Police program’s got the Edge

SIXTEEN Phoenix College students have graduated from personal development program Blue Edge, led by local police and Ballarat Blue Light.

Leading Senior Constable Des Hudson and physical trainers Anthony Ebery and Maxine Johnson ran twice weekly 6.30am sessions in term one this year, striving to boost year 7 to 10 students’ teamwork, positive decision-making, life and social skills, discipline, sense of achievement, and view of Police, reduce negative risk-taking, and offer career education.

Designed to give young people a sense of the skills needed to pass the Victoria Police entry fitness tests, they were challenged by fun physical activities, and if they were taking the real test, many participants would have passed all its sections.

The Rotary Club of Ballarat provided $6000 worth of funding for the 17 Blue Edge sessions, with some Club members attending as contributors to breakfast workshops on life skills and careers, speaking about volunteering and community service involvement, job-seeking, mentoring, and communication.

Incoming present Warren Payne said the Club was immediately drawn to support the program.

“We recognised it was important for youth in Ballarat and has had a lot of success in supporting them in the past,” he said.

“We were all delighted to be involved. The kids were very receptive, and we saw the growth in them throughout the term.”

The Rotary Club of Ballarat also took part in a graduation ceremony recently held at Phoenix College where each participant was awarded a certificate of course completion.

Leading Senior Constable Hudson has run five terms’ worth of Blue Edge and said the course continues to evolve.

“We adapt it after every nine-week program. The next one will be called FORCE Blue for friendships, opportunity, respect, encouragement, and challenge,” he said.

“Twenty-five students will be ready to participate in term two at Phoenix College.”