” she said.

“The officers have been very accommodating while contractors have been working on-site, and that’s made things much easier.”

Colonel Mbongeni Khaliswayo, the Greenwood Park Station Commander, expressed deep gratitude for the project and what it represents.

“This initiative builds trust and strengthens the relationship between the police and the community,” he said.

“It creates a happier, healthier working environment for our officers. The community has extended their hand like a family and we truly appreciate it. I’ve worked in many places, but Greenwood Park is the first where the CPF and community are so vibrant and supportive.”

But there’s still lots more to do. The team hopes to clean up and possibly restore ceiling boards at the entrance to the charge office and are calling on the community and businesses to offer time and resources.

“We want others to get involved. Learners can also volunteer a few hours of community work. We believe that when people work in a clean, pleasant space, they take pride in maintaining it,” said Chiang.

“That’s the kind of sustainable impact we’re aiming for.”

Entwistle echoed the sentiment.

“Anyone in the community who wants to help through cash donations to enable us to purchase plants, volunteering, or simply spreading the word is welcome. Small actions, when combined, can make a big difference.”

To get involved contact Chiang on 083 256 5993 or Constable Nyembe on 082 417 8339.

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