Senior Constable Eddy MacDonald is engaging with youths in Dandenong and surrounds through rugby.By Melissa Meehan
DANDENONG’S Senior Constable Eddy MacDonald is engaging with local youths through rugby.
Sen Const MacDonald has taken a holistic approach to work with at-risk youth in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia through a project called One Ocean.
He said the project started in July last year and has achieved an outstanding success rate since its launch.
“As the Crime Prevention officer for the region it is great to be able to see a reduction in crime,” Sen Const MacDonald said.
“But with a lack of funding, the project came to a standstill and the youths started to return to risk behaviour.”
Having to rely on the deep pockets of the volunteers was a key factor of the project until Sen Const MacDonald was presented a cheque for $2,500 from the Dandenong Rotary.
“It was heart-warming to see that the community is putting in to the program,” Sen Const MacDonald said.
“Hopefully others will also jump on board.
“It is a world first, no one anywhere else has done anything like this.”
He said that the rugby would start again in April at Hemmings Park, but One Ocean would take part in a fundraiser for bushfire victims.
Police in partnership with Te Waka One Ocean invites the community to a free cultural event to acknowledge the Gippsland bushfire victims.
Sen Const Mac Donald said the young people who were part of the program wanted to do something for victims and would donate sporting equipment to school kids from the proceeds.
The day will be held on Saturday 28 March in the Bunnings car park, on the corner of the Princes Highway and Gladstone Road, Dandenong, between 1pm– 5:30pm.
