News
10 November, 2024
Shining a blue light
Two Esk locals are working together to bring Blue Light to the Somerset region, with the inaugural Blue Light Somerset committee having their first meeting on November 16 at the Alexandra Hall in Toogoolawah.
Queensland Blue Light Association Incorporated (QBLAI) is a not-for-profit organization run by police and civilian volunteers, aiming to reduce youth crime by delivering activities and events, such as discos and movie nights, along with early intervention and crime reduction programs.
Esk resident Judyann Roberts approached Esk Police Senior Constable Naomi Nash to discuss the idea of opening a Somerset branch after noticing the lack of no-cost or low-cost activities for teenagers in Somerset.
“We have families from low socio-economic areas that can’t afford to be driving to Ipswich or beyond for entertainment for their children, and then you have families where there are two working parents who are driving into Brisbane, Ipswich, or beyond every day and then need to do that big drive again on the weekend to entertain their kids,” she said.
“The idea for me came around providing something that was easily accessible to families and not a financial burden and to keep the momentum going from current holiday programs.”
Constable Nash said the idea to develop the initiative from her perspective, as a law enforcement officer, was to provide young people the opportunity to have “a positive engagement with police.”
“The Blue Light is more than just discos; there are a number of programs that support education and the development of young people in the community,” she said.
“It adds activities for young people in the area and gives them something they can attend and look forward to. I just want kids to have a fun, safe environment.”
Ms. Roberts said the community feedback on starting a Somerset branch has been “really positive,” with families having reached out to thank her for implementing the association.
“Having that positive interaction with local police would build up that relationship and mutual respect, and if there was a time that child needed support, they would feel comfortable approaching a police officer,” she said.
“If young people are bored and have nothing to do, it leads to the potential of doing silly things.”
The inaugural meeting at 9 am on Saturday, November 16, at Alexandra Hall, Toogoolawah, will revolve around establishing a working committee of at least six people.
Ms. Roberts said by naming this Blue Light branch Somerset, they are hoping to put on events and programs across the region.
“From the feedback we had on Facebook, we have people in Kilcoy, Coominya, Esk, and Toogoolawah interested, so for me, because it’s about access for all families, I’m going to put to that meeting that we have working parties in each of those areas so all families can access it,” she said.
“If there is a local working committee in each area, we can set up the event or program with the knowledge of the locals and the support of the branch committee.”
Ms. Roberts and Constable Nash are also inviting representation from local primary and high schools to attend the meeting and/or consider joining the committee. Please note that members will be required to hold a current Blue Card.
This initiative was followed by Somerset Council’s announcement of the Somerset Youth Engagement Strategy (October 2024), which recognizes the priorities and challenges of the region’s young people.
According to the Council, the region is home to more than 3,600 young people aged 12 to 24, comprising around 17 percent of the Local Government Area population.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the Youth Engagement Strategy provided insight into the challenges facing young people.
“Engagement with youth in the community revealed the three most important issues were drugs and alcohol, a lack of things to do in the region, and crime,” Cr. Wendt said.
“This Strategy is about addressing these issues and supporting young people in Somerset.
“We want our young people to have opportunities to be leaders and active citizens who can contribute to our community, arts, and public spaces.
The Council will use the strategy to guide and inform decisions involving youth in Somerset in addition to advocating to the State and Federal members on matters involving youth.”
For more info on Blue Light, visit bluelightqld.org.
