With May being Domestic Violence Awareness month, the first event was a very successful joint display with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) at the Kingaroy Shopping Mall. While the QPS focus was raising awareness, reduction and prevention of Domestic Violence, the display also incorporated Coffee with a Cop. For their part, Kumbia NHW members had the opportunity to spread the word about neighbour and community safety, engaging with and answering questions from locals and travellers.

The second outing was also a combined display with QPS, this time with their recruitment staff in Memorial Park, Kingaroy, where the South Burnett Cherbourg Regional Aboriginal and Islander Community Controlled Health Service (CRAICCHS) hosted a Family Fun Day as part of NAIDOC Week 2024. Visitors to the display were given valuable information on both becoming police officers and security/safety in general, and the children had a host of stickers, activity books and other giveaways from which to choose.

July saw a visit to the Kumbia Primary School with the local Officer in Charge (OIC), Senior Constable Todd Armstrong. He spoke to both the upper and lower grades about a range of topics including safety (at home, in public and online), stranger danger, obeying pedestrian crossing and street rules. The NHW members then handed out a goodies bag to each child in which were activity books/colouring sheets, rulers, pencils/pens, and brochures for their parents to read about the goals of NHW and how to join.

We look forward to seeing where the next few months will take us!

QPS Officers from Kingaroy and Nanango chatting with Deadly Choices Ambassador, Petero Civoniceva, near the combined QPS and NHW display at NAIDOC Family Fun Day.

Kumbia NHW Volunteers Sheree, Shirley and Morris waiting to hand out goodie bags.

Senior Constable Todd Armstrong speaking to children at Kumbia Primary School about safety.