October 26, 2015
South Burnett PCYC is keen to help break down barriers between young Indigenous residents of Cherbourg and Murgon and the local police.
To achieve this, they’ve brought the successful “Catch Me If You Can” program, which has proven its worth in North Queensland and Logan, to the South Burnett.
Fifteen Year 11 and 12 students from Murgon State High School have been matched with a Cherbourg police officer of their choice to participate in team building activities and a friendly touch football competition.
The idea is that the students and police get to know each other in a friendly environment and build a positive relationship.
And it’s a two-way street.
There are also cultural activities where the police – and students – can learn more about traditional Aboriginal culture from local Elders.
In the second of their round of major activities, police and students turned out for a quick game of touch football at Murgon Sportsground last week before local resident Duncan Hegarty, from Cherbourg, explained how he makes didgeridoos, boomerangs, clapsticks and emu callers.
Duncan makes the items from scratch, collecting the raw wood from the bush.
“I have done thousands of them,” he said.
The students and police then enjoyed a barbecue cooked by Acting Senior Constable Angus Green, from Cherbourg.
PCYC Indigenous Community Sport and Recreation officer Wade Charles said the first in the four-series program of events was held at Cherbourg.
After the final event, trophies will be distributed to the winners of the Touch Football competition, plus the “Deadliest” male and female, and the “Fastest Feet” male and female.
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