The Yarrabah Truancy Project is going from strength-to-strength as local police officers from Yarrabah Police Station continue to forge strong relationships with local youths. The project was initiated by police and works in partnership with the Yarrabah council, Department of Education and local families with the aim of improving school attendance rates in Yarrabah and promoting healthy living.
Constable Lidicky with Yarrabah State school captains and PR teach Mr Michael Haseldine.
After hearing that the school was running short on much loved rugby league balls, local officer Constable Silvestor Lidicky set to work on rectifying the situation. He was able to secure a kind donation of Rugby League balls from Hart Sports and Gray Nicols Sports, much to the delight of students.
“Rugby League is a way of life for most people in Yarrabah and is supported by all generations in the community” said Yarrabah police officer, Constable Silvester Lidicky
“There are always groups of kids kicking a footy or playing a game of touch footy at the school each morning. We have found that the simple prospect of having a game of footy with school friends is sometimes enough encouragement to get kids along to school. When we get a chance, officers from the station head down for a kick or game of touch footy with the students”
Police Liaison Officers Johsac Burns and Milton Bounghi preparing cereal for the Monday breakfasts.
The Truancy Project has also seen the introduction of a supplied breakfast to students on Monday’s through sponsorship from Kellogg’s, Gurriny Yealamucka Health, Mission Australia and funding from Yarrabah’s own police social club. The regular breakfast program has assisted in reducing absenteeism on the first day back at school following the weekend.
Police Liaison Officers Johsac Burns and Milton Bounghi preparing cereal for the Monday breakfasts.
PLO Johsac Burns and Tegan Biehler on Milo duty
Police have also introduced a uniform library after identifying that many students missing from school did not have adequate school uniforms. Through the Yarrabah Police Social club a number of school uniforms were purchased to get the uniform library started and were made available for loan to parents until they were able to facilitate the purchase of uniforms.
Not only has the project assisted in greatly encouraging school attendance, strong bonds and a mutual respect have been formed between police and students.
“As an officer in charge it is humbling to see staff members working together to better the community that they work in. We certainly plan to continue with this project, the response from not only parents and students but also the business community at Yarrabah has been outstanding” said Officer in Charge Acting Senior Sergeant Erin Shawcross.