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RUN4BLUE in Burringurrah
Children from the remote Aboriginal community of Burringurrah are kicking up the red sand, eating healthier and sleeping better after participating in the annual Run4Blue fundraiser. Brevet Senior Sergeant Colin Sibson and Sergeant Alex Ball from the Burringurrah Police Station, along with School Principal Jasmine Harris and Education Assistant Glenda Sibson, decided to sponsor children within Burringurrah to encourage positive changes within the community and improve community relationships.
In preparation for Run4Blue, the children were encouraged to attend a daily breakfast club followed by 30 minutes of exercise with police officers. The run to Mt Augusta took place in the end of May and ended with a medal ceremony for all participants. Numerous children participated in the run alongside S/Sgt Sibson, Sgt Ball, Jasmine Harris, Glenda Sibson and Senior Constable Natalee Cunningham, the founder and organiser of the Run4Blue fundraiser.
Since the fundraiser, members of the community have observed the children discussing good eating habits, the importance of sleep and the benefits of daily exercise and were actively seeking out police officers for casual chats, no longer requiring prompting.
“It certainly has been a rewarding and enriching experience for me”
Sgt Ball said.
The amazing efforts of the police officers and education staff within the community did not go unnoticed, with Education Minister Tony Buti and Director General Lisa Rodgers from the Department of Education sending out letters of praise to Jasmine Harris and S/C Cunningham.
“I understand that this program has had a positive impact on your students, and I encourage you to continue educating them on the impact that community relationships and a healthy lifestyle can have on their long-term health and wellbeing,” Education Minister Tony Buti wrote.
“Our remote regional communities bring unique challenges, and I am so very proud of our many wonderful staff that go above and beyond to provide our children and young adults with the best opportunity to reach their potential,” Director General Lisa Rodgers wrote.
Natalee Cunningham was amazed by the dedication of the police officers and community in promoting positive changes in such a short time with long-lasting affects.
“I have been a police officer for 18 years and I can honestly say being able to see first-hand the work being done out there in remote Western Australia was one of the most fulfilling experiences I have had in my career to date. It really demonstrates the positive benefits our children and wider community receive when we all work together collaboratively and cohesively,” S/C Cunningham said.
2023 marks the 5th year of Run4Blue with the total proceeds after this year’s event reaching $572,658.57. The proceeds have been donated over the last 5 years to all 8 state and territory police legacies.