ABOUT US
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.
The first official Blue Light Disco in Queensland was held at the Albert Waterways Community Hall on the Gold Coast on the 26th July, 1984. This first disco attracted 219 young people. The Queensland Blue Light Association was officially incorporated on the 1st May, 1986.
In 1993, as a result of Police and Community collaboration, the Gympie Branch of Queensland Blue Light became affiliated. From humble beginnings, Gympie Blue Light is now into its 19th year of operation and attracts between 300 to 500 young people at each Disco.
The continuing success of this program is a testament to the many hours of hard work contributed by our dedicated Volunteers and Police Officers.
Blue Light is recognised internationally as a successful program to bridge the gap between young people and the Police, with every State and Territory in Australia participating, as well as New Zealand, Fiji, Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea.
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
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Parents, Teachers and respected Community Members wishing to become a volunteer and assist us at Discos or to expand our activities should contact us on (07) 54801444.
All Volunteers must undergo a Commission for Children, Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG) Blue Card check or currently hold a CCYPCG Blue Card for working with children.
"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give." Winston Churchill
An Initiative of the Queensland Police Service
Kids . Cops . Community