THE Moree Aboriginal Tracker Wall will be unveiled at Moree Police Station next week, and to help prepare for the May 8 event, a large group of boys from Moree Secondary College Clontarf Academy rolled up their sleeves and cleared, landscaped and beautified the station’s Frome Street entrance.
The boys, under the guidance Moree Clontarf director Alex Barker, Moree police sergeant Jack Mitchell and Aboriginal liaison community officer, Rod Tighe, arrived on-site as soon as the school bell rang Wednesday afternoon.
They completely cleared the area and planted new plants and shrubs before enjoying an afternoon smoko of delivered pizzas and cool refreshments.
“The working bee was an idea from Aboriginal Liaison officer Rod Tighe,” Jack Mitchell said.
“It’s a great opportunity for community engagement, and getting youth involved and helping us with the tracker wall project.
“We got the Clontarf boys here, as well as three young blokes who were keen to join them, and it’s great to see the boys happy to rip in and help,” Jack said.
The Moree Secondary College Clontarf Academy program is an unmitigated Moree success story.
Director Alex Barker said there was always about 75 boys involved in the program.
“The numbers fluctuate. We’ve had some great stories come out of Clontarf, and over time we just chip away and improve life skills,” Alex said.
“Some boys might struggle with classwork, but if we can build up activities with projects like this, that might lead to the employment side of things. That’s something they might procure down the track,” he said.
“All the boys have skills, and that’s why we build relationships. Sure, we’re going to have tough days, but we have plenty of good days as well.
“It can be up and down – but more ups than downs – and is definitely worthwhile,” Alex said.
The Aboriginal tracker honour roll, featuring Moree’s Fred Pegus, will adorn the wall adjacent to Moree Police Station’s main entrance.
The wall will recognise the important role Aboriginal trackers played in policing Moree and surrounding districts.
Alongside Fred will be William Bowden, Billy Bowers, Albert Brady, Jackey Bundah, Ben Fraser, Percy Green, Jem Moree, Thomas Pitt, William Ryan, Alfred Roberts, Archibald Walford and Jack Woods.
Alex said the honour roll is a great initiative.
“We decided to come down and help with the police tracker wall event next week. Rod asked if the boys could come down and help clean up the front garden and put in some new plants,” Alex said.
“It’s good that we’re helping set up for the event, but it’s also about building up the boys’ life skills. That’s what Clontarf is all about.
“We’ll attend the event as well, but this is a good afternoon activity. We always try to do something every Wednesday in the community,” Alex said.
Moree Aboriginal Tracker Wall opening
When: Thursday, May 8
Where: Moree Police Station
Time: 10am
