Girls Empowered And Inspired With Project Booyah

Nine young girls recently graduated from an action-packed Project Booyah in Mackay. The 16-week community-inclusive police mentoring program offered a unique blend of education, work experience, and adventure-based learning.

Teaming up with multiple local community groups, the cohort first collaborated with Mad Cow Coffee, who provided their time, resources, and knowledge, to teach our young ladies the skills required to make the perfect coffee over a four-week Barista course.

This not only earned the girls’ certificates for their resumes but also enhanced their communication skills and confidence. They showcased their coffee-making and customer service skills at Mackay’s Local Farmers Market, receiving positive feedback and some of the ladies have even obtained job interviews from their interactions.

Further expanding their skills, the girls attended the Mackay Woodturners Association for a crash course in woodturning, making hand-crafted wooden pens with guidance from experienced members. Frank and the Woodturners Association selflessly offered their time and resources to teach them the basics of using the lathe and other tools in the workshop. The final product was a hand-crafted wooden pen that gave the girls a sense of ownership and pride in what they had achieved.

The girls were also exposed to the world of virtual reality by Senior Constable Jaime Brooks, who delivered a Drive to Thrive Road Safety VR session, educating the group on road rules and safety. The girls enthusiastically participated, engaging in the session, and learning the effects of operating a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicating substance.

To culminate an exceptional semester, Project Booyah Mackay partnered with Whitsunday Water Police to surprise the girls with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Whitehaven Beach aboard Police Vessel Damian Leeding. The girls expressed their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity, building rapport with police officers and showing genuine interest in their roles.

Program Coordinator Senior Constable Keiran Horsfall was overwhelmed with pride seeing his cohort graduate and is excited to see what the future holds for them.

“Project Booyah doesn’t use a cookie cutter approach, we base our course content around the cohort that we have to achieve the best outcomes for them, “he said.

“The blend of education, work experience, but also knowing when to have fun is intentional. It’s not just about preparing for a job or school; it’s about preparing for life.

“The nine graduating girls have had a lasting effect on me and I’m certain the program will have a lasting effect on them.

“Seeing these young girls graduate with new skills and confidence is the greatest reward.”

Senior Constable Keiran Horsfall’s leadership, coupled with community collaborations, has not only empowered these young women with practical skills but has also opened doors to exciting opportunities and career prospects.

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Mackay Booyah girls making coffees with Sonia from Mad Cow Coffee

Booyah girls and Mackay Woodturners members with their handmade wooden pens

Booyah girls using the lathe to make wooden pens

Trying out the VR headsets

Mackay Booyah girls aboard the Damian Leeding vessel

Photo credit: myPolice Mackay