By Casey Neill
Falcons and Rhinos are now working side-by-side to support African youths in Greater Dandenong.
Afri-Aus Care founded the Black Rhinos basketball team for men last May and launched a new side for women, the Peregrine Falcons, at Dandenong Stadium on Tuesday 20 March.
Greater Dandenong Local Area Commander Inspector Mark Langhorn said the teams provided a fantastic youth engagement pathway.
“It’s these types of community programs that promote a sense of belonging for young people that we are proud to support,” he said.
“I applaud the organisers for taking a leadership role in engaging young people through education and sport.”
Police officers took to the basketball court at the launch to play against the two teams.
“Community engagement is a core part of what we do as police,” Insp Langhorn said.
“It’s important that we continue to listen to community through various channels to ensure that we remain a relevant and effective police service.
“It also helps to ensure people from all backgrounds and faiths feel safe in coming to police if and when they need help.”
Insp Langhorn said the area was the most diverse in the state.
“Police are here to keep the entire community safe and we welcome any opportunity to build relationships with people or groups who may feel isolated or disconnected from society,” he said.
Malawi-born mental health clinician Selba Luka founded Afri-Aus Care and through her work met Jamy Alex.
She helped him through his problems with drinking, drugs and court and embraced his idea of starting a basketball club.
The Black Rhinos were born.
“These young people, they just need love,” she said.
“Give them hope.
“Things will change.”
At the Black Rhinos launch, Magistrate Jack Vandersteen said the court dealt with a lot of youths who didn’t play sport, and emphasised its importance alongside family and school.
“If you combine those three things, the chances of you ever coming to court and having any contact with Victoria Police is minimal, in fact non-existent,” he said.
