NATIONAL
MAGAZINE Issue 32 Autumn 2013 www.bluelight.com.au PP 332494/00230
NATIONAL
MAGAZINE
SKYJUMP AND SKYWALK, AUCKLAND SCOTLAND BLUE LIGHT ACTIVITY INDIGENOUS YOUTH AMBASSADOR MOVEMENT PRIME MINISTER'S YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IN NZ
Advertisers Alert Countrywide Austral is appointed by the Blue Light State Council as the authorised publisher of the Blue Light National Magazine. For enquiries re advertising in this magazine, please contact the publishers:
Countrywide Austral Level 2, 673 Bourke Street, Melbourne 3001 Postal: GPO Box 2466, Melbourne 3001 Ph: (03) 9937 0200 Fax: (03) 9937 0201 Email: admin@cwaustral.com.au
NATIONAL
MAGAZINE
Contents NATIONAL
VICTORIA
Art and Production: Jason Jeffery & Kathryn Steel
MAGAZINE
4 SCOTLAND
Send content for National Blue Light Magazine to: Editor Cathy Williams Victoria Blue Light Council Inc Richenda Tomlinson State Coordinator GPO Box 913 Melbourne, Victoria 3001 Ph: (03) 9247 3132 Email: bluelightstateco@police.vic.gov.au Western Australia PCYC State Office 8/4 Queen Street, Bentley 6102 Ph: (08) 9356 0555
18 NEW ZEALAND
Northern Territory Blue Light Association PO Box 39764, Winnellie, Northern Territory 0821 Ph: (08) 8922 3533 New South Wales PO Box 595, Mt Druitt NSW 2770 Email: blu@Police.nsw.gov.au Queensland Blue Light State Council 654 Lutwyche Road, Lutwyche, QLD 4030 Ph: (07) 3637 4204 New Zealand Blue Light Mark Veale National Youth Program Co-ordinator PO Box 102199, North Shore Mailing Centre, Auckland, NZ Phone: +64 021 2580580
20 Contributions: Photography should only be supplied digitally or as original prints. (Please supply stamped, self addressed envelope for returning.) Please avoid scanning of any type. Text can be supplied as a Microsoft Word document. Disclaimer: Countrywide Austral (“The Publisher�) advises that the contents of this publication are offered solely for information purposes only. The publication has been formulated in good faith and The Publisher believes its contents to be accurate, however, the contents do not amount to a recommendation (either expressly or by implication) and should not be relied upon in lieu of specific professional advice. The Publisher disclaims all responsibility for any loss or damage which may be incurred by any reader relying upon the information contained in the publication whether that loss or damage is caused by any fault or negligence on the part of the publisher, its directors and employees. Copyright: All advertisements appearing in this publication are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced except with the consent of the owner of the copyright. Advertising: Advertisements in this journal are solicited from organisations and businesses on the understanding that no special considerations other than those normally accepted in respect of commercial dealings, will be given to any advertiser.
FROM THE
EDITOR
Hey there Blue Light! I am very excited to present to you the Autumn edition of the National Blue Light magazine! An inspiring collection of stories have been compiled to share with you and pay tribute to the amazing work being done within the Blue Light family to build strong and positive relations between youth, police officers and the wider community. In Victoria we hear the latest on the disco scene from one of their larger branches, Diamond Creek, and an insight into the life work of an inspiring community member Bernie Graham whose creative initiatives have been serving the community and making it a better place for everyone for the last 20 years. Victoria’s pilot Indigenous Youth Ambassador Movement program wraps up with a personal account from one of the graduating participants, Lucy Smeaton. For the adventurous spirits we hear from Domenic Castanga, on the challenges and highlights from the International Youth Leadership Camp and get a great overview of the success had by Portland Blue Light and their Bridgy Challenge Camp set in the great outdoors with lots of fun leadership building activities. I am delighted to hear from our Scottish brothers and sisters, with an article highlighting events happening over that side of the world – great stuff! New Zealand laps up the great outdoors with some awesome stories and photos from mountain biking, rafting and even sky jumping activities! Some great fundraising and community events are shared by Te Awamutu Blue Light and the success of their Golf Tournament and in Auckland with a Tradezone Kids Gone Fishin’ event. The brilliant idea of scooter engraving as part of a Crime Prevention Day activity sparks the creative souls and we celebrate Blue Light being chosen by the Ministry of Youth Development to be a key leading organisation in the Prime Minister's Youth Program. New Zealand also shares the touching story of young Recaro's battle with leukemia. Happy reading and keep up the great work Blue Light!
Cathy Williams Editor
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Indigenous Youth t n e m e v o  M r o d a s s Amba Victoria Blue Light and th e Korin Gamadji Institute (KGI) formed a new partnership late 20 12 for the delivery of th e Indigenous Youth Ambassador Movem ent (IYAM). This unique pr ogram aims to be a vehicle that enables participants to explore th eir own personal and career interests in an environment which affirm s culture and nurtures the individual.
