Victoria Police’s Air Wing made a flying visit to Castlemaine Secondary College on Wednesday as part of the school’s Blue EDGE program.
The Blue EDGE program – an initiative of Blue Light – is designed to Educate, Develop, Grow and Empower (EDGE) young people.
The state-of-the-art helicopter certainly turned some heads as it passed over Castlemaine and circled the Lawson Parade campus before touching down on the school oval, where students, facilitators and local police involved in the Blue EDGE program, fellow CSC students and staff had the opportunity to take a closer look at the aircraft and meet some of the police members which man the vehicle.
The Victoria Police Air Wing representatives included local resident Thomas Graham.
Thomas told the Mail he was thrilled they were able to make the visit a reality.
“It has taken months of planning to get here today, but its wonderful to see it all come together and for the kids to learn about another facet of Victoria Police,” he said.
It seemed the visit may be cut short when Bendigo Police requested Air Wing support just moments after the aircraft touched down in Castlemaine. But fortunately the incident in Bendigo was quickly resolved and the Air Wing was not required allowing the local visit to proceed.
The weekly Blue EDGE program at CSC aims to build stronger links with Victoria Police members and local youth.
Blue Light Angie Lane said it helps police connect with students through sport, shared meals and group workshops.
“A key aim is to give students the chance to see police as people.
The program is tailored to young people in Years 7-9 and focuses on key capabilities such as emotional regulation, confidence building, safe decision making, peer and community connections,” she said.
Castlemaine Secondary College principal Justin Hird said the Blue EDGE program has been hugely beneficial for their students.
“It has been fantastic, particularly when it comes to improving students’ physical and mental wellbeing, and helping them to develop positive connections within the local community,” Mr Hird said.
CSC Blue EDGE participant and Year 8 student Issiah said Tuesday’s Air Wing visit was really exciting.
“I have really enjoyed being part of the program. My favourite part was playing basketball with the cops and getting to know them.
“Everyone involved has been really supportive, inclusive and loving,” he said.
Fellow CSC Blue EDGE participant and Year 7 student Mia said agreed it has been a really supportive group.
“Everything that has been spoken about is kept within the group. I’ve really felt listened to and heard,” Mia said.
“We have done units on sport, food and health. I’ve enjoyed the chance to get to know other students that I normally don’t interact with, and I’ve also enjoyed learning about the police members. I would definitely feel more confident reaching out to the police for help if I ever needed it,” Mia said.
Local police members Senior Constable Braden Pollard and Constable Jared Hall said they have also enjoyed being part of the valuable weekly program.
“It’s been a great opportunity to show students that behind the uniform we are just like everyone else,” Senior Constable Pollard said.