Police launch class action for kids

KOORI children will be encouraged to stay in school and work as part of an initiative by Victoria Police designed to develop their skills, attitudes and self-confidence.
Victoria Police launched Operation Newstart in Dandenong this week in conjunction with Cleeland Secondary College and the Department of Education and Training.
Operation Newstart is aimed at Koori teenagers aged 14 to 17.
It will place the young people in a positive program in a bid to keep them in school or engaged in education.
Students will take part in a range of activities during the eight-week personal development program, including outdoor adventure activities, workplace visits, fitness testing, fire awareness, gaining first aid qualifications, team building and community volunteer work.
Students also take part in a TAFE Taster Course at Chisholm Institute and student and parent workshops are also an integral part of the program.
Dandenong Acting Inspector Ian Gillespie said given the students’ Koori background, a range of culturally relevant activities such as Koori art and heritage would also be incorporated into the program.