4 National Blue Light Magazine Autumn 2013
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R
ead below the personal story of one of the participants, Lucy Smeaton: “My name is Lucy and I’m 17 years old. I left school at the start of year 10 because I just wasn’t getting anything out of it and was struggling to attend. My mum suffers post-traumatic stress disorder and depression and I was helping her, as only me and another sister lived at home, but I also worried about her while I was at school. I did want to keep studying and complete year 12 so I met with a pathways officer at Swinburne University, and second semester of year 10 I was enrolled at CAE (Centre of Adult Education) in VCAL Foundation which I completed in late 2011. I felt comfortable at CAE, the teachers were great and very understanding of my circumstances. I re-enrolled to do VCAL Intermediate in 2012 and also enrolled in a Cert III in Sport and Recreation. Mid 2012 I legally became my Mother's carer. Late 2012 my eldest sister Rachael, who works in Youth Justice, brought home some flyers for the Indigenous Youth Ambassadors Program. I showed the flyers to my pathways officer at CAE who then called to ask for more information and we were told there was an information day the next day, so I went and met with Cathy Williams from Blue Light, Luke Murray from Korin Gamadji Institute and fellow participants. It was such a great environment and as they explained more about the program I couldn’t wait to start, it sounded fantastic. I hoped to gain some experience in the sport Autumn 2013 National Blue Light Magazine 5
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industry and learn more about Aboriginal culture and traditions during the program. We have done so many different things during the program and I have learnt so much about myself and my culture. Some of my favourite activities from the program were: the music session with Cathy’s friend Tania from YMCA; when we went swimming at MSAC at Albert Park; the sports day with the police officers; the KUP-MURRI (traditional cooking in the ground) at Kangan TAFE; cooking classes with Pauline in Richmond Football Club’s kitchen; the trip to Werribee Zoo and the REAL Camp at KGI. Some of the highlights during the program included the tour of Melbourne Storm; when Shane Edwards spoke to us at the REAL Camp; watching the Indigenous Hip Hop Projects perform and hearing stories told by Elder Ron Murray. I have gained so much from this program: I have learnt about my people’s history and traditions, made some great friends, got my food handlers certificate, gained knowledge about the sport industry and the program has also helped me with public speaking, trying new things, being a leader and embracing my heritage. This program has opened up great pathways for me: This year I am doing my Senior VCAL at Kangan Indigenous Education Centre in Broadmeadows and Cert III in Community Service. I will also be doing work experience at Melbourne Storm which I am immensely looking forward to.” 6 National Blue Light Magazine Autumn 2013
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“It was a truly joyful ex perience to have the yo uth be with me and he the painting of the shipm lp with ent to India to save the tigers. I really would lov to see more involvemen e t with young people wi th such enthusiasm in program in the future, th is particularly in the creati ve recycling. I have watched the youn g people grow immens ely over the time on th program and this too is e a great joy…I truly belie ve that this program is a worthy and purposefu l program and as it grow s in numbers over time needs to be suppor ted it at every level as to ensu re this dif ference is ma to others.” – Pauline Cr de osbie, Bumblebee Facto ry Autumn 2013 National Blue Light Magazine 7
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D
iamond Creek Blue Light has been running for 21 years and being one of the larger discos, averages around 600 children at each event, but never one to rest on its laurels, the committee members are always looking at new and better ways to get the word out there…as they say, the more the merrier!!! Throughout the course of 2012, the committee members worked hard to get out to all of the local primary schools to advertise a competition they had devised…they provided slips to the students of all the local primary schools, all they had to do was bring along the slip with their school’s name on it each time they came along to one of the discos. A school tally would be kept and by the end of the year, the school with the most
slips handed in would win a free barbecue cooked and served by the committee members themselves (and a handful of local Diamond Creek police members) together with a performance by the ever popular Victoria Police rock band – Code One!!! The winner of the competition was Yarrambat Primary School who did very well to bring along their slips to each disco. To share the experience with as many as possible, the committee agreed that they would use a percentage calculation to invite one of the smaller of the tallying schools along to share the day with Yarrambat Primary. This saw Arthurs Creek Primary School enjoy the opportunity of being bussed to Yarrambat Primary to also enjoy the event and have the opportunity to
socialise with children from a neighbouring school. Nillumbik Shire has many small primary schools some with as low as 20 students in total. To ensure that none of the smaller schools were disadvantaged based on small student enrolment numbers, the committee elected to use this percentage method which proved most fair and accurate on a per capita basis The children had a wonderful day being served their BBQ lunch by the Police and other committee members and had a good boogie to the tunes of Code One, without a doubt many of the cool moves were practiced at the Diamond Creek Blue Light. Due to the success of the competition Diamond Creek Blue Light will be running the same competition again this year!! Autumn 2013 National Blue Light Magazine 9
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I first met Bernie Graham through the Roadsafe Westgate Road Safety Council, which meets monthly. He is 72 years of age. he aim of the Roadsafe Westgate Road Safety Council is to work on Road Safety Programs in four different municipalities; Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Wydham and Melton. Bernie has a passion for road safety and is currently on the Executive. Last year he was responsible for writing the current Policies and Procedures for the group. Bernie has been on this council for 20 years and was recognised for his service and continued contribution to the group at a recent dinner. As Youth Resource Officer for Hobsons Bay I have had many conversations with Bernie about his community involvement over the last 30-odd years at the monthly Williamstown Blue Light Disco. It is apparent to me Bernie is dedicated to serving the community and making it a better place for everyone. Neighbourhood Watch is a partnership between the police and the local community. Bernie became an Area Coordinator for his local neighbourhood and quickly gained respect from local neighbours and police. An initiative that Bernie was involved in was a “Home and Personal Security” video being produced and utilised by local community members. He also produced a newsletter that was distributed to the neighbourhood by volunteers. This gave the community a sense of confidence, especially the elderly who were unable to attend the monthly meetings. Bernie later took on the role of District Chairperson for 10 National Blue Light Magazine Autumn 2013
the Western Suburbs and was also on the State Committee. Unfortunately, although Neighbourhood Watch still exists in some areas, it is no longer viable in Newport due to lack of community support. Bernie was integral to the creation of the Williamstown Blue Light Disco in 1986 with an aim to engage with young people of the Newport area. Once again this was in partnership with the local police and community volunteers. The idea for a disco was formed at a meeting called by the local
Police Inspector at the Newport Baptist Hall to discuss problems with “gangs” in the local area. Bernie attended the meeting as he had two teenage daughters. Bernie teamed up with the local youth workers and took on the fundraising position. With a reference from the local police Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator he went from shop to shop with a biscuit tin, providing receipts for every donation and raised the $600 to run the first disco at the Williamstown Technical School Hall for 15-18 year olds.
