The students and police officers who climbed Mount Kosciuszko were (L- R) Kevin Read (Police ACLO), Chief Inspector David Cooper, Brooke Kirby, Taieshia Capewell, Chloe Richards, Ben Harris, Lillyanna Fell, Shaylee Saun- ders, Nicayden Greenwood (Parkes), Ajay Goolagong (Parkes), Michael Riley (Parkes), Senior Constable Daniel Greef, Inspector Shane Jessep and Senior Constable Emma Dyball.
Three Parkes students were among a group of Indigenous students who recently took part in the final stage of a six-month leadership program hosted by the Central West Police District.
The Active Citizens Program commenced in July and involved Indigenous Year 10 students from Parkes, Condobolin and Lake Cargelligo. Participants were involved in various cultural activities aimed at developing their leadership skills and discover- ing career opportunities.
Last month the students attended a leadership camp at Jindabyne and Canberra for the final stage. They joined fellow participants from the Tweed/Byron Police District to hike to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko.
All participants made it to the top of Australia despite challenging conditions.
“We do this trip so the young people can realise they can push themselves physically and mentally further than they think they can,” said Central West Police District Crime Prevention Officer, Senior Constable Daniel Greef.
The group also toured the Royal Military Academy, Duntroon, in Canberra before being treated to a presentation by an Aboriginal soldier on the military history featuring Aboriginal soldiers.
The camp concluded with a visit to the Australian War Memorial where students took part in an Indigenous-specific tour, as well as laying a wreath during a Last Post Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.