Today, approximately 380 children from across 9 remote communities took to the creeks, rivers, billabongs and blue water in the hope of landing the 'catch of the day', in the fourth Northern Territory Police 'Off the Hook' fishing competition.
The communities of Bulman, Galiwinku, Gunbalunya, Maningrida, Minjilang, Minyerri, Peppiminarti, Pirlangimpi and Ramingining, all participated today. Gapuwiyak and Warruwi will hold their events next weekend.
Heralded as the most successful Off the Hook campaign so far, participants consisted of over 380 indigenous youth, 25 police (including members of the Child Abuse Taskforce) and representatives from a range of local community services.
Off the Hook is a Northern Territory Police driven community engagement initiative aimed at encouraging dialogue between youth and police in remote indigenous communities. The event was piloted in December 2009 as part of Taskforce Themis, with the participation of 5 Northern Territory communities and 60 youth.
AFP officers seconded to Northern Territory Police as part of the Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER) have also been involved with this initiative since its inception.
"Building trust is a crucial component of any remote policing strategy, and initiatives like Off the Hook provide an opportunity for the police and the community to engage in a positive way through a shared interest.
"Over the course of this initiative we've had both traditional owners and indigenous youth express their confidence in the police, and in this initiative, as a way of strengthening relations between police and remote indigenous communities" said Superintendent Andy Warton.
Since the first Off the Hook competition was held back in 2009, over 1000 children have participated in the event. The theory of adopting a 'Sponsor Cop' in order to compete, and linking school attendance to prize eligibility, has strengthened community ties, and in particular, relationships between police and youth.
As a new initiative within Off the Hook, workbooks were given to all youth who participated. The purpose of the work book is to provide participants with an opportunity to write or draw a short story about their experience at Off the Hook. A prize will be awarded to the winning story from each remote community.
The back of the workbook is also being used to promote awareness of other initiatives or services within the NT Police. This year aimed to raise awareness of the Child Abuse Taskforce, whose key message is "Every kid deserves a happy childhood".
The competition has received generous sponsorship from several Northern Territory businesses, who kindly donated a range of prizes such as fishing rods, handlines, tackle and stickers. This is in addition to the support of many community stores.
Off the Hook is a favourite with local kids and a great day was enjoyed by all.
Media Contact
Lisa Hutton
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