Racing for community

YOUNG residents from across the city learned a lot about their community and cyber safety during two special events yesterday (Wednesday).
Secondary school students braved the rain to test their navigation skills during the Race around the Community.
The event coincided with the launch of council’s new anti-cyber bulling campaign which was part of Mental Health Week celebrations.
The Race around the Community event gave young people a chance to make their way around the local public transport system, while learning more about the programs, services and opportunities available to them within their community.
Teams were equipped with public transport tickets, timetables and maps to visit as many youth services and agencies as possible where they were asked to complete tasks, speak to workers and collect items to gain points.
All teams were asked to visit at least one organisation in Noble Park, Springvale and Dandenong and had to make use of the public transport system.
Youth Services Co-ordinator Katharina Verscharen said Race around the Community was a fun way for young people to learn about the local services available to them.
“Greater Dandenong offers some fantastic opportunities for young people but sadly not all young people know about them,” she said.
“By participating in Race around the Community, young people have the chance to expand their horizons and learn more about the great things being done in their own city.”
The new anti-cyber bulling campaign was launched after the race.
The council was working with local secondary schools to raise awareness about cyber safety.
The council’s Community Services Director Mark Doubleday said reported incidences of cyber bullying were on the rise.
“Cyber bullying has been identified as a key concern affecting young people within our community,” he said.
“In response to these community concerns Greater Dandenong has been working in partnerships with localsecondary schools to dev-elop a social marketing campaign that combats cyber bullying and promotes cyber safety messages.”
Seven schools were involved in the Stamp Out Cyber Bullying Project including the Dandenong High School, the Carwatha Secondary college, Keysborough Secondary College-Springvale Campus, Keysborough Secondary College- Coomoora Campus, Westall Secondary College, Nazareth Secondary College and Lyndale Secondary College.
The social marketing campaigns, which include short films, newsletters, workshops, posters and plays were on display at the launch.