By Graham Davis

Aboard HMAS Sydney for Colours CO, CMDR Michael Van Balen, Supt DAVE Darcy and CO Kuttubul CMDR Brian Eagles.

Photo: LSPH Damian Pawlenko

Sailors from HMAS Kuttabul (CMDR Brian Eagles) will again join police in “buddying” with 20 local school children attending a Street Retreat Camp at Wisemans Ferry this month.

Called the Kings Cross Street Retreat program, it is aimed at helping socially disadvantaged children realise a brighter future.

Continuation of the program received a boost aboard HMAS Sydney (CMDR Michael Van Balen) earlier this month when NRMA Insurance presented a cheque for $20,000 to Kings Cross police.

Last year 20 children aged from seven to 12 years were accompanied by 16 police officers and four sailors when they attended a camp north of Newcastle.

This year similar numbers of police and sailors will take 20 children from the Plunkett Street and Darlinghurst Public Schools on a camp at Wisemans Ferry.

Children who attended last year’s camp and some attending this year, were present.

Two police horses and riders took post at the base of the brow when the children, their parents, police, sailors and insurance representatives left the warship for a breakfast barbecue.

In attendance from the police were a number of senior officers led by the local area commander, Supt Dave Darcy.

From the Navy were the CO Kuttabul, his executive officer LCDR Carmel Barnes and CMDR Van Balen.

The Street Retreat camps have grown in popularity since they began intermittently in 1998. There is now a waiting list for children to attend.

Camp organisers aim to teach local children basic life-skills to help them break the cycle of anti social behaviour and strengthen positive relations with the police.

“The camps have been so successful in the past due to the mentoring between police and children,” CONST Gary Groves, the team leader for the project, said.

“Crime rates in the Kings Cross area have been reduced and school attendance increased due to the camps.”

NRMA Insurance has provided $35,000 for the program over the past two years as part of its CrimeSafe program.

“Our experience and research indicate the most effective crime prevention initiatives involve people who are close to the issues, are proud of their local area and care for the people within it,” Mr Mostyn said.

The $20,000 will finance four camps over the next year.

.