23/09/2021
Koori Night Patrol hits the road again
We're back out and about from tonight!
A Mildura service that’s ensured the safe transport of more than 200 Aboriginal young people in the past year is back on the road from tonight.
The Mallee District Aboriginal Service’s Koori Youth Night Patrol (KYP) Program transports Koori youth from public places to their homes or a safe place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
The program was temporarily suspended during the latest COVID-19 lockdown but will be back up and running as of Thursday 23 September.
MDAS Manager Family and Youth Services Calvin Henry said the KYP team of volunteers is looking forward to being able to reconnect with local youth.
“This latest lockdown has definitely thrown a spanner in the works for the Koori Youth Night Patrol Program, but now that restrictions have eased, we know our service is more important than ever,” Mr Henry said.
“Young people have been stuck indoors for weeks, most likely in front of a screen, on their video games or computers, and they haven’t really been able to spend time with friends and even extended family – and that’s obviously not great for anyone’s mental health,” he said.
“Something as simple as a trip to the cinema can make a big difference to the confidence and mental health of our youth and we’re just looking forward to being there form them and supporting that socialization.”
Mr Henry said the Koori Night Patrol Program wouldn’t be possible without the team of “amazing volunteers” who dedicate their time to driving the bus.
“These people work all day and then donate their time after hours to make sure that there’s an opportunity for young people to access safe transport, which I think is just incredible,” he said.
“The volunteers are really missing the youth, they do build connections and establish relationships with them and I know they’re all really looking forward to seeing the kids again.”
MDAS Youth Support Services Case Manager Lola Masasso has been volunteering with the Koori Night Patrol program for around two years, and said local youth had missed interacting with each other, and the volunteers.
“During lockdown, I had so many of my clients asking when the service would be up and running again,” Ms Masasso said.
“They really missed it, and missed each other, so we’re thrilled to be able to get back out there again.”
The Koori Night Patrol program will commence on Thursday 23 September, running Thursdays 6pm to 11pm, Fridays 7pm to midnight and Saturdays 7pm to midnight.