St George kids have cast their rod into new fishing program 'Blue Lures', a youth program aimed at fostering positive community-police relationships over a shared love of catching fish.
The fishing-based initiative aims to provide a fun, safe environment for youth aged 8-17 and was started by local Police Liaison Officer (PLO) Chelsea Beardmore and Constable Daniel Burton from St George Police Station.
Constable Burton observed an abundance of local kids who shared a love for fishing and jumped at the opportunity to build a relationship with them through a fishing program. He worked closely with PLO Chelsea Beardmore, who was born and raised in St George, to leverage local knowledge and relationships to establish the initiative.
The first session saw 26 young people participating, catching fish, enjoying the barbeque, and receiving prizes including a brand-new rod and reel.
Constable Daniel Burton was pleasantly surprised with how many kids engaged with the program in the first session.
"It was surprising how much the kids knew about fishing locally and required minimal assistance", he said.
"Engaging the local youth through a fishing program was a no-brainer, as fishing is deeply embedded into the culture of St George.
"If we can keep up this level of engagement, we can really break down barriers between young people and police and change these kids' lives.
"Feedback from the community, including parents and students at St George State High School, has been overwhelmingly positive. The program has already demonstrated positive changes in youth behaviour, fostering respect and responsibility."
Looking ahead, there's optimism for 'Blue Lures' to become a permanent program, solidifying the strengthened relationship between QPS, youth, parents, and the broader community.
Blue Lures is a joint initiative between Queensland Police Service, Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation for Health, and Lifeline Darling Downs.
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