OFFICERS from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District (PSHPD) have ramped up community engagement across their expansive coverage area, hosting barbecues at Karuah and Lemon Tree Passage in recent weeks.
“We want to encourage the local community to engage with their local police, and feel comfortable to tell us about any crimes or concerns, rather than leave it to the social media platforms,” District supervisor Sergeant Wes Taylor told NOTA.
“We’ve done similar events in the district, [but] this one at Karuah was one of the better turnouts that we had, especially with plenty of young people.”
Many Karuah families took the opportunity to partake in the free barbecue on Thursday 4 December, with many receiving gifts donated by Roco of Yibinarra and Wahroonga Aboriginal Corporation.
Plenty took the chance to tour the police station on Engel Ave, Karuah, across from Aliceton Reserve.
“We have some very good officers in our lockup keepers Senior Constable Michelle Chandler at Karuah and S/C Trent Moffat at Tea Gardens, some of the best senior constables in the area,” Sgt Wed added, a comment echoed by several in the local police command hierarchy, including Inspector David Donovan.
“We know the importance of connecting with our community, and are aware that in regional areas people feel that they don’t get a response,” Inspector Donovan told NOTA.
“It is good for them to meet Michelle; people in Karuah may have seen her around town but not had a chance to get to know her.
“Now they can feel they can approach her more easily.”
Aboriginal Liaison Officer Jemma McLeay and Youth Liaison Officer Senior Constable Leanne Mann were also at Karuah, and joined lockup keeper Fred Saba at Lemon Tree Passage police station on 11 December.
“Large Indigenous populations in the area make it really important for the police, with Gemma’s help, to break down barriers and make them feel comfortable to reach out to the station,” Inspector Donovan explained.
“Our priority is that the community know their local officer in their sector, and to show that we want to connect and be available, and be visible.”
At Lemon Tree Passage, a contingent of 15 First Nations girls from Tanilba Bay Public School were in attendance.
The students are participants in the Sista Speak program, which was launched in 2016 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls in Years 4, 5 and 6.
The program explores developing and maintaining quality relationships with others, goal setting, positive choices, friendships and developing self-esteem.
The students and their teachers spoke at the station about leadership and the importance of strong women leaders in the community, then presented a painted police tactical shield to officers.
The shield will be displayed in the foyer, taking pride of place in the police station.
Such events have recently been held in Dungog and Tea Gardens, with upcoming sessions planned at Stroud and Paterson.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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