Kyle Daley and Jamaul Wright have completed their royal life saving certificate thanks to Project Walwaay.
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The boys were presented their certificate of attainment at the Dubbo Aquatic and Leisure centre on Thursday by mayor Ben Shields.
Senior Constable Kellie Shields with the Aboriginal Youth team at Orana Mid-Western Police District said they were "proud" of the boys' achievements, which not only gives them better employment opportunities but has given them more confidence in themselves.
"Not only does it open up avenues for employment with the Dubbo Aquatic centre, but it's also a confidence booster," she said.
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"A lot of these kids lack the confidence and don't believe in themselves, and they've certainly proved to us that they're certainly able to do the job, and they do it with a big smile on their face too.
"They've been with us since day dot ... we're just really proud of the boys and their achievements, hopefully it takes them a little bit further with their employment."
Project Walwaay is a community project run by the Orana Mid-Western police district, developed to ensure Aboriginal youth, identified as being at risk of entering the criminal justice system, get the full support they need to stay on the right side of the law.
The project is run by Orana Mid-West police District Commander Superintendent Peter McKenna and consists of three police officers and an Aboriginal Community Liasion Officer who work in conjunction with the RISEUP programs at PCYC.
The project began 12 months ago and according to Superintendent McKenna had seen a 60-70 per cent reduction in charges being laid on Indigenous youth at risk of entering the criminal justice system.
The program had earned the respect of these kids and changed the dynamic of the relationship between these youth and police.
The program was given the Aboriginal name Walwaay (meaning young man) by Wiradjuri Elders.
Project Walwaay is supported by NSW Police, PCYC, Aboriginal Lands Council, Aboriginal Legal Services, Aboriginal Elders and community members, and other government and non-government agencies.
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Zaarkacha Marlan
Court and crime reporter at the Daily Liberal. Formerly the sole journalist for the Nyngan Observer, Narromine News and Trangie Advocate.
Court and crime reporter at the Daily Liberal. Formerly the sole journalist for the Nyngan Observer, Narromine News and Trangie Advocate.
