On Tuesday, July 17, Police Liaison Officer Jasiyah Kadir joined Sergeant Andrew Lardner from Surfers Paradise Police Station in bridging any gap between police, refugees and migrants.
For most of these new Australians, the cultural change can be quiet daunting. By uniting police and these new community members, the initiative to conduct ‘Emergency Services Tram Tours’ was created.
The concept was brought about to engage new members of the community in a supportive environment.
The tour incorporates various agencies including a visit to the Southport Magistrates Court where participants are shown how to enter the court house and correct procedures on entering and exiting the court room. From there they are shown through to the registry office, to learn how to obtain forms and process paperwork.
The next part of their day is to teach participants how to use transport services, including the Gold Coast trams, this includes purchasing tickets and getting on and off safely.
Next stop on the tram tour is a visit to the Surfers Paradise Police Station where participants meet police officers and are given advice on how to use police resources and services.
This includes calling PoliceLink on 131 444 for non-emergency matters and when to call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
Sergeant Lardner provided advice in relation to what is required when someone calls Policelink to make a report, such as ensuring they have their details ready, contact numbers, emails and property lists if property has been lost or stolen.
Participants are given general safety advice for when out and about to ensure they are safe and know how to get police assistance when required. To help bridge the gap an interpreter comes along and assists with question and answer time.
From there the participants leave the police station and continue on their tour where they go to the beach and feel the sand at their feet, learn about beach and water safety and play beach activities.
The final part of the day is taking the participants to the Surfers Paradise Fire Station where they get to visit the station, learn how to use a fire extinguisher and some important safety tips regarding fire and fire safety.
This is another great community initiative that the Gold Coast Police are proud to be apart of.
Sergeant Andrew Lardner, Police Liaison Officer Jasyiyah KADIR and recent participants