March 2024
Our adventure camps are always, well, adventurous, and January’s trip to Lake Keepit was no exception. The journey began at Sydney’s Central Station, where our young Police Legatees joined forces with young AFP Legatees and trooped aboard to begin the six-hour train journey – the first time some of our Legatees had been on a train! Spirits were high, and the brownies were plentiful.
After the ride, the Legatees and supervisors settled in to enjoy all the activities that were on offer at the campsite. And apart from all the regular excitement, the absolute highlight of the camp was the “Police Day” on Saturday, organised by NSW Police Legacy Champion Sergeant Brian Pegus, who for the sake of the kids took his role as Champion absolutely above and beyond.
With the support of Oxley PD Superintendent Bruce Grassick, Brian organised a full day of policing activities that had the kids buzzing! Officers from Marine Area Command offered jet ski and inflatable boat rides. Officers from the Dog Squad came along with their adorable police puppies, and gave the kids demonstrations in puppy training (and puppy petting). Members of the Tactical Operations Unit gave demonstrations; Police Rescue gave an abseiling experience; Highway Patrol came along with a police motorbike, RBT bus, and car; and the Rural Crime Unit gave the kids a bumpy ride in an ATV. The kids were not only thoroughly thrilled and entertained, but it gave them a real insight into the policing world.
The day was rounded out with entertainment from local Tamworth musician Dion Larkham, who brought at least half of the tired Legatees to their dancing feet, followed by a spectacular display of fireworks from Police Chaplain Father Anthony Koppman, aka “Holy Smoke”, which thrilled the crowd. What a day, what a camp! Thank you everyone who made it such a positive and special memory for our young Legatees.
