Cops and Kids 2023

With the beginning of a new year, it’s time to recap on some of the success stories of 2023 & we thought what better way to start than with the “Cops n Kids” weekend that was held in Ballarat in November 2023.

Much of the community would have seen or heard Police cars, motorbikes, Aussie classics, trucks and American muscle cars making plenty of noise and putting smiles on children’s faces!

Challenge, in conjunction with Victoria Police held their annual 4-day camp in Ballarat with more than 60 children aged between 5-10 making their way from all corners of the state to Sovereign Hill where they discovered the rare trades and forgotten crafts of the Victorian Gold Rush whilst being accommodated overnight.

Operating in its 26th Year, the Cops “N” Kids Camp gives an opportunity for Challenge children to be a part of sights, sounds and experiences that they may have never been exposed to previously, whilst allowing their parents, guardians and special people to have some well-earned respite.

Some of the activities include:

• Face painting
• Car, truck & motorbike rides
• Police car rides
• BBQ and visit to the Sebastopol CFA
• Jumping castle
• A visit to Extreme Bounce
• Jewellery making
• A movie at Regent Multiplex
• Swimming at Fed Uni
• Ten Pin bowling
• Wildlife Park visit

On behalf of Canteen and Victoria Police, we would like to say a huge thankyou to everyone involved in getting this annual event off the ground and run very successfully for another Year.

There are too many people to thank individually but retired Police Sergeant, John Maloney & Sgt Dave COLLINS from Ballarat Police both deserve a pat on the back for their continued support and tireless efforts with the Cops N Kids camp.

And a big shout out to all our community members who donated their time and vehicles – it couldn’t have been done without you!