Activity details
ACT Policing will continue to offer a number of programs to support young people. The Constable Kenny Koala program is about increasing children's awareness of the importance of safety. ACT Policing has 2 Child Protection Liaison Officers to establish and maintain relationships with Children, Youth and Families. ACT Policing also has 4 dedicated Youth Liaison Officers, who work closely with the ACT Education Directorate to provide safety-themed education resources, and engage with young people and schools on a referral basis.
Implementation progress update
ACT Policing continues to collaborate with the Canberra Police and Community Youth Club to deliver the Project 180 Program; a full-time alternative education program for 12–16-year-old youths having been identified as being vulnerable and at risk of entering or re-entering the criminal justice system.
The Constable Kenny Koala program ensures children in our community 'Stay OK' by increasing their awareness of the importance of safety and the dangers of not staying safe. Over the years, several additional puppet characters have been created to provide diversity to the character portfolio.
Two First Nations character puppets are currently being created. There will be one male and one female character who will wear the ACT Policing First Nations Liaison Officer uniform to assist in developing the visual representation of First Nations Liaisons Officer uniform to children and the public.
In 2024 – 2025 the program delivered more than 1,400 presentations to primary schools and child-care centres across the ACT. Topics included road safety, protective behaviours, online safety and decision making and consequences.
More information
- Learn about the National Plan to End Violence against women and children 2022-2032.
- Read the First Action Plan 2023-2027.
- Browse the First Action Plan 2023-2027 Activities Addendum update.