The month of August saw a local police station fill up with colour and creativity for a colouring competition open to primary school kids in the Belgrave area.
Belgrave Police Station ran the competition for a month, with kids choosing from four different pictures to colour in.
A couple of the lucky winners received some lovely prizes from local businesses who chipped in for prizes, and Leading Senior Constable Ashlee Prowse said the competition had a good response with around 80 entries.
“We were very pleased with the efforts of all,” she said
There were so many great entries, and the children really put a lot of effort into their pictures.
Leading Senior Constable Prowse said it was great fun visiting the schools and awarding the first and second prizes, and to see the looks on the kids’ faces when they realised they won was priceless.
First place winner for the younger age group was Alba from Selby Primary School, who won a Puffing Billy Railway family pass, and LS Constable Prowse said when she visited St Thomas Moore, to give students
Ashlea and Payton received their prizes; they were very polite and reserved.
“When they walked off and around the corner to go back to class, I heard them both squeal with excitement. It was great!” she said.
“I’ve also since had Ashlea and Alba come for tours of the police station with their family, and it’s been a great experience for everyone, even for their parents, who have been full of questions.”
Other prizes included Cameo Vouchers, Belgrave Tree Top Adventure passes and a one metre long chocolate bar from the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, all in time for the school holidays.
Officer in Charge at Belgrave Station, Senior Sergeant Cassandra Forbes, said it was great that this program could also help children identify that their local police station is a safe place in their community, as well as a place to go when they are lost, feeling unsafe or frightened or are in danger.
“Belgrave Police are really focused on engaging with children of all ages to build relationships early and hopefully deter young offenders in the future,” she said.
Snr Constable Prowse said she really enjoys the community-based aspect of policing.
“I like getting kids involved in what we do and helping them realise we’re good people who can help them and not scary people wearing uniforms,” she said.
“I want them to feel like they can come to us when they need help, when they’re lost or even just to say hi and feel comfortable around us.”
Police are often associated with the concept of punishment, and LS Constable Prowse said sometimes you hear parents use them as a scare tactic.
“I thought a colouring competition would be a great way to break down these barriers and encourage the children to get involved,” she said.
LS Constable Prowse said choosing the winners was definitely a hard task.
“I really want to thank all the children who entered,” she said.
