Kalgoorlie Police BBQ proves a banger idea

Fortnightly barbecues to get the community to better engage with various service providers, as well as the Kalgoorlie police, have come to an end, but may continue in the future.

Put together by Kalgoorlie police’s community engagement team with other community organisations, the barbecues were set up in St Barbara’s Square and offered a free snag with services or activities provided by groups such as Bega Garnbirringu, St John, Bunnings and YMCA Kalgoorlie.

Officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Jason Blaine said the initiative was a first of its kind, and may not be the last.

“The council supported us to have it here in the square, which is good because it engages all the people we are looking for,” he said.

“Around Christmas time is good because it’s busier in town, people come in from the lands and are around town so it is an opportunity for us to engage with them, get some food into their stomachs ... and talk to them.”

He said having Bega Garnbirringu’s health van at the square, and St John Ambulance on board, meant people were able to use medical services they might not otherwise seek out.

“It is good for my guys at the station too because they are normally dealing with an incident or drama, so here they get to engage with people not on a negative perspective, but a positive,” he said.

“It gives them a break from normal duties which is good for their health and wellbeing.”

The initiative, made possible as a group effort by the community, was created by youth policing officer Sen. Const. Grant George, who was part of a similar program in South Hedland.

He said every day the barbecue was on was a successful day.

“Every single occasion there has been value in this, he said.

“There hasn’t been a time where we have said ‘oh we haven’t got rid of many sausages’ because every single event we have gone through them all, nothing has been wasted.”

“And aside from that, it has been great for everyone else involved ... everyone has a box to tick in the community area and everyone has done that and provided their service.”

The barbecues could be revisited in the New Year. Organisers are also looking at setting up in Kingsbury Park for youth during the school holidays.