St George police kick off fishing-based community engagement initiative

A regional Queensland police station has taken an innovative approach to community engagement initiatives, proving you get more bites with the right bait.

St George police are aiming to foster positive connections with youth in the community with their new "Blue Lures" initiative.

Police in the regional Queensland town of St George are helping to reel in the youth of the region with a new fishing-based community engagement initiative.

A joint initiative of Queensland Police Service, Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation for Health and Lifeline Darling Downs, the program aims to cast a line to youth in the region through a shared love of fishing.

Police Liaison Officer Chelsea Beardmore and Constable Daniel Burton are co-ordinating the program which offers local kids the opportunity to get to know police officers while doing something they love.

St George police are aiming to foster positive connections with youth in the community with their new "Blue Lures" initiative.

Open to kids between eight and 17, the first session was attended by 26 young people, which Constable Burton said was a great outcome.

“It was surprising how much the kids knew about fishing locally and required minimal assistance,” he said.

“Engaging the local youth through a fishing program was a no-brainer, as fishing is deeply embedded into the culture of St George.

“If we can keep up this level of engagement, we can really break down barriers between young people and police and change these kids’ lives.

“Feedback from the community, including parents and students at St George State High School, has been overwhelmingly positive. The program has already demonstrated positive changes in youth behaviour, fostering respect and responsibility.”

Ms Beardmore is a St George local herself, and has been able to leverage local knowledge in the new program.

The first session involved a barbecue, prizes, and – of course – fishing, but in the wake of its success, there is optimism it will become a permanent program in the community.

Originally published as St George police kick off fishing-based community engagement initiative