Shepparton’s boys and girls in blue will join forces with the city’s multicultural community tonight for a friendly soccer match.
Shepparton police Constable Matt Walker said the game aimed to strengthen ties between people of diverse backgrounds.
‘It’s about bridging the gap between police and our CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) communities,’ Const Walker said. ‘Many of our new arrivals come from places where police beat them and arrest them for no reason.
‘We want people to know that’s not how it works here.’
Const Walker said the event, organised by Shepparton police, Shepparton and District Ethnic Council and Greater Shepparton City Council, would welcome soccer enthusiasts from all walks of life and would include a halal barbecue.
He said finding common ground was key to developing relationships in the community.
‘Both teams will be made up of police and members from Shepparton’s CALD community and we will need male and female players,’ he said. ‘I’ve been involved with cricket matches with the Indigenous community and they start to see you differently after playing with you.’
The match will start at 5 pm tonight at McEwen Reserve, Brauman St, Shepparton. For more information, or to register, phone Shepparton police on 5820 5777.
Article and image courtesy Shepparton News