Children who attended the Moree PCYC night program were treated to a surprise visit from two former Wallabies players.
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Tim Horan and Justin Harrison were in Moree on Saturday night as the guest speakers at the Pacific National Westpac Rescue Chopper Charity Dinner, but made a special visit to Moree PCYC to chat to the children afterwards, following a chance meeting on the plane from Sydney with Moree Police officer-in-charge Inspector Martin Burke.
During their visit, the pair shared their own stories and spoke to the children about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and striving to achieve their goals.
They also brought a Wallabies jersey and cap and explained the emblems and meaning behind them.
"Tim Horan brought the Wallabies cap he was given when he first got selected to play for Australia and discussed the meaning behind it and some of the customs and rituals that occur for a newly-capped Wallaby player," Inspector Burke said.
"Justin Harrison detailed his upbringing in remote parts of the Northern Territory and his positive interactions with local remote Aboriginal communities.
"Justin also spoke about development opportunities and pathways that exist for Aboriginal athletes to achieve international sporting success. This was highlighted by four Indigenous women rugby players winning gold medals at the Rio Olympics in 2016."
The children had the opportunity to interact with the pair, taking photographs and getting their autographs.
"Tim shared a photo with the children of him holding up the Rugby World Cup; some children emulated the image by holding it above their head proudly as though it was them," Inspector Burke said.
Inspector Burke said the children were thrilled to be in the presence of two Wallabies players, and now further opportunities are being explored, with Tim and Justin's help, to ensure those sporting and educational pathways are able to be accessed by Indigenous students and athletes in the Moree area.
"To have special guests who have achieved at the highest level of their sporting and personal lives instantly sparked the attention of the children that they too can achieve great things," he said.
The Moree PCYC Saturday night program has proven to be a success, with close to 2000 children attending since it was established in February this year. The program, which runs from 8pm to 11pm each Saturday night, averages about 75 children per evening.
Inspector Burke said Moree police will continue to work with community and youth service providers to engage the young people of Moree.
"Additional patrols are currently being undertaken to maintain a high visible policing presence in the Moree Central Business District, following an increase in antisocial behaviour and shoplifting offences," he said.
Anyone who wishes to volunteer their time of a Saturday night is encouraged to contact Moree PCYC on 6752 3741 or Moree Police Station on 6757 0799.
