Queensland Police Service Showcase
Community Support
Sapwell's shout on New Year's eve
Cairns Taipans forward Rupert Sapwell played host to a mob of Mareeba youngsters when his team took on the Brisbane Bullets for the New Year's Eve Spectacular.
The youths, part of Mareeba's 'T.A.G.' (Truancy and Graffiti) program, were part of the sell-out crowd to witness the pre-game blackout and lighting spectacular. They also got the chance to meet the Taipans players when they were treated to a tour of the Taipans' change rooms.
Sapwell first met the youngsters when visiting Mareeba with Tony Rampton as a guest of the T.A.G. program. He was so impressed with what he saw that he purchased tickets for the group in order in ensure they wouldn't miss out on seeing out 2003 with a Taipans win.
'I was really humbled by the passion shown by the T.A.G. Mareeba co-ordinators, and the effort and enthusiasm shown by all the kids.' Sapwell said. 'Not only is the program popular, but it's successful.'
T.A.G. is a joint initiative of the Mareeba Shire council and Kukudjungan community aimed at reducing graffiti, truancy and other juvenile-related delinquency in the area. The program has been so successful it has already saved the council tens of thousands of dollars, and has received the Premier's Excellence Award and the Queensland Police Service Excellence award.
'Seeing a community rally together and fund its own programs really swept me up. This is just a little encouragement award from me to say 'great job' to everyone involved in the T.A.G. Mareeba program.'
Contact person:
Rupert Sapwell
Cairns Taipans.
Other languages