CRIME Stoppers Queensland and the Bulls Masters are joining forces in Weipa this month to empower and educate the next generation to be a good sport and help create safer rural communities.
The Crime Stoppers FNQ volunteer area committee will visit Weipa from July 10 to 17 to raise awareness about the important work conducted by Crime Stoppers volunteers.
“Weipa is a central business hub for some of the most vulnerable communities in remote Far North Queensland,” said events coordinator Norma Moloney.
“Crime issues within discreet communities are often exacerbated and able to prosper unabated due to significant underreporting.
“Crime Stoppers Queensland has identified that there is underreporting of crime, due to the fear of being outed.
“The reasons for underreporting are many and varied but the most significant reason is the fear of reprisal.
“Our road trip to Weipa is about educating and empowering the local community, especially the youth, on the role of Crime Stoppers and their responsibility to ensure the safety of their communities.
“A guarantee of anonymity in reporting makes Crime Stoppers the most suitable platform for reporting crimes and other issues. We hope that by talking to students, community leaders and profiling the organisation, we can empower them to better address community harms.”
The trip will culminate with a special event at the Weipa Cricket Ground on Saturday, July 16.
The Queensland Bulls Masters will feature a number of former Australian stars, including ex-player and coach Darren Lehmann, fast bowler Michael Kasprowicz and FNQ legend Jimmy Maher.
They will play a game against a local team, but not before a special sportsman’s dinner at the Albatross Bay Resort on Thursday, July 14. Tickets are $90 and will raise important funds for the Weipa Junior Cricket program.
Tickets can be purchased by calling the Bulls Masters on (07) 3257 4400 or by emailing [email protected]
New figures from Crime Stoppers Queensland reveal almost 70,000 reports were made last year alone, which together with phone calls, led to more than 700 arrests and 2934 charges.
As a community organisation and registered charity, Crime Stoppers Queensland relies on corporate partnerships, government funding and community donations.
“Community safety is everyone’s responsibility and even the smallest piece of information can make the difference in a police investigation. I strongly urge anyone who thinks they know something or have seen something not to hesitate in reporting what they know,” Ms Moloney said.
“Pick up the phone or go online and let us know.”
In an emergency, call 000. If you’re reporting a crime committed against you, call 131 444.
For all other reports of crime and suspicious activity, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
