THIS convoy is hard to miss. Sirens blaring, police cars are escorting a special band of children across Ballarat this weekend capturing attention wherever they go.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Cops ‘n Kids founder John Moloney says the best part is the way the community has stood waving, letting them fly past, and allowing the children to feel very important.
About 60 children, aged five to 10, from across the state are in Ballarat for the four-day camp for some fun time out of their life situation. All are children affected by cancer, a life-threatening illness or a bereavement.
“It doesn’t matt who we are, while we’re holding up traffic for a couple of minutes, people have been really good,” Mr Moloney said. “It’s important for the children, there is a real sense they feel special, and they can go home and tell their families about this.”
Riding in police cars is a major highlight in the action-packed weekend, which includes excursions to tourist attractions in Ballarat, like Sovereign Hill.
Children spent time hanging out in an aircraft hanger at Ballarat Airport on Saturday morning for rides in giant truck cabins, a stretch limousine, motorbikes and an old fire engine.
Nearby, for the first time, Ballarat Police’s Crime Scene Services set up forensics with fingerprinting – just like in the movies.
Off-duty police were on hand at all times, taking part in activities and dressing up as pirates, clowns and a Spiderman for the occasion.
Challenge camp coordinator Sarah Legg, who works closely with Cops ‘n Kids, said Ballarat was always a special visit for children. Ms Legg said it was great to see the children smiling all weekend.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.