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The Williamstown Blue Light Disco still continues today with Bernie holding positions of President and Treasurer. Discos are held on a monthly basis (10 annually) at the Newport Baptist Hall catering for children 9 to 15 years of age. He attends the State Annual General Meetings. Bernie has been involved in the Independent Third Person Program. This involved Bernie attending at a Police Station if a young person’s (u/17yrs) parents were unable to or refused to attend when their
child was being interviewed by police. Bernie was on call during the night and attended to make sure the young person understood their rights and was being treated fairly. Bernie was also a member of Williamstown Council from 1993 to 1994. I really admire Bernie and believe it is a shame there are not more Bernie Grahams in the world. Bernie often puts others before himself and he is passionate about road safety and helping the local community. He leads by example and volunteers in his own time.
He takes on positions of leadership within committees. He does not seek public accolades and just gets on with the job. He and his wife are pensioners. His wife often attends and supports activities Bernie is involved in. Bernie once told me if you put all his volunteer hours together end to end it would add up to 200 years of community service! This is quite extraordinary when you think about it. Congratulations to Bernie and also Jan for his Order of Australia medal. Autumn 2013 National Blue Light Magazine 11
Victoria
International Blue Light Youth Leadership Camp Victoria Bushrangers participant story
NOV 2012
By Domenic Castagna
T
he dates from November 18 to November 23, 2012, would most likely go down as some of the most entertaining, educational, emotional and enduring moments of our lives. Six Victorian boys formed the Bushrangers and headed across to New Zealand, unaware of the events that were to happen. We arrived in Wellington Airport and were greeted by two New Zealand police officers. They chauffeured us to the Royal New Zealand Police College, where we began to settle in for our three-day stay. We were greeted by a group of North Island team members. We gathered downstairs and awaited dinner. Following dinner, we started a round of games and began to get to know one another. Everyone involved essentially ‘clicked’ by the end of the first night. 12 National Blue Light Magazine Autumn 2013
The second day greeted us with our first test of teamwork. Our objective was to complete the Police Competency Test (PCT), used by most police forces around the world. Consisting of a trailer pull, tire haul, a two hundred metre run, a balance beam, one gateway, two hurdles, one imitated window, a six foot wall, a 80kg dummy pull and concluding with a chainlink fence. After some practice time, the race began. We were the first team to be picked to set the time-to-beat. Us VIC boys didn’t look at the PCT as a competition, we looked at it as our first chance to show eachother that we will stand by one-another and we will finish everything together. Placing third in our first team challenge, we all knew the only way from here, was up. The rest of our stay at the Police College, we listened to motivational speakers: from
a local Police Inspector to a famous Boxing Coach, Billy Graham. Billy taught us how to turn bad situations and bad habits into essential learning experiences. The lessons learnt from that man will stay with me forever. We completed another obstacle course, a high ropes course, a Fear Factor challenge and a tour of the Police Museum, where we had a chance to try on police uniforms and pose next to police bikes and cars. On the 21st, we unfortunately departed the RNZPC, leaving behind our newly formed bonds with the recruits. We commenced our six-hour bus drive to Rotorua, where we undertook a tour of Hells Gate Geothermal Park. The smell of the sulphur was noticed throughout the entire town, but the 40 degree heat radiating from the park was noticed once we entered the gates into the park. We enjoyed a meal that
victoria
was cooked by the hot geothermal steam. Wasn’t the greatest taste in the world, but it was amazing how well it was actually cooked. From the park, we departed to the Luge Centre, where we spent an hour speeding down the side of a hill, laughing like maniacs. Grabbing some insane air on the advanced track, I guarantee everyone went back for multiple trips. After such a long day, we set up camp at a local 4-star hotel, LUXURY! The 22nd bought about an interesting and long day, commencing with a tour of the area and surrounding waterways in a WWII amphibious vehicle, aka a “Duck”. Having to wear silly duck quackers the whole time, we found some funny and interesting ways to use them. Our journey on the duck ended by a jet-boating area. We spent an adrenaline pumping half hour learning about the native descendants of the fine land, whilst
doing jumps and 360s. If our teachers taught using adrenaline-fuelled ideas, we would learn a lot more. From the adrenaline rush, we jumped back onto our coach and headed towards the New Zealand Army Youth Development Unit, where we would stay the final night. We listened to Alison Mooney who spoke to us about personality traits and different leadership qualities among us. Then began our graduation ceremony: the haka was performed by all of the New Zealand boys, leaving us all in tears of awe. We all said our final goodnights, knowing tomorrow we would all be heading home. The 23rd was the day we all dreaded. Despite being woken up at 2:15am to a faulty fire alarm, we all knew that in a few hours, our final goodbyes would be said. A cultural dance was performed by the Solomon Islander team and we all began to take our
final photos, swapping contact information and signing shirts and books. We all shed tears as 40 amazing and inspirational young men and women departed the barracks and headed to the airport or back to their local regions of New Zealand. The bond we all formed whilst on this camp has and will remain with us forever. The Victorian boys formed a strong bond, becoming brothers within five days of gruelling challenges. Along with the Kiwi accent, the learning experiences I have taken from this camp will remain with me forever. I hope that the next group that gets a chance to undertake such an amazing experience will take away just as much as we did. The Blue Light organisation is one that shouldn’t be overlooked, amazing experiences like these don’t come at a click of a finger. Autumn 2013 National Blue Light Magazine 13
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kes we went ca noeing which was so fun and then we went to Br id
Beach Activities
T H G I L BLUE E G N E L L A H C Y G D I R B ay and went abseiling. I got such an ad ter B re wa rush AWESOM e th naline th thp. g E cam
17 18 and 19 December 2012
The 2012 Blue Light Bridgy Challenge has enabled 23 young people to experience a variety of activities including abseiling, canoeing, surfing, boating, beach games and environmental walks designed to develop leadership7and challenge potential.
