Bulahdelah Blue Light Program kicks off with community celebration

Andy Feeney enjoys a game of draughts on the giant board.
Andy Feeney enjoys a game of draughts on the giant board.

 

THE beaming smiles on hundreds of faces last weekend said it all, the launch of the Bulahdelah Blue Light Program was a roaring success.

Century 21 Coastal Properties
Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au

Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE

The School Arts Hall was bursting at the seams with excited children, parents and community members who were kept entertained with plenty to see and do.

Bubble soccer and dancing were highlights inside, and the interactive emergency services displays, giant checkers and free snags outside were a treat.

“The day was so good that I am already looking forward to the next one,” nine-year-old Charlie Garemyn said.

The event was an initiative of the Bulahdelah Blue Light Committee and was supported by the Lions Club, Paramedics, Rural Fire Brigade, Volunteer Rescue Association, School, and countless other volunteers.

“These events are important as they show the youths in our community that there are always people willing to help them and do things for them,” Lion Carol Tattersall said.

“They also demonstrate community spirit, and it was good to see the town come together and enjoy the day,” RFS member Meagan Terry added.

Raymond Terrace PCYC representative, Justine Russell, and Manning Great Lakes Crime Prevention Officer, Sn Constable Ray Slade, were also on hand to ensure a fun-filled day.

Sn Constable Ash Ray said the success of the day was due to the hard work of the local Blue Light Committee, the army of volunteers and the community who supported the event.

“It is great to see so many people get behind this initiative and we can’t thank them enough for their support,” he said.

The successful launch of the program now gives the committee confidence moving forward.

“We are going to keep it going and continue to get the young people together for heaps of other activities,” Sn Constable Dave Feeney said.

“We will also be getting ideas from the community about the types of things they would like see in the program.”

The local police are the driving force behind the initiative, and have contributed a great deal of time to get the program up and running.

The sentiments of the community at the weekend celebration were summed up by primary student Charlie Garemyn, who said, “The police did a fantastic job, they are amazing.”

 

Frankie Roberts gets hands-on experience with RFS member Jake Blanch. (left) Camran Bailey enjoyed the Blue Light Arvo. (right)
Frankie Roberts gets hands-on experience with RFS member Jake Blanch. (left)
Camran Bailey enjoyed the Blue Light Arvo. (right)

 

Community support made the Bulahdelah Blue Light Arvo a huge success.
Community support made the Bulahdelah Blue Light Arvo a huge success.

 

Senior Constable Ash Ray joined in a game of bubble soccer.
Senior Constable Ash Ray joined in a game of bubble soccer.

 

Five-year-old Abbiegail Ray said she loved rolling around in the giant bubbles.
Five-year-old Abbiegail Ray said she loved rolling around in the giant bubbles.

 

Community Support: RFS members Jake Blanch, Meagan Terry, Laurie Sumner and Grahame Rowell.
Community Support: RFS members Jake Blanch, Meagan Terry, Laurie Sumner and Grahame Rowell.

 

VRA members Adam Crampton and David Dodd demonstrate the rescue equipment to Senior Constable Dave Feeney, Frankie Roberts and Logan Bailey.
VRA members Adam Crampton and David Dodd demonstrate the rescue equipment to Senior Constable Dave Feeney, Frankie Roberts and Logan Bailey.

 

Lions Arthur Baker and Les and Carol Tattersall with Ash, Aleesha and Oliver Ray.
Lions Arthur Baker and Les and Carol Tattersall with Ash, Aleesha and Oliver Ray.

 

Bubble Soccer was a huge hit with children at the Blue Light Arvo.
Bubble Soccer was a huge hit with children at the Blue Light Arvo.

 

Community Support: VRA and RFS volunteers with Ash and Aleesha Ray.
Community Support: VRA and RFS volunteers with Ash and Aleesha Ray.

 

Riley Ford enjoyed the bubble soccer.
Riley Ford enjoyed the bubble soccer.

 

Mia and Charlie Garemyn with Andy Feeney at the Blue Light Arvo.
Mia and Charlie Garemyn with Andy Feeney at the Blue Light Arvo.

 

Abbiegail Ray and Indy Watling had fun at the Blue Light Arvo.
Abbiegail Ray and Indy Watling had fun at the Blue Light Arvo.

 

Vincenzo Dickson, Tahlia Mancini, Lillian Lee and Ariel Case.
Vincenzo Dickson, Tahlia Mancini, Lillian Lee and Ariel Case.

 

Vincenzo and Lisa Dickson, Rachel Reitsma, Belinda Cunningham and Johanna Conroy.
Vincenzo and Lisa Dickson, Rachel Reitsma, Belinda Cunningham and Johanna Conroy.

 

VRA members David Dodd and Adam Crampton at the Blue Light Arvo.
VRA members David Dodd and Adam Crampton at the Blue Light Arvo.

 

Lion Les Tattersall with Manning Great Lakes Crime Prevention Officer, Sn Constable Ray Slade.
Lion Les Tattersall with Manning Great Lakes Crime Prevention Officer, Sn Constable Ray Slade.

 

Rob Kent with Ash and Oliver Ray at the Blue Light Arvo.
Rob Kent with Ash and Oliver Ray at the Blue Light Arvo.

 

Charlotte Feeney and Senior Constable Dave Feeney.
Charlotte Feeney and Senior Constable Dave Feeney.

 

Wayne Cook, BCS Deputy Principal Deb Gilbert and Sn Constable Dave Feeney.
Wayne Cook, BCS Deputy Principal Deb Gilbert and Sn Constable Dave Feeney.

 

Blue Light support: Trevor Mcleod and local Paramedics enjoy the community afternoon.
Blue Light support: Trevor Mcleod and local Paramedics enjoy the community afternoon.

 

Jordana and Jessica Gordon enjoy the music at the Blue Light Arvo.
Jordana and Jessica Gordon enjoy the music at the Blue Light Arvo.

 

Sn Constable Trevor Mcleod with BCS Deputy Principal Deb Gilbert.
Sn Constable Trevor Mcleod with BCS Deputy Principal Deb Gilbert.