The group of 18 youngsters, aged between five and 16, visited the Warrnambool police station on Friday afternoon to gain a better understanding of the role police officers play in the community.

During the one-hour tour the group spent time in the various areas of the station and finished with a barbecue.

“It’s about building a relationship between police and the local Indigenous community,” Superintendent Peter Greaney said.

Aboriginal community liaison officer Joey Chatfield agreed.

“This is about teaching the kids that police have a job to do but also that they want to have a relationship with the community,” Mr Chatfield said

“We hope the kids not only learn to appreciate and respect local police but also that they consider police work in potential career prospects.” 

Gunditjmara homing and community worker Frances Cornelissen said the kids had been eager to see the inside of the police station in a positive light. 

“We’re hoping the kids will show some respect to the police and understand how it all works and hopefully avoid getting into trouble in the future,” she said.