T
he camp has enabled local teenagers to get to know police and service providers in their community embracing the true spirit of volunteering and respect for one another. The main goals of the camp were to: • Create an environment for young people to have the confidence to listen, co-operate, recognise and develop their own potential. • To enhance relationships between youth and community agencies. • Identify youth within our community who would benefit from an experience to develop confidence and leadership qualities. The Portland Blue Light Bridgy Challenge camp has been initiated and planned by the Blue Light committee. Due to the huge success of the local discos and seeing the variety of young people attending month after month the committee were driven to extend their activities. With the assistance
of Pacific Hydro and Brophy and a wonderful group of volunteers, agencies and local business our second camp came to fruition. Students were chosen by their schools from year seven targeting those who would benefit from a meaningful experience to develop confidence and challenge potential. Students from Bayview, Heywood Secondary College and Portland Secondary College all attended. The Blue Light Bridgy Challenge has enabled us to bridge gaps between youth, police and local agencies. In doing so we have provided these young people with the confidence and skills to choose better options and pathways. Our challenge has brought young people and possible mentors together developing life skills to enhance their personal life outcomes and ultimately stay engaged in school or meaningful employment. Reducing the risk of disengagement will reduce antisocial behaviour and possible offending.
Th e funniest pa rt of to da y wa s the abseiling bu t it was also the hard es t. • To da y was a ver y
14 National Blue Light Magazine Autumn 2013
.
ay because I went abseiling. I was ve ry sleepy. • Afte dd o r we arri ved go at
a idgewate r L Br
s and have a riend really g ood tim e . • T oday I a m happ y becau se I a m w ith my f rien ds
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.•
The fun
Today I a m
h ap py a b o u t going o n a cam p but ne rv o u s abo ut
Boxing
nice .• T o d a y wa s A W E SOM E . I learn ts o m e co ol s t u f f from th e m akeu p p e ople .
g new people. • To etin d a y I a m feelin me g very n ervous a n d s ca red. • D ear Dia ry today
On Monday the girls arrived at the police station eager to climb aboard the bus and get on the way to our first activity. It was not long before all the girls were chatting and noisy. Very noisy. Lucky Ross could not hear everything. We arrived at the lakes with the sun smiling and our hats and sunscreen on ready for action. With a few instructions from Alexandra and Rachelle we all found a canoe and launched into action. Jason and I just managed to keep our canoe above water to the surprise of all campers, providing some great laughs. In a short period of time the girls had turned into professionals and managed all the tasks set for them. With beautiful morning tea from our great helpers Susie, Ross and Kirsty we managed to have enough energy to paddle through the entire morning. All the girls managed to stay inside their canoes which was a miracle considering how much water ended up inside some of them. Who knew a canoe could hold so much water! We all ate a yummy lunch and then helped Andy, Alexandra and Rachael to load up the canoes before heading up to the Bridgy camp.
With the bus safely parked and the girls 6 screaming towards the Whalers Cottage we soon let everyone know that we had arrived. We headed down to the Surf Club for our afternoon activities with fresh sunscreen, hats and water bottles. Our first challenge was to walk up to Shelly’s beach and back and the girls did a fantastic job. Everyone pushed on through the strong wind and we returned within good time although some were sporting a little wind burn. After a nice cool drink and some afternoon tea the girls split into two groups. One group went up to the top of the cliff ad went abseiling with Jason and Ramon while the second group stayed with Susie and I to do some team activities. With a little screaming and a lot of determination all of our girls managed to come down the cliff. Great job everyone. What a fantastic achievement. The team activities produced a lot of laughs. Some had trouble getting out of their joined handcuffs, (which could be a good thing) and everyone enjoyed our EGGCITING challenge. Tea proved to be very popular with all our hamburgers being eaten with much
enthusiasm. It was amazing to see such petite girls polish off huge hamburgers and some even managed to eat two!! Great job. Our evening tasks included some great makeovers. Marissa gave some amazing tips on great do-it-yourself hairstyles while Catherine from The Body Shop transformed some of our tired girls into models ready to go out. All the girls had fun trying the different things before we headed up to camp. We walked back to camp having a nice ice cream on the way before jumping into bed. Tuesday morning was greeted with some tired campers but with the sun shining we managed to motivate the girls into action. Ross and Jason headed into town to pick up the boys while we had a quick breakfast and then headed down to the beach to meet the boys and all of our fantastic volunteers and agency workers for a big day. With the arrival of the boys we had grown into a group of twenty-three. Margot came out first up and ran a fantastic team building and opening session for the day. This enabled everyone to get to know each other and produce some wonderful sand sculptures. Thanks Margot, we really loved it. Autumn 2013 National Blue Light Magazine 15
y were
ABOUT OUR CAMP
lly know many people scared because I don’t rea Today I am feeling a little good time. lly rea a e hav and friends but I am sure to make new e I am with my friends. Today I am happy becaus people. vous about meeting new going on a camp but ner Today I am happy about vous and scared. Today I am feeling very ner
VICTORIA
Dear Diary today I am in Tgo.dI gaoyt w t abseil feeling pretty good bec nd wen ause I think we are goi a . p There are some awesom y m a a ng to have a great time. B e activities organised for ESOME c er us and I’m actually kind at Yesterday I felt awesom ne rush AW of excited. li a n re d e but today I feel yip-e-d a n o-die-day. I get to go sur Yay. Also I cannot wait got such a . Iond to go canoeing. seilforinagsec time. bfing a t n e w d y. Also I cann n Now after canoeing and a e. Ya ot wait the walk I am exhaustedBay im t to go , r still to com e abs eiling, surfing. Bring it We went canoeing and d canoe te on. a did a walk on the bea ing. • ch today which was ver w Now a I’m excited for the nex y fun. Canoeing was we t challenge. fter ca t. noein Today we have already g I am been canoeing. It was exhau fun . It was a bit of a challenge. long as walk. I cannot wait to do abseiling. We went for a
ling today wa s the absei The funniest part of
went to Brid ge w
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nds and have a really good time. • Today I am frie ha pp y be ca us e I am with my fr iend s.
