Senior Constable Chris Atherton, Senior Constable Brett Owen, Councillor Steve Beardon and Lions Club member Linda Scanlon are four of the volunteers who make the Cranbourne Blue Light Discos possible.By Glen Atwell
THE Cranbourne Blue Light Disco received an honourable mention at the City of Casey Australia Day awards ceremony on Saturday night.
A highly commended in the Community Event of the Year category, which was won by the Doveton Show, was awarded to the committee and volunteers of the monthly disco.
Debbie Nobbs, president of the Cranbourne Blue Light Committee, said it was great for the event volunteers to receive recognition.
“We’ve only held five discos so far, but the response and support from the community has been great,” she said.
“It’s safe, supervised entertainment without drugs and alcohol, and it was something that the kids and parents of Cranbourne needed for a long time.”
The Cranbourne Blue Light committee comprises of 20 volunteers, with an extra 10 helping out on the disco nights.
Ms Nobbs said the average attendance at the events was nearing 200.
“We’re expecting to get up near 300 throughout this year,” she said.
“There is 11 discos scheduled for 2008 and we’ve lowered the cost and widened the age range to accommodate for students between grade four and year eight”
City of Casey Mayfield Ward councillor Steve Beardon labelled the Cranbourne Blue Light a fantastic success story.
“The event has wonderful support from all the volunteers and the local traders who support it,” he said.
In light of the recent Narre Warren South house party that spiralled out of control, Ms Nobbs said young people often don’t realise the potential consequences of their actions.
“Things can get out of control pretty quickly,” she said.
“The Blue Light environment allows the parents to feel safe and their children can still have a great time.”
The next Blue Light will be held at 6pm on February 16 at the Cranbourne Public Hall, located on the corner of South Gippsland Highway and Clarendon Street in Cranbourne.
To join the Blue Light committee or for more information contact Debbie Nobbs on 0409 419 306.
