‘Oarsome’ time in a Waka Ama

CASEY’S Maori and Islander community are being encouraged by Victoria Police to take part in an ‘oarsome’ experience.
The call out is in response to the cultural Festival New Zealand 2007 to be held at Federation Square in Melbourne.
Victoria Police and Te Roopu Ataawhai, the group coordinating the festival, will be rowing traditional Polynesian Outrigger Canoes (known as Waka Ama) down the Yarra River as part of the celebrations.
Organisers are seeking Maori and Pacific Islander youth between 12 and 19 years of age to take part.
Victoria Police Maori liaison officer Senior Constable Eddy MacDonald said Waka Ama were the vessels that Polynesian ancestors embarked on when they explored the world.
“Waka Ama was used to look for bigger and better places for dwellings, for food sources, for travelling between island groups, culminating in epic journeys of up to and over 3000 miles, journeying in double-hulled voyaging canoes,” he said.
“This initiative will enable local youth to embrace their cultural history, while allowing them to get to know police in an informal setting.
“Full training will be provided and all equipment will be supplied.”
Rowing workshops begin next Sunday, 22 July at Footscray Outriggers Club with the date for training at the Patterson Lakes Outriggers Club to be advised.
Participants must pass a swim test before starting.
For further information contact Te Roopu Ataawhai Inc executive vice-president Jean Kereopa on 0408 486 674 or Senior Constable Eddy MacDonald on 9247 5282 or edward.macdonald@police.vic.gov.au on email.