Ballarat unfortunately has high youth crime. LMP is working with 6 ‘at risk’ students from a local secondary college which has an increased history of teenage suicide. With a bad culture of committing crime and not going to school, Aimee & Elissa are trying to teach the students that they might get themselves into a bad environment, but they don’t have to stay in it and help them learn there is a better life and get them out of the cycle.

Activities have been carried out to reinforce this, one being to visit different working locations and learning about good behaviour in a workplace. They also try and get the students involved with the community, with one being assisting with Walking basketball for the elderly. The students have formed nice friendships.

Elissa & Aimee said there have been challenges but are working hard to promote and create longevity in the program. They’re trying to make a difference in the lives of others - another community engagement, a greater awareness of what we are doing and develop a legacy that they can be proud of.

Elissa wrapped up with a couple of interesting comments;

• Police officers always wear the ballistics vest when dressed in uniform.
• The police aeroplane has been used quite a lot lately to assist with finding/following stolen cars. From the air they have the ability to recognise car number plates from heights of 2,000mtrs. From the same height they can trace people, with one criminal found only by the heat coming from his head while immersed up to their neck in water.

Thank you Amiee & Elissa for your excellent presentation.