Street artist Chris Henderson shares his skill at a skateboard deck painting workshop as part of the skate park festivities on Sunday.
Corowa boy Billy McKenna was at the skate park to soak up the Sunday sun and break out his scooter for a few tricks during a community event to promote road safety among young riders and reward them for doing the right thing on the streets.
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While he wasn’t one of the lucky ones to win a prize in the raffle draw, Billy said he had a great time regardless.
“It was really fun, I had a great time,” Billy said.
“I got to learn some new tricks on my scooter, and I loved having a go on the skateboard.”
Corowa Police Sergeant Steve Marshall and his charges have been handing out free raffle tickets to kids ‘caught’ doing the right thing.
Corowa Police Sergeant Steve Marshall was over the moon as Corowa and Howlong skate parks came alive, with skaters, scooters and bike riders descending on the two skate parks for the widespread community event.
An initiative of the Federation Primary Prevention Team (FPPT), the day was aimed at promoting street safety among young people, using positive re-enforcement and rewarding those who do the right thing rather than punishing those who don’t.
“I've never been to anything like what we had today,” Sergeant Marshall said.
“The police were visible, all the charity and community organizations were here; the positivity at community events like this; that's what we need more of.
“Especially getting the kids involved, and the fact that we know these kids by their first names now.
“The guys from Skate Grow have been awesome, accommodating kids of all skill levels.”
Billy McKenna (far right) with mates Ryder and Abel took to Corowa skate park on Sunday in search of new skills and good times as part of a local drive for safer streets and common sense for young riders.
The event ended with a raffle draw of 32 prizes, after police handed out more than 300 free raffle tickets over the past six weeks to kids who had been observed doing the right thing – wearing a helmet, obeying the road rules, and not riding an illegal e-scooter or e-bike.
Artist Chris Henderson followed up his mural workshop at Corowa High School on Friday with a free skateboard deck painting workshop at the Sunday event.
He said it was great to see the kids helping each other out and sharing the paint.
“It was good to see so many different age groups and all sorts of kids come down to do the deck painting,” Chris said.
“Everyone picked it up quickly and had a lot of fun; I even noticed a couple of older artists.
Federation mayor Cheryl Cook was at both skate parks and said she was delighted with the community spirit shown.
“I want to express my sincere congratulations to the Federation Primary Prevention Team and Council staff for organising such fantastic events for the young people,” Cr Cook said.
“It was a delight to witness so many youth and families at Corowa and Howlong enjoying sunshine, skating and art workshops.”
