Operation Zoolander
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Overview
After a series of visits by diverse community members to Melbourne Zoo in early 2008, Victoria Police joined forces with Melbourne Fire Brigade and City West Water to create Operation Zoolander, bringing together over 1000 people of diverse backgrounds at Melbourne Zoo.
What are the aims of the project?
The excursions to Melbourne Zoo were primarily educational, but also an opportunity to interact with other people from diverse cultures and a chance to visit the zoo for those not able to afford entry.
The project was aimed at improving relationships with various agencies and creating educational understanding of water saving, general policing and fire safety among these communities.
What was involved?
During the early 2008 visits, Victoria Police Transport Branch took groups to the zoo from their respective community agencies. Once at the zoo they had the opportunity to hear presentations by Victoria Police, Melbourne Fire Brigade and City West Water.
The group also had the opportunity to enjoy a Brazilian band and dance to the Victoria Police Showband.
External funding was made available to cover the cost of entry to the zoo.
The project culminated in Operation Zoolander, held during Cultural Diversity week in March 2009.
Who participated?
Over 1000 migrants predominantly from the Western Suburbs of Melbourne participated in Operation Zoolander. They included Burmese, Somalian, Eritrean, Ethiopian, Sudanese, Iraqi and Iranian.
Participants were contacted via the various external agencies working with Victoria Police. Planning of the event was in cooperation with one representative from each agency. Agencies set up displays to provide information about their organisation, including the Victoria Multicultural Commission, Royal Victoria Life Saving Society and Maribyrnong City Council.
What were the outcomes?
The day was a great success and planning is already under way for a similar event in 2010.
The working group may seek an alternative location due to the cost and vision to double the number of those attending to 2000.
Where can I get more information?
Further information on this project is available.
Leading Senior Constable Craig Spicer
Victoria Police
Email: craig.spicer@police.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 03 9689 4630
Ruth Harley
Team Leader
Community and Social Involvment
City West Water
Email: rharley@citywestwater.com.au
Telephone: 03 9313 8331
Quotes
"It was an amazing sight to see people from many backgrounds dancing their cultural dances to the Victoria Police Band."
Senior Constable Craig Spicer, Victoria Police
"The day culminated in a stomping performance from a Brazilian dance crew and the Victoria Police Showband, which had the crowd dancing up a storm."
City West Water
"The day demonstrated the strong relationships between these organisations and their support for the new and emerging communities in Melbourne's inner and outer west."
City West Water