7
I am feelin g p r e tty go od be cause I th in k we a re goin g to h a v e a gr eat tim e. Th e r e a r e so me aw oday I a •T
Today was a very g ha rdest. • o
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16 National Blue Light Magazine Autumn 2013
warm there were some big clouds on the way. Once at the Lakes Andy provided the boys with some instructions then we launched out onto the lake. With showers falling the boys had to work hard to keep up with the tasks and managed to navigate through some parts of the lakes that have not been chartered. A game of tiggy became quite competitive and resulted in an unusual sighting. It's not very often students and helpers get to see the experienced instructors becoming turtles and having to swim to shore. Ha ha. Thanks Andy and Rachael we needed that laugh. After some nice morning tea we paddled to
lso the ut it was a abseiling b
y da d o
Activities came to a close and the boys headed up to camp while the tired girls collected their belongings and were dropped into town to parents. After settling into camp and a great tea the guys, Kirsty and I were put through their paces with a great “PT” session with Saundy. Our energetic boys finished a little tired and slowly returned to camp for showers, some quiet time and then bed. Our boys were a little slow to get started on the last day but after some prodding managed to get breakfast, pack and climb aboard the bus to go to the lakes for canoeing. Although it was still
e day w as th st part of to The funnie
After morning tea we broke into three groups and rotated around three activities for the rest of the day. The activities being: • The Aquaplay boat • Surf Club skills and games • Surfing All the groups offered a different experience for each group with many laughs and jokes along the way. All the tours on the boat went out and saw the seals with one group even spotting some tuna, many surfers managed to stand up and surf club life safe techniques and skills were put to the test. With over twenty helpers ranging from 13 to…mature7 we transformed our beautiful beach into a hive of activity and fun.
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naline rush of AWESOM This was one as abseiling. . w le rt op pa pe before. st t E camp.g I be ea and met gr I haven’t done mp and the n ca at fu is th of th s gs in ve ad lo th lo anoein I y d c tr r ha d I e an ft e. a ds om en • Now . g mp was awes in meet new fri e ca to o ’s t n ar go a ye I c e is o Th to g camp becaus laoratin I cg.annot wait d the Bridgy exlhi s hing it was I really enjoye yt er A ev d e w things. e ve l f . yi p I lo yI ied some ne ay ridgy camp. dships and tr Y en I loved the B fri w . ne d. e ke ac e new people. I made som h am gobsm I Alyona Punc I met a lot of d an n fu ry as ve se. This camp w nce was grou whole experie e th usted ,still.I reckon am sure to make n le camp. eople but I p ew y n a m I liked the who Tod w kno ay I a m fee I don’t really e s u a c e lingsc b d e a alittre le sca red be feeling a littl cause Today I am I don’t really know many people but I a m sur e to ma ke
ate r L a
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eful I p.y an and ma wI eamntsoagrbatse eeting new people. ErcaB M SOm e amazingd E as t w W p A ing. I got s a ca h joyedilm ruse on thisw e nc linrie nape uch e camps I have ever been on. I en adereex Th g uch an the best
a grea t ch
was prre g which abseilin t n e w e here. Today w chosen to be
dy, they were nice. • To day wa p la s AW eu E S O M E. I learn t some cool s tu ff fr o m the m akeup p eople.
e cool rnt som E. I le a ESO M was AW Today nice. • we re hey y, t l ad
8
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Today we went abseiling which was pretty cool but I scraped my arms and legs. Today was really fun and a great challenge. Most challen ging was abseiling, then canoeing then the walk. It was very fun and I learnt some great stuff from the hairdresser and make up lady, they were nice. Today was AWESOME. I learnt some cool stuff from the makeup people. The funniest part of today was the abseiling but it was also the hardest.
but it w I am feeling pr bseiling et ty go od be ca s the a us e I th ink we day wa are going to have art of to a great tim niest p e. Th er e ar e s The fu n ome aw e
yIa Toda
Boxing
I would like to take this opportunity to SAY A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who came along and helped, provided equipment, funds, resources and support in the challenge camp. I will not name you all in fear of missing someone so please accept this as my sincere thanks. Without the commitment and help you gave me the Blue Light Challenge would not have happened. Please enjoy our camper’s comments and photos as a reminder of the journey taken together.
Lee-Anne Nelson
in s tu ff fr o et m the m akeu p people.
