Katherine’s annual free pool party was buzzing with hundreds of happy children today.
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Kicking off the school holiday program, the pool party saw unprecedented numbers.
The free YMCA and Life Education NT event attracted about 300 children, more than double the amount seen in previous years.
Australian Rally Car Champion and Subaru ambassador Molly Taylor also attended the party to engage young soon-to-be-drivers and promote road safety.
YMCA manager, Darren Powell said the massive turn out this year could be contributed to a new bus pick up initiative.
“This year we had buses actually go out to communities to pick up kids making sure this event is really accessible,” Mr Powell said.
The YMCA funded buses to head out to Binjari and Rockhole to pick up excited children.
Kalano Aboriginal Community also organised a bus to ensure children had the opportunity to attend the party.
“It is great to have everyone come together over the school holidays,” Mr Powell said.
“We usually only get about 100 children at our pool party, but this year’s turn out has just been massive.”
The Life Education NT and Healthy Harold free safe driving program Get Your Mob There Safely kicked off Ocsober – an Australian fundraising initiative that encourages people to give up alcohol for the month of October.
“Reducing fatalities on the roads starts with education at a young age,” Subaru spokeswoman Chloe Fraser said at the pool party.
“Safety in the car is also the kids responsibility, and we are hoping to get the message through to parents about a range of different important driving precautions such as always wearing a seat belt and the dangers of overcrowding,” she said.
As a rally champ, Molly Taylor knows first hand how vital road safety is.
“To take the lessons we get from the motor sport environment and contribute that back into the community is really important,” Ms Taylor said.
Life Education NT is encouraging Territorians to take a break from the booze this October.
Ocsober is a national fundraising initiative by Life Education to reduce drug and alcohol related harm.
Donations raised through Ocsober will help provide education to young children about how to make good choices about their health, relationships, alcohol and drugs for the future.
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