Re-engaging with activities

Yarrawonga Gun Club was the venue for nine youngsters to learn about safety and firing know-how last Wednesday.

The hour-long visit was part of a sevenweek program organised by Play Projects Yarrawonga for young boys to build their confidence and regulate emotions, and having Play Project leaders leading the way, with teamwork all round.

“It’s about re-engaging kids in the community,” leader Nick Cummins told the Yarrawonga Chronicle. “We have various activities including canoeing, bush cooking and camping, all designed to have happy, healthy and confident kids.

“We are all part of a teamwork, like Max Hemphill here from Alliance Health and on the football field.”

It was a big welcome at the Yarrawonga Gun Club by club stalwart and secretary Roy Ellis, who gained AA status in the field some 15 years ago and took the boys through their paces.

“It’s great to have these boys show interest – it’s the young ones who will keep the sport going,” Roy, who turns 80-years-of-age on November 20, said.

Play Projects engage up to 200 youngsters from the whole region, including Albury, Wangaratta, Shepparton, Finley, Yarrawonga and Mulwala. And for the nine boys at the gun club last week, it was a barbecue after learning about gun use.