STREET SAFE PROGRAM A WINNER
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A PROGRAM RUN THROUGH A SHEPPARTON SPORTS CLUB HAS HELPED REDUCE RATES OF ABORIGINAL YOUTHS REOFFENDING. EDITORIAL MANDI SANTIC
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he Rumbalara Football and Netball Club’s (RFNC) Street Safe program in partnership with the Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative (RAC) and the Shepparton Police Station has been commended for its dedication in helping local disaffected indigenous youths in Shepparton. Operating as a community-based intervention program since 2005, the club was honoured at the recent Victorian presentation of the 2013 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards. The culturally sensitive program was created to improve the physical, social and emotional health of the local indigenous community.
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WINTER 2014 POLICELIFE
The program helps promote positive behavioural change by involving youth in sport with police and peers acting as encouraging role models to keep the whole of the community safe. A supportive relationship between all parties has resulted in the youths having a positive self-identity, getting better grades in school, increased confidence and self-determination. Shepparton Police Station members have played an integral role in ensuring Street Safe participants have the lowest offending rate for indigenous youths in Victoria. Shepparton Police Station’s Inspector Ian Bull said the program was built on trust and understanding the role of police and of the Aboriginal community. “The program improves relationships between police and Aboriginal people,” Insp Bull said.
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“Cross-cultural training provided by the RAC helps to ensure Greater Shepparton police have a greater understanding and awareness of Aboriginal history and cultural issues. “Local Aboriginal leaders and youths meet at the sports club and discuss issues and deal with complaints in an open dialogue. There is a lot of negotiation and goodwill from people across all boards. “It’s great to know that we can make a difference in people’s lives with the Street Safe program. We can make a positive impact with the capacity to further reduce rates of recidivism.” Under the guidance of local Aboriginal leader Paul Briggs, the Shepparton community members that operate the RFNC provide a socially friendly and safe environment for all involved.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE .01 Key influential supporters of the Street Safe program. .02 Sgt Ian Bull and AC Andrew Crisp with award winner Paul Briggs. (photo credit: Lea Croyden)
Mr Briggs said a crisis intervention model was the driving force behind the program. “The RFNC has been critical in affirming positive social norms and behaviours, by acknowledging identity and culture. It’s about modelling good leadership and behaviours,” Mr Briggs said. “The program has been a driving inspiration for employment and healthy lifestyle practices, whilst repositioning the value of the Aboriginal brand.”