Blue Light reborn

By MARA PATTISON-SOWDEN
AFTER a 30-year hiatus, young people are arriving in droves for the area’s biggest youth dance.
Young people from all over the Yarra Ranges and as far away as Monbulk, Warburton and Eildon have made their way to Mooroolbark’s Blue Light discos.
Next month the boys in blue are back with another event that’s likely to be a sell-out.
Mooroolbark Police Sergeant Richard Higgins, also a Yarra Ranges councillor, said the last event held by the Mooroolbark Police station and Monbulk Blue Light committee in June saw 400 youth attend and many more turned away.
“After not having a Blue Light disco since 1976, the last 12 months’ events have steadily increased,” he said.
“Many were turned away (at the last event) due to the capacity at Mooroolbark Community Centre being exceeded about 18 minutes after the doors opened.
“It was our first sell-out!”
Sgt Higgins said the organisers were attempting to find a larger venue for future events.
“The Mooroolbark Blue Light disco has become a great event for the youth of the area and others from far away,” he said.
“We have youths from all over the Yarra Ranges attend and even some from as far away as Eildon.
“It is a great drug, alcohol and violence free event held by police that we hope will continue for a long time to come.”
The September Blue Light disco will still be held in the Mooroolbark Community Centre, but interested partygoers are asked to book tickets ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Tickets for the next event on Friday 7 September can be purchased at the community centre at 125 Brice Ave or booked online.
Sgt Higgins said unfortunately the online system required a booking fee, so tickets had to be increased to $7 a head.
“This is an unavoidable cost that hopefully will not place the cost of attending the disco out of the reach of anyone,” he said.
“It has brought some great results for the partnership between Victoria Police, community members, the Shire of Yarra Ranges and the local youth.”
Find the link to buy tickets on the disco’s Facebook page under MooroolbarkBlueLightDisco.