Today I a m
While small groups went up to abseiling I ran some group activities and everyone had to complete and EGGCITING challenge. On return our poor eggs were dropped from great heights to test our construction abilities. Needless to say there is a reason construction engineers go to university because our poor eggs were scrambled. After a tidy up and a snack it was time to head into town. Parents 6 picked up some quiet and tired soldiers. Thank you to all the Bridgy Challenge participants for your enthusiasm and effort, listening and being open minded to try new things and encourage those around you.
ut nervous about n a camp b me h appy about going o
Boxing
m
ha ppy abou t g o in g on a camp but n e r v ous ab ou
as also
the end of the lake before returning with a nice tail wind. Everyone encouraged each other and rafted together to ensure a strong group finish. Well done guys. Due to the showers getting quite heavy we returned to camp to grab some dry clothes and headed into the surf club. With rain persisting we had a talk from Parks Victoria and played some fun group games. The rain continued but we soldiered on and the boys all managed to go abseiling. Ramon did a fantastic job encouraging the guys all the way. As scary and intimidating as it was the guys could walk away proud of themselves. Well done guys it was wet and a bit tricky and you all had a go.
Today was a very good day because I went abseiling. I was vey sleepy. After we arrived at Bridgewater Lakes we went canoei ng which was so fun and then we went to Bridgewater Bay and went abseiling. I got such an adrenaline rush we also had makeovers and got some beauty tips. AWESOME camp. Today was so much fun! I went abseiling for the 2nd time. Our room is fun and I have met some awesom e new friends. I can’t wait to see other people wipe out. FUNNY. Yesterday was actually really fun. I enjoyed the abseilin g best because it was a real adrenaline rush except the fact that it was over so quickly. The walk was ok but it was really long but good exercise. Me and Ebony invented a new food called SAUS-burg which is basically two sausages in a hambu rger bun. .•
5
rd the ha
ing new people. • Today eet I am tm fe e li ng ve ry ne rv ous a n d scare d. • D ear
The funnies t p art of to d a y w a s the a bseil ing but it w a s a ls o th e ha rdest. • Toda
Autumn 2013 National Blue Light Magazine6 17
ling very ne r ay I am fe e ople . • Tod ew pe gn
scotland
B
lue Light in Helensburgh on the west coast of Scotland continues to flourish, thanks to the dedicated support of our volunteers, Community Cops and staff from the agencies involved, as well as a DJ who really enters into the spirit of the event. Our December disco's numbers were slightly down on the night, which was partly attributable to the other pre-Christmas festivities and poor forecasted weather. However, the turnout of 170 young people was a good result. I was chatting to some of the girls whilst they waited for their transport at the end of the evening and asked for their opinion on the event. They replied, “We have been a bit down recently but the disco has really cheered us up, there should be more of them." The sentiment is testament to the effect of the initiative on our young people and makes it all worthwhile.
George Smart MISM Sergeant 3348, Helensburgh, Scotland
18 National Blue Light Magazine Autumn 2013
scotland
Autumn 2013 National Blue Light Magazine 19
NEW ZEALAND
t h g i l e u l B u Te Awamut f l o G n o i t a c u Youth Ed Tournament
The Te Awamutu Bluelight Youth Education Golf Tournament was held on February 24, 2013, at the Pirongia Golf Club.
right y, Helen B s), PTA lad ef n hi so (C in ui b Richard Kah fficer) and Robbie Ro as the O ed y rv nc se ua th Tr (TA 13 which for n the Par 3 LCD TV up (Chiefs) o so had an al ch hi w le Haggle ho . hole in one grabs for a
The winn er was loca l lad Com who was pto on a +2 h andicap. H n Pikari (17yrs) record 63. e shot a co Being con urs g Scott Mill er and Ste ratulated by Const e able phan Ryb urn.
Robbie Robi nson (Chief s) Ryburn, Co nstable Sco , Constable Stephan tt Miller an Kahui (Chi dR efs). Kahui was the runn ichard tournamen er t – is he ba d at anything -up in the ?
20 National Blue Light Magazine Autumn 2013
ephan onstable St (Chiefs), C n o er ns ill bi M o R Robbie table Scott YES), Cons d Evern Ryburn (TA (Chiefs) an ui ah K rd ha ic R outside the ), r) o O at (TA YA ice Co-ordin e background. st Ju h ut o Keenan (Y rongia in th ith Mount Pi clubrooms w
A
bout 120 punters took part. We had 55 local businesses sponsor the tournament who donated prizes for the winners, sponsored holes and donated money to Bluelight. Funds raised help us host reward days for the youth in our community. It was a typical hot/humid day and the course was in great condition considering the lack of water the Waikato has had in the past few months. The Pirongia Primary School PTA catered the event. Tournament organisers Constable Stephan Ryburn, Constable Scott Miller, and Snr Sgt David Hall would like to thank all of those who sponsored or helped make the tournament a success, notably all of the local businesses who supported the day, the Pirongia Golf Club, the Pirongia Primary School PTA, Helen Bright, and Tracey Miller.
NEW ZEALAND
Bluelight
H
orowhenua Bluelight ran a crime prevention day on January 12, 2013 after it was extablished that there was a high number of scooter thefts in the area. We approached the local engraving shop Quality Engravers, who agreed to engrave scooters with a unique serial number. The serial number was made up with the intials of the first and last name and the date of birth of the owner, ie fr240681. The day was a huge success. In the morning 150 people had pre-registered to have their scooter engraved. That afternoon, they came back and the engraving began. Blair at Quality Keys worked his heart out and went longer than the orginal time frame that we had asked for. The feedback was extremely positive with everyone saying what a great idea it was and were very grateful. Bluelight gave Quality Keys a monetary donation in recogition of the time and effort that they put in on the day.
