Operation Newstart Eastern

Last Updated on Thursday, 28 May 2009 15:34

What is Operation Newstart?

Operation Newstart Eastern is a partnership program run by Victoria Police, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (Eastern Metropolitan Region) and Berengarra School.

This initiative allows students aged 13 to 17 who are considered “at-risk” and experiencing difficulties at school, to engage in an eight week intensive personal development program. Students are required to attend their home school each Monday, with the remaining four days of the week involved in a multi-layered program, focussing on their relationships with self, family, school and the broader community.

The program consists of four core components:
High Challenge Adventure Activities
Personal Development
Vocational Orientation
Community Projects

• Adventure Activities

Operation Newstart Eastern utilises adventure activities as a means of personal development and growth. Challenging activities provide students the ideal medium to practice new skills and develop appropriate means of coping when taken out of their comfort zone.

Activities may include:
Camps, bushwalking, ropes courses, kayaking,  horse riding, canoeing, caving, rock climbing, mountain bike riding, surfing, snorkeling.

• Personal Development

Providing students with the opportunity to achieve personal goals is another important part of the program. Courses include:
Level One First Aid
Water Safety Certificate
Fitness Testing
Martial Arts Therapy
Drug, Alcohol and Sexual Health Education
Music Therapy

• Vocational Orientation

Vocational Development is an integral part of the Operation Newstart Program. Students develop a greater appreciation of the importance of study to achieve their long term goals.  This is achieved through:

Holmesglen TAFE Taster Courses, for example:
 -  Horticulture and Landscaping
 -  Hospitality
 -  Floristry
Resume Building
Establishing links with Local Employment Services

• Community Projects

Each term students will be involved in a project that will benefit the local community. This provides students with the opportunity to reconnect in society as a valued member of the local community.

Community Projects will vary each term depending on local community needs. Projects may involve assisting special needs groups and local environmental initiatives.

Program Objectives

To allow young people to make positive life choices and set realistic goals.
To provide meaningful learning opportunities within a challenging and supportive environment.
To promote individual achievement and the development of self belief.
To practice and develop social and physical skills in a safe and supportive environment.
To provide an opportunity for students to remain engaged in education.
To provide opportunity for young people to connect with their local community

For further information, please call Operation Newstart Eastern on 0447 327 345.

Sandy McIver
Police Facilitator

Steve Magdis
Education Facilitator