Mathew Stokes from the Geelong Cats joined NT Police Force (NTPF) and Australian Football League Northern Territory (AFLNT) personnel in Alyangula, Ngukurr and Numbulwar Thursday and Friday last week, where they have been conducting football clinics and reinforced key community safety messages about Healthy Relationships, Healthy Choices and Healthy Education.
Senior Sergeant Nathan Finn from Remote Policing Command said NT Police engaged with AFL teams as a partnership for the remote community initiative to provide role models to support and help deliver community safety messages.
“Police in Ngukurr, Numbulwar and Alyangula work closely with the community and recognise that a strong partnership between AFLNT and Police allows sport to be used as a way of engaging with young people. The clinics are more than just about football, they’re about teaching all children about the importance of healthy living, education and respect.
“Geelong Cats are long supporters of the NTPF initiative with Mat Stokes and Nakia Cockatoo visiting Yirrkala earlier this year.
“The NTPF sees this as an important community engagement initiative. It’s another avenue to highlight the benefits of Healthy Relationships, Healthy Choices and Healthy Education through the use of community leaders and mentors from the AFL while using football as a fun and exciting platform for these key messages.
“Along with reinforcing this community safety information, members from these and surrounding communities will be treated to an AFL skills session delivered by Mat Stokes and AFLNT.”
AFL Northern Territory is very supportive of this initiative.
Tony Frawley, Chief Executive Officer of AFLNT said they were delighted to support this Remote Policing initiative.
“Mat is an exceptional role model for young Territorians and the contributions of the player’s time and expertise to communities of the NT is appreciated.
“We continue to place 11 of our employees in remote communities full time and like NT Police, are committed to assisting and developing youth through football.”
The Northern Territory Police Force and AFL clubs continue to expand this initiative across the NT.
“We would like to thank Geelong Football Club and Mathew Stokes for his enthusiasm and willingness to participate in this important community initiative, along with the support of Simone Bellears, Community Development Manager, and the Geelong Football Club,” Senior Sergeant Finn said.