a Read n o i F nua Blue Horo
w he
light Autumn 2013 National Blue Light Magazine 21
NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand Blue Light part of Prime Ministers Youth Development Program
B
lue Light was thrilled to be involved with the Prime Minsters Youth Programme 2013, which took place in Auckland mid-January. As one of the four providers chosen by the Ministry of Youth Development Blue Light hosted 25 of the 100 young people involved for a week of leader development, team building, life skills training, fun activities as well as a formal dinner with Prime Minister John Key. The young people selected were all from South Auckland and chosen due to showing strong leadership potential in face of recent adversities. Haki Harris, a young father from PukeKohe, received the ‘Top Student’ award on the course. In identifying Haki’s potential Blue Light presented Haki with a scholarship
to Outward Bound to further develop his leadership skills and help him to achieve his full potential. “Haki really shone on this programme and showed he has a huge future ahead of him as well as the motivation and drive to improve his life” said Mark Veale, Blue Light, National Programmes Manager. Blue Light was honoured to be selected as one of the four providers by the Ministry of Youth Development and would like to thank the department for the opportunity to add value to the young people involved in the programme.
Ruth Morse
Communication and Marketing Manager New Zealand Blue Light 22 National Blue Light Magazine Autumn 2013
Haki Harris
NEW ZEALAND
Autumn 2013 National Blue Light Magazine 23
NEW ZEALAND
Community partnerships : n a d r that lead to change! Jo
On November 23, the students from the Marist Learning Centre joined up with the Blue Light Police and went mountain biking at the Woodhill Mountain Biking Park.
I
really enjoyed getting to go Mountain Biking with the Blue Light Police because I want to pursue a career in the police force. It gave me an opportunity to talk to Bianca and Roger about some of the challenges they face and everything you have to go through in the process to becoming a Police Officer. I especially enjoyed being able to lead at the front of the pack with Bianca and Roger as it let me go at my own pace and it meant that I could see anything up ahead that could be dangerous. This gave me confidence and made it feel like a good team-building exercise. I would love to do some more activities with the Blue Light Police as, overall, everything was extremely fun and it gave us all an opportunity to see the lighter side of the police. I really appreciate the time I have had at Marist as it has helped me to develop overall as a person and has helped me grow a lot in my stature and I now see things differently. After been kicked out of school Marist was the only course that would take me. With a lot of hard work I finally passed my NCEA Level One, this is an extreme accomplishment for me and I couldn’t have done it without the tutors at Marist. Thanks to Marist I have had the chance to get out of my comfort zone and reach new heights that I wouldn’t have had at any other school or course. I am extremely appreciative of what I have had the chance to do. With the Blue Light outing I was very appreciative of all the sponsors and donors who help fund both Marist and the Blue Light and I would like to say a big thank you to them. 24 National Blue Light Magazine Autumn 2013
t h g i L e lu B i g n a r Tu NZ g n i t f a and R
NEW ZEALAND
Left to right guide, Kezia Naumai, Billie-Jo Willcox, Chanara Cameron, Whare Terekia, Hinemoa Wellington.
T
urangi Bluelight & Rafting NZ took 41 children, student and adult helpers rafting down the Tongariro River on Sunday, December 16. We arrived at the Rafting NZ HQ at 9am to be kitted out then it was on to a bus for the short drive to the start of the rafting trip at Rangipo outlet off Kaimanawa Rd. We were all excited on the bus ride there to be going rafting. As soon as we arrived we all piled of the bus as quick as we could and lined up so we could all be put into our groups. After that we all went over to our instructors who told us all what to do when to do it and how to do it. It wasn't long before we were off in the water and away down the rapids. When were halfway we stopped at a nice
swimming hole and we all got to jump in the water so we were able to cool off because we were super hot . We also got chocolate fish to eat, yum! Then we continued to raft down the river finely. We came to the end; as we pulled up on the bank we had to carry the rafts up the hill and put them onto the trailer. Then we had team photos and we all piled back onto the bus to go back to Rafting NZ. As soon as we arrived back we climbed off the bus and got changed and there were hot sausages and drinks for us to eat; we were all very hungry after a long trip. We all had a very good day, it was so much fun and very scary at some points but that was a good thing. It was an awesome opportunity to be able to go on a rafting trip at a very good price, all thanks to Bluelight & Rafting NZ. This was started by Rafting NZ who wanted local kids to have an opportunity to have an experience that they might not have had before.
Lara McGregor, student leader Autumn 2013 National Blue Light Magazine 25
NEW ZEALAND
d n a p m u J y Sk A u , k ck la n d l a W y k S
26 National Blue Light Magazine Autumn 2013
NEW ZEALAND
As a result of Southside Bluelight receiving some free tickets for distribution for the Skyjump and Skywalk, it was decided to make a competition of it...this was done across six high schools in Counties Manukau. Just tell us in 150 words or less why: Violence; in the family, in the neighbourhood or at school, is not OK because ‌ We received a number of entries and chose 6 good ones. The sucessful winners were transported
into Auckland City by Police/Bluelight staff. There was a degree of apprehension by all but confidences were restored by the really helpful staff at the Skytower. As the pictures show a good time was had by all!
Mike Fulcher
Senior Sergeant District Youth Services Coordinator Counties Manukau Police District Autumn 2013 National Blue Light Magazine 27
NEW ZEALAND
Blue Light ‘TradeZone’ Kids Gone Fishing Event in Auckland attracts over 2,000 families
T
he last weekend in January, Blue Light New Zealand hosted the largest ever ‘TradeZone Kids Gone Fishin’ Event’ with Blue Light patron Graeme Sinclair as part of the Auckland Seafood Festival. The event was a huge success and attracted over 2,000 families over two days. Children lined the wharf with their rods and handlines in glorious sunshine to create a carnival atmosphere. One young boy managed to pull up a sizeable fish which won him a brand new skateboard! As well as the fishing there was plenty of additional entertainment with face painting, balloons, a sausage sizzle and great spot prizes. As the chosen charity for the event, New Zealand Blue Light also had a tradeshow stand in the main festival area to educate people about activities/events Blue Light provides for NZ youth throughout the country. Blue Light would like to thank its volunteers, including staff from its corporate sponsor AA Insurance, TradeZone and Graeme Sinclair who made the event possible. Thanks!
