Eddy MacDonald is Dandenong’s new Crime Prevention Officer and is already brainstorming fun ways for young people to substitute the streets for sport.
By Amy Taylor
HE may be new to the area, by Senior Constable Eddy MacDonald is diving into his role as Dandenong Crime Prevention Officer – paddles and all.
Sen Cons MacDonald has been working in Dandenong for just over a week, but he is keen to start an eight-week canoeing program for any youths who have a passion for success and to embrace the traditional Maori culture that the crews represent.
He is hoping to start the program before the end of summer, looking at it as a “fantastic challenge”.
Last year, Sen Const MacDonald ran the waka ama six-person outrigger canoe program over eight weeks, training every Sunday morning in eight-degree water, and he is eager to re-run the program at the Patterson Lakes Outrigger Canoe Club with youth from Dandenong.
“Their support last time couldn’t have been any higher,” he said.
“They were fantastic trainers (at Patterson Lakes). We can’t do it without the help of volunteers.
“I was just knocked back by the success of the program – the way it not only engaged the youngsters, but the families as well.”
The six-man canoe, known as the waka ama, was the primary mode of transport for the people of the Pacific regions.
Originating from New Zealand, Sen Const MacDonald is happy to get back to his culture through the waka ama canoeing program.
“As Dandenong is such a multicultural fruit salad, there is an opportunity to exchange and share our cultures,” he said.
“It brings young people an understanding and appreciation of each other.
“We bring into the program, respect for equipment, the engagement of family, spirituality, ownership and ancient ways of the waka ama.”
As the program is run by volunteers, Sen Const MacDonald relies on the support of community members and trainers who are willing to give up their Sunday sleep to bring together the youth in an “exchange of culture”.
The program he has planned will include a traditional kataki (Maori) prayer before entering the waka ama and sacred smoke cleansing ceremonies performed by the Aboriginal community in order to teach the chosen group respect and engagement with different cultures.
During the eight weeks, each crew members will not only learn the art of paddling the canoe but discover the skills of working as a team and respect for others.
“It’s all about working as a team,” Sen Const MacDonald said. “Everyone has a role to play.”
He is extending an invitation to youths to show their interest in learning the skills of waka ama.
“This is something right outside the square,” he said.
Sen Const MacDonald is also looking for sponsorship and volunteers, particularly of Maori and Pacific Island background, so to pass on the traditional cultures of the waka ama.
For more information, call Sen Const MacDonald on 9767 7530.
