Taggerty Primary School students (back) Jess and Jake, Marysville Primary School student Melissa, (front) Buxton Primary School students Loki and Rohan and Marysville Primary School student Kim get a close up view of dingoes Kuma and Manuka who are held by Dingo Keepers Lee Stroud and Sue Jaensch. 34959
By Monique Ebrington
HUNDREDS of primary school children from bushfire-affected communities in the Yarra Valley enjoyed dingoes, dancing and a great day out last week.
On Wednesday 12 August 13 schools from Kinglake, Toolangi, Dixon’s Creek, Chum Creek, Yarra Glen, Marysville, Buxton, Taggerty, Christmas Hill, Yering and 120 students from Healesville Primary School headed into Healesville.
The students were entertained by the Victoria Police band Code One at Healesville Memorial Hall, for the Break Free concert hosted by Healesville Police.
The band, which has spearheaded Victoria Plice’s public relations for the past 17 years, performed an impressive range of popular music, from early 1950s rock ’n’ roll to current top 40 chart hits.
Constable Lorena Novoa, took to the front of stage and the students went wild for songs by Hannah Montana.
During the performances student sang and danced with the band and prizes were awarded for students with the most impressive dance moves.
Healesville Plice Sergeant Tony Van Gorp and the Code One band members also gave out a number of Victoria Police Encouragement awards to a student from each school who had done their best during a tough year.
Sgt Van Gorp said Healesville Police organised Code One concerts each year for Yarra Valley schools and that it was great to see students having so much fun.
“The concerts are solely for the kids to have an awesome time,” Sgt Van Gorp said.
“Michael Jackson’s Beat It got an amazing reception, for some reason that I don’t entirely understand,”
“It was a special day with lots of smiles.”
Kids from Marysville, Buxton and Taggerty Primary Schools received VIP treatment on the day, visiting the Healesville Sanctuary before heading to the concert.
