By BRIDGET COOK
THE Cranbourne Blue Light Disco will continue to party on, despite claims that it was at risk due to funding cuts this month.
The State Opposition says it obtained documents that revealed Victoria Police notified officers that full-time staff and resources would be cut from the program.
However a spokeswoman from Cranbourne Police Station’s Youth Resource Office said the Cranbourne disco would not be affected.
“The program has come back to the local level,” she said.
“As long as the local command is happy for members to still be involved then they can, whether it be in their own time or on duty.
“The situation at Cranbourne hasn’t changed – members will still attend on duty and there are still volunteers.”
Cranbourne Blue Light Disco committee member and discretionary officer Ian Gration said the disco would still be run by the organising committee with or without police involvement, but was glad their contribution would continue.
“It’s a great thing for the community,” he said.
“The beauty of them being there is they get to come face to face with local kids and build a positive relationship.”
The Cranbourne Blue Light also continued its great work in the community this week when it donated $2000 to the Cranbourne Police Senior Citizens Register, along with $500 from the Cranbourne Lions Club.
The register involved volunteers who call local senior citizens regularly to check-up on those who may be isolated, do not have family or live alone to ensure their well-being.
Mr Gration said he was approached by the station for assistance with new furniture for the volunteers office, and arranged assistance from both committees he is involved in.
“I saw this as a chance for Blue Light to put some money back into the community, especially as it was going into the local police station,” he said.
“The office at the police station, in which the volunteers work, now has new furniture and when you spend the day sitting and phoning senior citizens, a comfortable chair really makes a difference.”
