Gympie Blue Light

The origins of Blue Light can be traced back to a crime prevention initiative of the Victoria Police Service in 1976.

Police recognised that many of their policing challenges involved young people and youth issues, stemming from a lack of positive weekend entertainment for this demographic, and thus set about providing such entertainment.

The initiative proved successful. Blue Light brought together police personnel and members of the community in a concerted effort to improve police/youth relations.

Blue Light aims to assist the police to rectify the imbalance of pro-active and re-active policing where young people are concerned. It does this by providing young people with positive lifestyle alternatives and strategies to avoid becoming an offender or victim of crime.

Blue Light is a successful program internationally, with every State and Territory in Australia participating, as well as New Zealand, Fiji, Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea.

Gympie Blue Light has been operating for over 15 years. From small beginnings, we now have between 300 - 500 children attending at each dance party.

Of course, it wouldn't be possible without the continued support of local Gympie Police, Committee Members and Volunteers.

CONTINUING OBJECTIVES OF BLUE LIGHT:

1. Provide an alcohol, drug, violence and smoke free zone;
2. Provide safe, healthy, supervised entertainment for young people;
3. Develop leadership and motivation;
4. Encourage self esteem;
5. Identifying the needs of young people;
6. Foster positive police/youth relations;
7. Prevent the occurrence of crime with youths - either as victims or perpetrators - whilst at the events;
8. Ensure funds raised are used for persons or oganisations within the Gympie Community, particularly those relating to young people.

PHILOSOPHY

The philosophy of Blue Light is to address youth issues by:

* Identifying the needs of young people
* Tailoring programs to meet individual needs
* Working in social partnerships with police and young people to break down barriers of communication

Gympie Blue Light proudly supports:

Gympie Hospital - Children's Ward

Camp Quality

St John's Ambulance

Gympie Special School

Care for Kids - Royal Children's Hospital Foundation