Cherbourg's youngsters earn their stripes

By Sergeant Kaye Rowley and Lucy Emlyn-Jones+

Elders have joined police in a novel approach to building community pride among the next generation. Twenty-six children in neatly pressed uniforms stand silent, focused and ram-rod straight – a rare sight among any group of highspirited youngsters.

Watched intently by a strong contingent of Elders, dignitaries, parents and townspeople, the group responds as one to commands to stand at attention, left dress and stand at ease. Uniforms are inspected, certificates are issued and, finally, the youngsters fall out by the left to cheers from the crowd, tossing their hats into the air like the proudest recruits ever inducted.

This historic scene took place at Cherbourg in July 2011, as the Queensland Police Service welcomed the first intake of Cherbourg Junior Police Rangers.

The program aims to create positive role models and instil a sense of community spirit and pride in participants. Currently, three Australian police services undertake junior police ranger programs – the Northern Territory Junior Police Rangers, West Australian Cadets and South Australian Blue Light Rangers. These programs were developed to combat a perceived drop in civic mindedness among youth and are offered to students 12 to 18 years.

While the Cherbourg program upholds the foundational values, it has been tailored to its unique circumstances. Developed in partnership with the QPS, local schools and the Queensland Early Intervention Pilot Project, the program targets Indigenous students aged 10 to 13 years, and the focus incorporates an awareness of Aboriginal culture.

Students receive personal development training from members of both the community and emergency services organisations to enhance practical life skills, leadership and teamwork.

Sergeant Scott Prendergast, Cherbourg’s officer-in-charge, visited West Australia and Northern Territory to observe their programs first hand.

He said it became clear the program could be successfully adapted for the youth of Cherbourg to the benefit of the entire community.

“We are hoping this program will be a positive engagement for the youth, and will help the QPS build stronger bonds with the children, the community and key stakeholders,” Sergeant Prendergast said.

The Cherbourg Junior Rangers meet weekly for two hours to engage in activities designed to boost self-esteem and knowledge of their Indigenous heritage. A typical afternoon may be filled with bush craft and survival training or study of Aboriginal food, art or dance traditions.

Senior Constable Luke Veldman, Police Ranger Coordinator, said the rangers were eager to attend the meeting each week. “They look forward to learning different skills from the Elders of the town and are also excited about perfecting their drill,” he said.

“This sort of thing has never happened before and we hope the experience will be positive for both the participants and for Cherbourg.”

Sandra Morgan, Chairperson of the Cherbourg Ration Shed Museum, said the program provided a unique opportunity for the town’s young people.

“When we were young, we didn’t have the opportunities the youth have today. We hope the rangers can learn more about our culture, respect themselves and the community, and become role models for other youth.”

The Cherbourg Junior Police Rangers program will continue indefinitely if evaluations show members are displaying role model qualities and improved school attendance and continue to enjoy the experience.

+ Sergeant Kaye Rowley is Cross Cultural Liaison Officer in QPS North Coast Region and Lucy Emlyn-Jones is from QPS Media and Public Affairs Branch.