‘Funding will improve Rangers personal skills’

‘Funding will improve Rangers personal skills’

4870
Armadale resident Ben Boekholt speaking at the Gosnells District and Ratepayers Association. Photograph - Aaron Van Rongen.

Armadale Police Ranger unit leader Ben Boekholt approached the Gosnells District Progress and Ratepayers Association this week and requested a $2500 grant.

Mr Boekholt said the money would be used to help the group with equipment costs and assist cadets who could not afford to pay their own fees.

“The police rangers group has been rebuilding and gathering equipment to go on skill-building camps and engage in physical activities,” he said.

“The provision of equipment enables the rangers to participate in three to four camps per year and come back to the community with improved skills and personal growth.”

Mr Boekholt said the camps were an important opportunity for cadets to concentrate on team building and rangers often showed great improvements in personal development.

He said benefits of the camps included developed relationships with Red Cross, the Lion and Rotary clubs, Salvation Army and Araluen Botanical Park.

“We do a lot of work in the community,” he said.

Gosnells District Progress and Ratepayers Association president Sandy Bariolo said she had spoken to Mr Boekholt on the issue.

“The cadets are great as they teach members so many important life skills,” she said.

Ms Bariolo said the pair had only spoken informally about a grant but agreed the organisation was a positive force in the community.

She said cadets were taught important skills such as teamwork and responsibility which no smart device apps could compensate for.

She also said there should be more female instructors.

The Gosnells District Progress and Ratepayers Association will hold its Annual General Meeting at the Kenwick Community Hall on August 10 from 7.30pm.