OFFICER’S STERLING WORK WITH REGION’S YOUTH

I WRITE to pay tribute to an extraordinary person, Leading Senior Constable Andy Brittain, for his selfless commitment to improving the lives of disadvantaged youth in the Geelong community.

I first met Andy this year at an Anzac Day service in Geelong. With him were 14 disadvantaged young people who were preparing to walk the Kokoda Track.

His infectious passion for helping underprivileged and disengaged youth led to the Geelong Kokoda Youth Program’s establishment in 2013.

With support from O’Malley Fitness, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Ambulance Victoria and local businesses, the program has evolved to a successful initiative; encouraging disengaged youth to develop a connection with their local community.

In the past five years, the program has seen almost 50 young people from the Geelong region take part in the Kokoda program. Leading up to the 10-night, 11-day trek, following 20 weeks of personal training, the program teaches kids about resilience and provides them with a platform to make sound decisions.

I attended a breakfast last week run by Victoria Police that showcased the impact of the Kokoda experience. Each participant told how being involved changed their lives and helped them re-engage with school, employment, family and community.

This life-changing experience that the Geelong Kokoda Youth Program offers is due in no small part to SenConstable Brittain.

It is, therefore, no surprise he received the 2017 Blue Ribbon Foundation Policeman of the Year award, and I offer my sincere congratulations to him.

I wish Andy, and everyone involved continuing success for the Geelong Kokoda Youth Program. Simon Ramsay MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Agriculture