Police from New England Local Area Command have launched a local fitness program designed to engage with youths within the Tingha area, NSW Police say.
The program, supported by the Armajun Aboriginal Health Service, the Anaiwan Local Aboriginal Lands Council and staff from a local gymnasium, was officially launched tomorrow at the Tingha Town Hall.
The aim of the program is to provide an opportunity for police and the young people of Tingha to interact through boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA) and fitness classes.
The program has been launched with the assistance of a NSW Police Force Aboriginal Strategic Direction grant and will initially run fortnightly into January 2017.
New England Local Area Command Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Ann Joy, expressed her gratitude for the support of the Tingha Aboriginal community and its leaders.
"Police expect the initiative to have immediate and long-term results with Aboriginal leaders from the Tingha community and officers volunteering their free time to play an active mentoring role with the youths.
"The program is designed to cover a range of key areas including family violence, health and fitness, substance abuse and the effect crime has on victims,
"It is vital these youths get a chance to reach their full potential through fitness and positive mentoring," said Detective Inspector Joy.
"From a policing perspective, the program is designed to interact with the community, reduce youth crime and identify re-offending behaviours.
"We are pleased to be able to incorporate the wisdom of Tingha’s Aboriginal leaders in this program which will equip the youths with the tools and skills to be upstanding members of their local community."
