After rain delays towards the end of last year, CareSouth Griffith’s Kick, Bounce, Skate with Mates school holiday event was held on January 19th and was a huge hit. More than 200 young people from the local community attended to enjoy the sunshine, a sausage sizzle, DJ, skating and more.
Griffith foster care Team Leader Joel McIntyre said the day catered for people of all ages. “We had more than 200 kids show up, along with a bunch of local services,” said Joel. “It was a fantastic day, and it was so great to have other agencies here supporting us.
“It’s important to be able to do this for the community. Days like this give our kids a chance to see us as their champions, and that’s what we are here for. It’s good to see the kids in their element, having fun, and the carers too.”
Local DJ Freddy pumped out some tunes while kids took on the Griffith skate bowl, showing off their repertoire of tricks on bikes, scooters and skateboards. The skate competition attracted a big crowd watching 10 entrants show off their kick flips, grinds and tail whips.
A highlight of the day was Griffith Police Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer Dookie singing Stand By Me to the crowd, reminding everyone to look out for their mates.
Dookie also sang a Gurrumul Yunupingu song in traditional language, with an important message for the crowd: events like this are all about inclusion.
“The thing that stands out here for me today is inclusiveness,” said Dookie.
“It’s evident that we are breaking down cultural barriers and we are all here today with the same aim; to make a difference in our community and show these kids we are here for them.
“There’s a network of us from all different sectors of the community and we all play a role in supporting our kids.”
Griffith’s event brought together a range of community supporters including the Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service, Mission Australia, Headspace, Wellways, Centacare, Vinnies and of course CareSouth.
Watch this space for our next community event.
