Operation Newstart Geelong

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Geelong Intake 2

Geelong Team

The key staff for Operation Newstart Geelong are:

Leading Senior Constable Andrew Brittain (Victoria Police) -  Phone 0439 320 286
Warwick Knuckey, Leading Teacher (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development) -  Phone 0488 086 474

Both have significant long-term experience working within the Geelong community.

Operation Newstart Geelong acknowledges that success of a particular activity often comes through the generous contribution of organisers, employees and volunteers.

” I loved interacting with all the new people.” Carlee.

“I learnt lots from learning all the different people’s life stories.” Jackson.

“My highlight was meeting all the fantastic people and all the opportunities we have been given.”  Tim.

“When I feel successful, I just get a big smile and feel like I matter in this world and that I can do anything.” Ash, participant.

“Overall I reckon this program has put me back track, although there is still a lot to think about.” Jackson.

Operation Newstart is a partnership between police, education and youth sectors. It is an early intervention program for young people aged 14-17 years who experience serious difficulties at school and may be in conflict with the law.

Students are nominated by their school for their potential and interest in making changes. A diverse range of students are suitable.

The program aims to improve students’ motivation and confidence to continue with school and/or employment goals, and have respect for community and the law.

The Geelong program began in 2011 with strong local support. Each group attends for eight weeks – four days with the program and one at school. Program leaders communicate regularly with students’ families.

Three groups completed in the first year. Many students demonstrated outstanding initial results, including employment and career direction, improved school engagement and more positive relationships at home and school.

Ongoing support is available to participants for up to 18 months post-program, and systems are in place to evaluate longer term benefits.

Partner Schools

There are nine schools participating in Operation Newstart Geelong:

Belmont High School
Grovedale Secondary College
Lara Secondary College
Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College
North Geelong Secondary College
Geelong High School
Bellarine Secondary College
Torquay College
Western Heights Secondary College

History and Milestones

2011 December: Graduation for the third group of participants.
2011 November: Two student graduates speak at AGM, Save The Children Australia, in Melbourne.
2011 September: Graduation for the second group of participants.
2011 August: Sponsors support enables an Operation Newstart Geelong bus.
Thanks to Variety The Children’s Charity, City of Greater Geelong, Corio Bay Lions Club and Geelong Region Community Enterprises, Bendigo Bank.
2011 June: Graduation for the first group of participants.
2011 May: Official Launch at The Fort, Corio. Operation Newstart Geelong welcomed the first group of students.
2011 Jan -April: Appointment of staff and program set-up.
2010 April: Discussions re-ignited by Leading Senior Constable Andrew Brittain, Youth Resource Officer servicing the City of Greater Geelong. A steering group continued to promote the potential of the program throughout the region. In particular, they were successful in seeking funding assistance from local secondary schools and Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD). The program was approved to commence in 2011 for a 12 month pilot. Special acknowledgement to Jan Smith, Student Engagement, Barwon South Western Region (Department of Education and Early Childhood Department), Fiona Taylor (Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College),
Gary Schultze (Belmont HS), and Davin Reid (Grovedale HS).
2009 April Initial discussions between Operation Newstart Victoria and police management to establish a Geelong program.