The Deniliquin team (in blue) and Victoria police team (in red) preparing to take on the paddle.
Corowa Police Sergeant Stephen Marshall recently joined forces with fellow Murray River Police District officers and Aboriginal youth in the iconic Massive Murray Paddle, held late last month.
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Sgt Marshall and his relay team members, which included Aboriginal students from Deniliquin High School, Moama Grammar and Echuca College, joined police for the 415km journey down the Murray River which started in Yarrawonga.
Sean Richards and Sergeant Stephen Marshall.
The team consisted of 12 officers, 15 young people, and five other community members, all working together to achieve their goal.
Deniliquin-based Aboriginal and youth officer Luke Egan said the event was a fantastic opportunity for the youth to bond with local officers, as well as with other members of the community.
On arrival in Yarrawonga, the youth did a cultural dance which included a smoking ceremony.
Deniliquin-based Aboriginal and youth officer Luke Egan said the paddling experience was an excellent way for the youth to connect with the officers and to learn new things.
“During the paddle, the children performed exceptionally well, and their efforts helped their team to come first in their category.”
The Deniliquin team also competed alongside the Victorian Police teams, which helped to strengthen the connection between the children and the officers.
“These kids had never paddled before, so it was an exciting new venture, and a bit different to other sporting type events that the area has hosted to try get kids involved.
“This was something new, getting out on country and sharing stories along the way.
Constable Lauren Johnson and Nelley Ward.
“Our team’s name Marrang Tyema ‘to paddle and to discover’ which really highlights what it was all about.”
Sgt Marshall described the event as fantastic.
“It was a great week connecting with police on both sides of the border, community groups and the young kids who did so well.”
