Dolphins NRL drops in to youth event

A Dolphins NRL star made a special appearance at a new weekly youth drop-in event organised by police from the Moreton Prevention Unit.

Visitors at last Thursday’s event included Morayfield MP and Police and Corrective Services Minister Mark Ryan MP, Councillor Mark Booth (Div 2), Moreton North Patrol Group Inspector Paul Ready, the PCYC and the Mounted Unit, as well as local First Nations leaders and Kurbingui Youth and Family workers.

But the highlight was Dolphins NRL player of the moment Hamiso “Hammer” Tabuai-Fidow, who threw a few footballs and signed shirts ahead of the team’s second win of the season on Sunday against the Canberra Raiders.

Last Thursday, March 9, marked the third week Caboolture PCYC Sergeant Mark Haestier, Morayfield State High School school-based police officer Senior Constable Amy Walkden, officers from the Moreton Prevention Unit, and staff from local state high schools hosted the youth drop-in at Dickson Park.

“The Drop-In is a specific crime prevention and youth-related program designed to assist with the anti-social behaviours of some young people within and external to the (Morayfield) shopping centre on Thursday nights”, Sgt Haestier says.

Safe space for young people

The program enables young people aged 12-18 to actively engage with police and youth workers in a positive and inclusive environment.

“It is designed to create a safe space for young people to attend and play games, and to see that we are approachable to reach out to for assistance, instead of potentially being involved in petty crime,” Sgt Haestier says.

“A big thank you to the Dolphins, who have not only hit the ground running on the field but have actively been working with community groups in the Moreton area and continue to support our youth and community.”

The youth drop-in is held every Thursday between 5.30pm and 7.30pm, and offers a free barbeque and drinks as well as a variety of games.

The overall message promoted at each event is one of positive engagement and community connectedness.

Sgt Haestier has also been visiting the Wallace Street North Park at Caboolture on Tuesdays from about 2.30pm for the past few weeks.

His visits have grown from just a handful of young people attending to more than 40 showing up for footy, snags and a chat on March 7.