28 National Blue Light Magazine Autumn 2013
NEW ZEALAND
Auckland City Bluelight Youthtown Intermediate Schools 6-aside Cricket Tournament
A student fr om Waikow hai Intermed action prio r to launch ing another iate showing a classic bowling thunderbo lt.
A
uckland City Bluelight Ventures held their third annual 6-aside Cricket tournament at Keith Hay Park, Mt Roskill, on December 3, 2012. This event is supported by Youthtown, who assist with staff and funding for the event. Eight schools from around Auckland City (including one from Waitakere) participated in the event, with the eventual winner being Balmoral Intermediate, who just topped Rangeview Intermediate in a closely fought final. All participants thoroughly enjoyed the day, as did attending police and Youthtown staff, as well as the teachers and adults who attended in support of their schools.
ediate – geview Interm iate and Ran atsman. ed rm te In l Balmora geview b ed between wn at a Ran The final play delivery do a es fir r le ow Balmoral b
The captain of the Balmoral Intermediate team accepts the winner’s trophy from Sergeant Deane McEntee of Auckland Blue Light Ventures.
l prepares ict Schoo ediate. tr is D ll e rn n from Pa dale Interm A batsma r 6 against Avon e th o n a to hit
Each pla yin student fr g team fielded tw o girls. T om Waik ow his excellent cricketing hai Intermediate showed ability th roughou t the day .
Autumn 2013 National Blue Light Magazine 29
NEW ZEALAND
ketahuna E at wim S and BBQ with Bush BlueLight
R
ecently the Bush BlueLight sponsored an event at Eketahuna. The event was held at Eketahuna Pools on Waitangi Day; there was a free sausage sizzle and free entry into the pools, funded by Bush BlueLight and the local Community Board called Our Town. The police involved on the day were Sgt Jymahl Glassey and Constable Donna Oliver. The day was a great success with Eketahuna young people and several families participating in the fun day. This is an excellent example of Bush BlueLight and the Eketahuna Community Board working together so our young people can have fun in their community.
Christine Grimmett (BSW) Social Worker Tararua Early Years Services
Dunedin Blue light's new car
L
ast year we approached Cooke Howlison Holden Dunedin and asked whether they would sponsor a vehicle for Dunedin Bluelight as we needed a car with a tow bar to ferry our barbecue trailer that the Green Island Town and Country kindly donated to Dunedin Bluelight, they were very much onboard with the good work that Bluelight do and said yes they would. In October we had an offical handing over of the keys for a Holden SV6 commodore with a tow bar. This has been fantastic as at the end of last year we took the barbecue into three Dunedin schools at lunchtime, and also the week before Xmas we took it on the Central Otago Rail Trail where the car was used to tow a trailer with bikes. So a big thank you to Cooke Howlison Dunedin and the Green Island Town and Country for all their support.
Debbie Hill
Building and Fleet Administrator Dunedin Central Police Station 30 National Blue Light Magazine Autumn 2013
NEW ZEALAND
Recaro's race against leukemia A few weeks ago whilst I was visiting families in the Takanini area I came across a lovely family whose story touched my heart. he mother Krystil was telling me about her five-year-old son, Recaro Tuala, who had been diagnosed with leukemia in October 2012. Since then he has spent most of his time in Starship Hospital undergoing intensive chemotheraphy. She also has three other sons aged 2, 7 and 11 years of age.
Her partner and herself take it in turns to spend four days/nights each at Starship Hospital and the other parent looks after the other three children at their home address. When I visited the address the two eldest boys were very excited to see the police at their house. I am sure this situation has had an effect on them too.
I shared my story with National Bluelight who offered to pay the costs to take the two oldest boys to Rainbows End (the boys' choice) for the day. This not only gave the parents a break for a day but gave the boys a fun day out. On January 22 I picked up Dayton, 11 years old, and Vincent, 7 years old, in the Police NPT van and we went to Rainbows End for the day. They had such a fun time and it was so awesome to share this experience with them. Recaro was in hospital at the time of the Rainbows End trip and not well enough to join us but we was given some cool toys so he didn’t feel left out (thanks to PapakuraFranklin Bluelight). I also liased with Takanini School where Recaro, Dayton and Vincent are students and arranged a NPT/Papakura-Franklin Bluelight Disco which was held in March. A donation will be given to the family towards a holiday they are planning in Australia when Recaro has finished his chemo treatment.
Brooke Peterson Takanini NPT
Autumn 2013 National Blue Light Magazine 31
NEW ZEALAND
S
anta came early to thousands of children at the Special Children's Christmas Party in Auckland on Saturday, December 8, 2012. The police had a stand which was manned by Blue Light volunteers to ensure this was an amazing experience for the kids. The Christmas party at ASB Showgrounds for children who are terminally ill, have special physical or intellectual needs or come from severely underprivileged circumstances. Every child left the event having had heaps of food, heaps of toys and big smiles on their faces. The police and Blue Light volunteers manned police cars and motorbikes for kids to sit in or on with a police shirt and forage cap. This event always proves popular and our stand has kids coming back for more than one go. We had approximately 2,000 children through the stand. The showgrounds was full of children's activities, cartoon characters, pets, music and food. The annual Christmas event is organised in association with the Cancer Society and Variety with sponsorship from local businesses.
32 National Blue Light Magazine Autumn 2013