August 22, 2014
The Cherbourg Junior Police Rangers want to say a big “thank you!” to everyone who voted for their program in the recent NRMA Insurance People’s Choice Award.
The competition pitched four worthy programs – all of whom had previously received an NRMA Insurance Community Grant – in a national online poll.
And the Cherbourg Junior Police Rangers won with an incredible 2315 votes!
In fact, they led from the moment voting opened on July 1.
The other entrants were Evans High School (Blacktown, NSW) – road safety (1608 votes); Springwood Neighbourhood Centre (NSW) – bushfire preparation (1286 votes); and Welcoming Intercultural Neighbours (Gladstone) – road safety for migrants (1032 votes).
Each program was assured of doubling their grant if they received 1000 votes.
And the program which received the most votes would receive triple funding.
As the competition continued, Cherbourg Junior Police Rangers co-ordinator Louise Thompson admitted she became concerned as the nearest competitor put on 600 votes in just two hours.
But she need not have worried as the Police Rangers maintained their lead.
Louise now hopes the win will lead to a possible expansion of the program.
“It really does take a steady commitment from the people who run it but it’s worth it,” she said.
“It builds the children’s self-esteem and they appreciate it.”
Cherbourg Junior Police Ranger Jaylah Purcell said Louise and her afternoon co-ordinator Karen Bond were fun because “they do a lot of cool stuff”.
The program involves youngsters in fun after-school activities once a week.
They also take part in events such as Anzac Day and mix with positive role models from the police, fire brigade and ambulance.
- Related article: Vote Online To Help Police Rangers
