By BRIDGET COOK
AS A group of young serious offenders left a Narre Warren gym last week, handshakes and ‘thanks mate’ were flowing for the two men helping them to turn their lives around.
They were simple gestures which showed utmost respect and appreciation for Casey CIU Detective Senior Constable Michael Harris and local resident Robert Auimatagi who have volunteered countless hours to helping them get their lives on track.
The two men started the Casey Youth Health and Fitness Program late last year in a bid to fill the gap of supporting teens who have ended up in the youth justice system.
The program assists young people, aged from 12 to 20, who have either been charged, recently convicted or under sentence with serious criminal offences – including armed robbery, aggravated burglaries and serious assaults.
The men work with teens from across Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong, at Skamma Gym twice a week, by putting them through a physical circuit and finishing with a group discussion.
After three to six months with the program, they then assist the youths to re-integrate back into society through employment or education.
Mr Auimatagi, who worked with youths in New Zealand before moving to Australia, said the program was all about changing the youths’ mindset through physical activity.
“We’re trying to reinforce the positive side of things and hopefully change their mindset,” he said.
“It’s all about healthy body, healthy mind.
“At the end of the session we sit down for a group chat where we talk about how things have been, what they’ve been up to and get them recapping whether it’s been good or not so good.
“We then discuss that as a group and put something in place for them.”
Det Sen Const Harris approached Mr Auimatagi last year about starting up the program after he felt there was a void in supporting youths who’d committed high-end crimes.
He attends the program on a voluntary basis, as do other members of the force when they are free.
“As a detective, I was dealing with the kids committing these offences,” he said.
“I felt that there was not much on offer to help these kids. They were getting youth sentenced and then I would keep seeing the same ones coming back to police and go through it all again.
“I thought there had to be something we could offer to help them get their life on track.”
Those involved are required to attend the program regularly for about three to six months, before they are assisted with finding employment education.
Mr Auimatagi said it had been an extremely rewarding experience for him so far.
“Mick and I had a goal in mind – for these young people to leave the program as better young people and I think we are achieving that the best we can,” he said.
“Before they come to us, they were pretty negative when they see the (police) uniform.
“It’s also helping them to see the police in a different light.”
Det Sen Const Harris said due to the program’s success so far, they were hoping to expand it, but needed community support.
“We want to get it to a full-time program, but just need some funding,” he said.
“We are looking for support from businesses to help us fund the program so we can put more kids through it.
“We are also looking for businesses willing to give the youths a go with employment.
“They have been through this program and made changes in their life.”
Currently the program is supported by the Cranbourne Blue Light Disco committee, which has made two donation so far.
Anyone wanting to assist the program can call Det Sen Const Harris on 0408 771 385.
